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Yoga Vashishtha 2.13.42–49
(Mastering the mind to attain an Infinite, Blissful Union with the Self)
श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।
सुखसेव्यासनस्थेन तद्विचारयता स्वयम्।
न शोच्यते पदं प्राप्य न स भूयो हि जायते ॥ ४२ ॥
तत्समस्तसुखासारसीमान्तं साधवो विदुः ।
तदनुत्तमनिष्पन्दं परमाहू रसायनम् ॥ ४३ ॥
क्षयित्वात्सर्वभावानां स्वर्गमानुष्ययोर्द्वयोः ।
सुखं नास्त्येव सलिलं मृगतृष्णास्विवैतयोः ॥ ४४ ॥
अतो मनोजयश्चिन्त्यः शमसंतोषसाधनः।
अनन्तसमसंयोगस्तस्मादानन्द आप्यते ॥ ४५ ॥
तिष्ठता गच्छता चैव पतता भ्रमता तथा।
रक्षसा दानवेनापि देवेन पुरुषेण वा ॥ ४६ ॥
मनः प्रशमनोद्भूत्तं तत्प्राप्यं परमं सुखम्।
विकासिशमपुष्पस्य विवेकोच्चतरोः फलम् ॥ ४७ ॥
व्यवहारपरेणापि कार्यवृन्दमविन्दता।
भानुनेवाम्बरस्थेन नोज्झ्यते न च वाञ्छयते ॥ ४८ ॥
मनःप्रशान्तमत्यच्छं विश्रान्तं विगतभ्रमम्।
अनीहं विगताभीष्टं नाभिवाञ्छति नोज्झति ॥ ४९ ॥
Maharishi Vashishta said:
2.13.42: By sitting comfortably and reflecting on it oneself, one reaches a State beyond sorrow and is not born again.
2.13.43: The Wise know it as the Essence of all happiness, the Supreme boundary, the Ultimate Stillness, and call it the greatest elixir.
2.13.44: Due to the impermanence of all things in both heaven and human realms, there is no true happiness, like water in a mirage.
2.13.45: Therefore, one should strive to conquer the mind, which leads to Peace and contentment, attaining endless Bliss through this union.
2.13.46: Whether standing, walking, falling, wandering, or being a demon, devil, god, or human, one should aim for mental tranquility.
2.13.47: The Supreme happiness arises from calming the mind, the fruit of the lofty tree of discernment blossoming with Peace.
2.13.48: Even while engaged in worldly duties and performing numerous tasks, one remains unattached and desireless, like the sun in the sky.
2.13.49: A tranquil, clear, rested, and delusion-free mind, free from desires and aversions, neither craves nor rejects anything.
Summary of Teachings:
The verses from Yoga Vasishta 2.13.42–2.13.49, as spoken by Sage Vasishta, emphasize the path to Realization through self-reflection and mental discipline. The teachings begin by highlighting the importance of introspective contemplation while in a state of physical and mental ease. Such practice leads to a State beyond sorrow, where one transcends the cycle of birth and death. This underscores the transformative power of Self-Inquiry, which aligns the individual with a Higher State of Consciousness, free from worldly suffering.
The text describes this State as the Essence of True Happiness, characterized by Ultimate Stillness and Purity. The Wise recognize it as the pinnacle of spiritual achievement, an "elixir" that surpasses transient pleasures. This State is not merely an absence of pain but a profound, Unchanging Bliss that arises from Realizing the impermanent nature of all worldly experiences. The verses stress that true happiness is not found in fleeting pleasures, whether in heavenly or human realms, which are likened to illusory water in a mirage.
Central to these teachings is the conquest of the mind, presented as the key to achieving peace and contentment. By mastering the mind, one attains an Infinite, Blissful Union with the Self, untainted by external circumstances. This mental discipline is universal, applicable to all beings—whether human, Divine, or demonic—and in all states of existence, such as standing, walking, or wandering. The emphasis on mental tranquility as a constant practice highlights its accessibility and relevance across diverse conditions of life.
The outcome of this mental mastery is described as the "fruit" of discernment, a state of supreme happiness marked by Inner Peace and freedom from delusion. This State allows one to engage in worldly duties without attachment, much like the sun that shines impartially without clinging to or rejecting anything. The teachings suggest that such a mind, free from desires and aversions, remains clear, rested, and undisturbed, embodying a natural detachment that neither craves nor rejects external objects.
In essence, these verses advocate a life of Inner Stillness and discernment, where the mind is tamed to transcend the illusions of temporary pleasures and pains. By cultivating a tranquil, desireless State, one achieves lasting Bliss and Realization, unaffected by the transient nature of existence. This path of mental discipline and Self-Awareness is presented as universal, practical, and attainable, offering a timeless guide to spiritual fulfillment.
