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Yoga Vashishtha 2.13.11–20
(Ignorance, a pervasive affliction that prevents equanimity and leads to a life of misery)
श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।
स्वानुभूतेश्च शास्त्रस्य गुरोश्चैवैकवाक्यता ।
यस्याभ्यासेन तेनात्मा सन्ततेनावलोक्यते ॥ ११ ॥
अवहेलितशास्त्रार्थैरवज्ञातमहाजनैः ।
कष्टामप्यापदं प्राप्तो न मूढैः समतामियात् ॥ १२ ॥
न व्याधिर्न विषं नापत्तथा नाधिश्च भूतले ।
खेदाय स्वशरीरस्थं मौर्ख्यमेकं यथा नृणाम् ॥ १३ ॥
किंचित्संस्कृतबुद्धीनां श्रुतं शास्त्रमिदं यथा ।
मौर्ख्यापहं तथा शास्त्रमन्यदस्ति न किंचन ॥ १४ ॥
इदं श्राव्यं सुखकरं यथा दृष्टान्तसुन्दरम्।
अविरुद्धमशेषेण शास्त्रं वाक्यार्थबन्धुना ॥ १५ ॥
आपदो या दुरुत्तारा याश्च तुच्छाः कुयोनयः ।
तास्ता मौर्ख्यात्प्रसूयन्ते खदिरादिव कण्टकाः ॥ १६ ॥
वरं शरावहस्तस्य चाण्डालागारवीथिषु ।
भिक्षार्थमटनं राम न मौर्ख्यहतजीवितम् ॥ १७ ॥
वरं घोरान्धकूपेषु कोटरेष्वेव भूरुहाम्।
अन्धकीटत्वमेकान्ते न मौर्ख्यमतिदुःखदम् ॥ १८ ॥
इममालोकमासाद्य मोक्षोपायमयं जनः ।
अन्धतामेति न पुनः कश्चिन्मोहतमस्यपि ॥ १९ ॥
तावन्नयति संकोचं तृष्णा वै मानवाम्बुजम् ।
यावद्विवेकसूर्यस्य नोदिता विमला प्रभा ॥ २० ॥
Maharishi Vashishta said:
2.13.11: When one’s personal experience, the teachings of the scriptures, and the words of the Guru align, through practice, the Self is clearly perceived in its continuity.
2.13.12: One who disregards the meaning of the scriptures and ignores the Wise, even if facing great misfortune, does not attain the equanimity of the ignorant.
2.13.13: Neither disease, nor poison, nor calamity, nor poverty on this earth causes as much suffering to a person as the Ignorance residing within their own body.
2.13.14: Just as this scripture, when studied, purifies the intellect and removes Ignorance, there is no other scripture that accomplishes this to the same extent.
2.13.15: This scripture is pleasing to hear, adorned with beautiful examples, and entirely consistent, with its words and meanings harmoniously aligned.
2.13.16: All insurmountable calamities and trivial misfortunes arise from Ignorance, just as thorns sprout from the khadira tree.
2.13.17: O Rama, it is better to wander as a beggar with a bowl in hand through the streets of an outcast’s village than to live a life destroyed by Ignorance.
2.13.18: It is better to live as a blind insect in the dark hollows of trees or deep wells than to endure the extreme suffering caused by Ignorance.
2.13.19: Having encountered this illuminating path to Realization, no one falls back into the darkness of delusion, not even those trapped in the deepest Ignorance.
2.13.20: The lotus of human Consciousness remains contracted by desire until the pure radiance of the sun of discernment rises.
Summary of the Teachings:
The verses from Yoga Vasishta 2.13.11 to 2.13.20, spoken by Sage Vasishta to Rama, emphasize the critical role of Wisdom and scriptural study in overcoming Ignorance, which is portrayed as the root cause of human suffering. The alignment of personal experience, scriptural teachings, and the guidance of a Guru is highlighted as essential for Realizing the True Nature of the Self. This integrated approach fosters a continuous and clear perception of the Self, guiding the practitioner toward Realization. Ignorance, in contrast, is depicted as a pervasive affliction that prevents equanimity and leads to a life of misery, regardless of external circumstances.
Vasishta underscores the unparalleled value of the scriptures in purifying the intellect and dispelling ignorance. He compares the Yoga Vasishta to a unique tool for eradicating folly, noting its engaging and consistent teachings, enriched with relatable examples. The scripture is presented as a practical and harmonious guide that not only imparts Knowledge but also makes the pursuit of Wisdom accessible and appealing. This emphasis on the transformative power of scripture sets it apart as a vital resource for spiritual growth.
The verses vividly illustrate Ignorance as the source of all calamities, likening it to thorns sprouting from a tree. Ignorance is portrayed as more destructive than physical ailments, poisons, or poverty, as it resides within and perpetuates suffering.
Vasishta stresses that external hardships pale in comparison to the internal torment caused by a lack of understanding, which distorts one’s perception of Reality and leads to endless cycles of misfortune.
To further emphasize the perils of Ignorance, Vasishta uses striking metaphors, suggesting that even a degrading existence as a beggar or a blind insect is preferable to a life marred by Ignorance. These comparisons highlight the depth of suffering Ignorance inflicts, portraying it as a state of profound disconnection from Truth and Realization. The teachings urge the seeker to prioritize Wisdom over worldly pursuits, as Ignorance traps one in a cycle of pain far worse than any external condition.
Finally, the verses offer hope by presenting the path to Realization as an illuminating force that dispels the darkness of delusion. The rise of discernment, likened to the sun’s pure radiance, liberates the human Consciousness from the grip of desire and Ignorance. By engaging with the teachings of the Yoga Vasishta, one can transcend delusion and attain freedom, ensuring that even those deeply entangled in Ignorance can find their way to Realization through the light of Wisdom.
