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Yoga Vashishtha 3.1.36–43
(Persistent challenge posed by the mind’s tendency to create the illusion of the world)
श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।
यदि वापि समाधाने निर्विकल्पे स्थितिं व्रजेत् ।
तदक्षयसुषुप्ताभं तन्मन्येतामलं पदम् ॥ ३६ ॥
प्राप्यते सति दृश्येऽस्मिन्न च किंनाम केनचित् ।
यत्र यत्र किलायाति चित्ततास्य जगद्भ्रमः ॥ ३७ ॥
द्रष्टाथ यदि पाषाणरूपतां भावयन्बलात् ।
किलास्ते तत्तदन्तेऽपि भूयोऽस्योदेति दृश्यता ॥ ३८ ॥
न च पाषाणतातुल्या निर्विकल्पसमाधयः ।
केषांचित्स्थितिमायान्ति सर्वैरित्यनुभूयते ॥ ३९ ॥
न च पाषाणतातुल्या रूढिं याताः समाधयः ।
भवन्त्यग्रपदं शान्तं चिद्रूपमजमक्षयम् ॥ ४० ॥
तस्माद्यदीदं सद्दृश्यं तन्न शाम्येत्कदाचन।
शाम्येत्तपोजपध्यानैर्दृश्यमित्यज्ञकल्पना ॥ ४१ ॥
आलीनवल्लरीरूपं यथा पद्माक्षकोटरे ।
आस्ते कमलिनीबीजं तथा द्रष्टरि दृश्यधीः ॥ ४२ ॥
यथा रसः पदार्थेषु यथा तैलं तिलादिषु ।
कुसुमेषु यथाऽऽमोदस्तथा द्रष्टरि दृश्यधीः ॥ ४३ ॥
Sage Vasishta said:
3.1.36: If one attains a State of unwavering, choice-free absorption (samadhi), that State is akin to an imperishable, deep sleep-like condition. It should be regarded as the Pure, untainted Supreme State.
3.1.37: In the presence of this visible world, nothing is truly attained by anyone. Wherever the mind goes, there arises the delusion of the world due to the mind’s activity.
3.1.38: Even if the Seer forcibly contemplates taking on the form of a stone, the Perception of the visible world persists. At the end of such contemplation, the sense of the visible world re-emerges.
3.1.39: Non-conceptual (nirvikalpa) samadhi States are not comparable to the inertness of a stone. For some, these States lead to a stable condition, as experienced by all.
3.1.40: Samadhi states that are not akin to the inertness of a stone (savikalpa samadhi) and have reached maturity do not lead to the Supreme, Tranquil State of Pure Consciousness, which is unborn and imperishable.
3.1.41: Therefore, if this visible world exists, it can never be completely pacified. The notion that the visible world can be subdued through austerity, chanting, or meditation is a product of Ignorance.
3.1.42: Just as a seed lies latent within the core of a lotus bud, similarly, the Perception of the visible world resides within the Seer.
3.1.43: Just as taste exists in substances, oil in sesame seeds, or fragrance in flowers, so too does the Perception of the visible world reside within the Seer.
Summary of Teachings:
The teachings in these verses from the Yoga Vasishta, as spoken by Sage Vasishta, delve into the nature of the mind, the illusory perception of the world, and the pursuit of True Realization through non-conceptual Awareness. In verse 3.1.36, Vasishta introduces the concept of nirvikalpa samadhi, a state of deep, choice-free absorption where the mind is free from fluctuations and dualities. This State is likened to a profound, imperishable sleep-like condition, yet it transcends ordinary unconsciousness by being a Pure, Untainted state of Consciousness. The verse emphasizes that this State is the Ultimate Goal, representing a direct experience of the Supreme Reality, unclouded by mental constructs or worldly attachments. It sets the stage for the subsequent discussion by establishing the superiority of non-conceptual Awareness over ordinary Perception.
Verses 3.1.37 and 3.1.38 address the persistent challenge posed by the mind’s tendency to create the illusion of the world. Vasishta explains that as long as the mind is active, it projects the world as a Reality, regardless of efforts to transcend it. Even if one attempts to suppress perception by imagining oneself as an inert object like a stone, the delusion of the world re-emerges once the effort ceases. This highlights the tenacity of mental habits and the difficulty of overcoming the world’s apparent Reality through mere intellectual or forced exercises. The teaching underscores that the world’s appearance is a product of the mind’s activity, and True Realization requires addressing the root of this projection rather than temporarily suppressing it.
In verses 3.1.39 and 3.1.40, Vasishta clarifies the distinction between superficial meditative states and the True State of Realization. While some practitioners may achieve temporary States of Stillness akin to the inertness of a stone, these are not equivalent to the profound, non-conceptual samadhi that leads to lasting Realization. The latter is characterized by a mature, stable Realization of Pure Consciousness, which is unborn, imperishable, and Tranquil. These verses caution against mistaking temporary mental stillness for the Ultimate Goal, emphasizing that only a deep, transformative Realization of the Self as Pure Consciousness can lead to the Supreme State. This teaching encourages Discernment in spiritual practice, urging practitioners to seek a State beyond mere cessation of thought.
Verse 3.1.41 further elaborates on the futility of conventional spiritual practices like austerity, chanting, or meditation when approached with the ignorant assumption that they can permanently eliminate the Perception of the world. Vasishta asserts that the visible world, being a projection of the mind, cannot be eradicated as long as the mind operates within the framework of Ignorance. This challenges the practitioner to shift their focus from external practices to an inner transformation that dissolves the false notion of a separate, objective world. The verse emphasizes the need for Self-Inquiry and Wisdom to transcend the illusion, rather than relying solely on ritualistic or effort-based methods.
Finally, verses 3.1.42 and 3.1.43 use vivid metaphors to illustrate the intimate relationship between the Seer and the seen. The Perception of the world is not external to the Seer but resides within them, much like a seed within a lotus bud, oil in sesame seeds, or fragrance in flowers. These analogies highlight that the world’s appearance is inseparable from the Consciousness of the Seer, reinforcing the non-dual perspective that the world is a projection of the mind. The teaching culminates in the insight that lib Realization lies in recognizing the Unity of the Seer and the seen, dissolving the illusion of separation through direct Realization of one’s True Nature as Pure Consciousness. Collectively, these verses guide the seeker toward transcending the mind’s projections and abiding in the Unchanging Reality of the Self.
