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Yoga Vashishtha 3.9.1–13
(The jivanmukta State)
श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।
तच्चित्तास्तद्गतप्राणा बोधयन्तः परस्परम् ।
कथयन्तश्च तन्नित्यं तुष्यन्ति च रमन्ति च ॥ १ ॥
तेषां ज्ञानैकनिष्ठानामात्मज्ञानविचारिणाम् ।
सा जीवन्मुक्ततोदेति विदेहान्मुक्ततैव या ॥ २ ॥
श्रीराम उवाच ।
ब्रह्मन्विदेहमुक्तस्य जीवन्मुक्तस्य लक्षणम् ।
ब्रूहि येन तथैवाहं यते शास्त्रदृशा धिया ॥ ३ ॥
श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।
यथास्थितमिदं यस्य व्यवहारवतोऽपि च।
अस्तं गतं स्थितं व्योम जीवन्मुक्तः स उच्यते ॥ ४ ॥
बोधैकनिष्ठतां यातो जाग्रत्येव सुषुप्तवत् ।
या आस्ते व्यवहर्तैव जीवन्मुक्तः स उच्यते ॥ ५ ॥
नोदेति नास्तमायाति सुखे दुःखे मुखप्रभा ।
यथाप्राप्तस्थितेर्यस्य जीवन्मुक्तः स उच्यते ॥ ६ ॥
यो जागर्ति सुषुप्तस्थो यस्य जाग्रन्न विद्यते ।
यस्य निर्वासनो बोधः स जीवन्मुक्त उच्यते ॥ ७ ॥
रागद्वेषभयादीनामनुरूपं चरन्नपि ।
योऽन्तर्व्योमवदच्छस्थः स जीवन्मुक्त उच्यते ॥ ८ ॥
यस्य नाहंकृतो भावो यस्य बुद्धिर्न लिप्यते ।
कुर्वतोऽकुर्वतो वापि स जीवन्मुक्त उच्यते ॥ ९ ॥
यस्योन्मेषनिमेषार्धाद्विदः प्रलयसंभवौ ।
पश्येत्त्रिलोक्याः स्वसमः स जीवन्मुक्त उच्यते ॥ १० ॥
यस्मान्नोद्विजते लोको लोकान्नोद्विजते च यः ।
हर्षामर्षभयोन्मुक्तः स जीवन्मुक्त उच्यते ॥ ११ ॥
शान्तसंसारकलनः कलावानपि निष्कलः।
यः सचित्तोऽपि निश्चित्तः स जीवन्मुक्त उच्यते ॥ १२ ॥
यः समस्तार्थजातेषु व्यवहार्यपि शीतलः।
पदार्थेष्वपि पूर्णात्मा स जीवन्मुक्त उच्यते ॥ १३ ॥
3.9.1: Vasishta said - Those whose minds are absorbed in the Supreme, whose vital energies are directed toward it, who constantly discuss it with one another, and who perpetually contemplate it, find satisfaction and delight in it.
3.9.2: For those who are steadfastly devoted to the pursuit of Knowledge and who contemplate the nature of the Self, the State of Realization while living (jivanmukti) arises, which is identical to the Realization attained after leaving the body (videhamukti).
3.9.3: Sriram asked - O Brahman, please explain the characteristics of one who is Realized while living (jivanmukta) and one who is Realized after leaving the body (videhamukta), so that, guided by the scriptures and with clear understanding, I may strive to attain that State.
3.9.4: Vasishta answered - One who, even while engaging in worldly activities, perceives this world as having subsided and merged into the vast expanse of Consciousness, like the sky, is called a jivanmukta.
3.9.5: One who has attained unwavering Realization of the Truth and, though awake, remains in a state akin to deep sleep (free from mental agitation), and yet continues to act in the world, is called a jivanmukta.
3.9.6: One whose inner radiance remains unaffected by pleasure or pain, who remains established in the natural State of Being as circumstances unfold, is called a jivanmukta.
3.9.7: One who is awake yet abides in a State like deep sleep, whose waking state is free from the sense of individuality, and whose awareness is devoid of desires, is called a jivanmukta.
3.9.8: One who, though acting in accordance with likes, dislikes, and fears as appropriate to the situation, remains inwardly transparent and Pure like the sky, is called a jivanmukta.
3.9.9: One who has no sense of ego, whose intellect remains untainted whether performing actions or refraining from them, is called a jivanmukta.
3.9.10: One who perceives the creation and dissolution of the three worlds (past, present, and future) in the mere opening and closing of their eyes, yet remains equanimous, is called a jivanmukta.
3.9.11: One who neither fears the world nor causes the world to fear them, who is free from elation and irritation, is called a jivanmukta.
3.9.12: One who, though appearing to have a mind engaged in the world, is inwardly free from mental disturbances, who is Tranquil despite the fluctuations of existence and stainless despite possessing attributes, is called a jivanmukta.
3.9.13: One who, while engaging in all worldly activities and interacting with objects, remains inwardly cool and serene, with a Consciousness that is full and complete, is called a jivanmukta.
Summary of the Teachings:
The teachings of these verses from the Yoga Vasishta, a profound philosophical text, center on the concept of jivanmukti, or Realization while living. In the opening verses (3.9.1–2), Sage Vasishta emphasizes the path to Realization through complete absorption in the Supreme Reality. This involves directing one’s mind, vital energies, and conversations toward the Ultimate Truth, leading to a State of Joy and fulfillment. The text establishes that those who are devoted to Self-Knowledge and contemplate the Nature of the Self attain jivanmukti, a State of Realization that is equivalent to the Realization achieved after death (videhamukti). This sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the characteristics of a jivanmukta, prompted by Rama’s request in verse 3.9.3 for clarity on the traits of such a Realized Being.
The subsequent verses (3.9.4–13) provide a comprehensive description of the jivanmukta, portraying them as an individual who lives in the world but remains untouched by its dualities and illusions. A
jivanmukta engages in worldly activities, yet their perception of the world is transformed—they see it as an extension of Pure Consciousness, akin to the vast, unchanging sky (verse 3.9.4). This transcendence is further elaborated in verse 3.9.5, where the jivanmukta is described as being in a State of Inner Stillness, akin to deep sleep, even while awake and active. This reflects a profound detachment from mental agitation, allowing them to act in the world without being bound by it. The teachings emphasize that Realization does not require physical withdrawal from life but is a shift in Perception and Inner State.
The jivanmukta’s equanimity is a recurring theme, as seen in verses 3.9.6–11. They remain unaffected by pleasure or pain, maintaining inner radiance and stability regardless of external circumstances (verse 3.9.6). Their Awareness is free from desires and the sense of individuality, yet they function in the world as needed (verse 3.9.7). Even when responding to emotions like attachment or fear, their Inner State remains pure and transparent, like the sky (verse 3.9.8). The absence of ego and an untainted intellect, whether acting or not, further defines their Realization (verse 3.9.9). The jivanmukta’s perspective is so expansive that they perceive the cyclical nature of creation and dissolution within a moment, yet remain equanimous (verse 3.9.10). They are free from fear and do not evoke fear in others, embodying a state of harmony and freedom from emotional extremes (verse 3.9.11).
Verses 3.9.12–13 highlight the paradoxical nature of the jivanmukta’s existence: they appear to engage with the world and its objects, yet their Consciousness remains Tranquil and unaffected. They possess a mind that seems active, yet it is free from disturbance, and they embody a stainless Purity despite participating in worldly life (verse 3.9.12). Their Inner State is described as “cool” and complete, indicating a fullness of being that transcends external conditions (verse 3.9.13). This reflects the non-dual philosophy of the Yoga Vasishta, where the jivanmukta lives in the world but is not of it, perceiving all phenomena as manifestations of the same Infinite Consciousness.
Collectively, these verses offer a profound vision of Realization as an attainable State within one’s lifetime, achievable through Self-Knowledge and detachment from the ego and desires. The jivanmukta serves as an ideal for spiritual aspirants, demonstrating that Realization is not a distant goal but a present Reality for those who align their Consciousness with the Supreme. By emphasizing inner transformation over external renunciation, the teachings encourage a practical spirituality that integrates profound Realization with everyday life, offering a timeless guide for those seeking freedom from the cycle of suffering while still embodied.
