Chapter 3.53, Verses 1-14

Yoga Vashishtha 3.53.1–14

(These verses teach the immense power of a firm resolve or sankalpa)

श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।

अथ लब्धवरा देहेनानेनैव महीपतिम्।

पतिमाप्तुं प्रयात्येषा नभोमार्गेण विष्टपम् ॥ १॥

इति संचिन्त्य सानन्दमुद्दाममकरध्वजा।

पुप्लुवे पेलवाकारा पक्षिणीव नभस्तले ॥ २॥

कुमारीं तत्र सा प्राप ज्ञप्त्यैव प्रहितां हिताम्।

स्वसंकल्पमहादर्शात्पुरतो निर्गतामिव ॥ ३॥

कुमार्युवाच ।

दुहितास्मि सखि ज्ञप्तेः स्वागतं तेऽस्तु सुन्दरि।

प्रतीक्षमाणा त्वामेव स्थितास्मीह नभःपथि ॥ ४॥

लीलोवाच ।

देवि भर्तुः समीपं मां नय नीरजलोचने।

महतां दर्शनं यस्मान्न कदाचन निष्फलम् ॥ ५॥

श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।

एहि तत्रैव गच्छाव इत्युक्त्वा सा कुमारिका।

पुरस्तस्याः स्थिता व्योम्नि मार्गदर्शनतत्परा ॥ ६॥

ततस्तदनुयाता सा प्राप कोटरमम्बरम्।

निर्मलं करमालाग्रं यथा लक्षणलेखिका ॥ ७॥

मेघमार्गमथोल्लङ्घ्य वातस्कन्धान्तरे गता।

सूर्यमार्गादभिगता तारामार्गमतीत्य च ॥ ८॥

वाय्विन्द्रसुरसिद्धानां लोकानुल्लङ्घ्य लाघवात्।

ब्रह्मविष्णुमहेशानां प्राप ब्रह्माण्डखर्परम् ॥ ९॥

हिमशैत्यं यथान्तस्थं कुम्भेऽभिन्ने बहिर्भवेत्।

तथा संकल्पसिद्धा सा ब्रह्माण्डान्निर्गता बहिः ॥ १०॥

स्वचित्तमात्रदेहैषा स्वसंकल्पस्वभावजम्।

अन्तरेवानुभवति किलैवं नाम विभ्रमम् ॥ ११॥

ब्रह्मादिस्थानमाक्रम्य प्राप्य ब्रह्माण्डखर्परम्।

ततो ब्रह्माण्डपारस्था जलाद्यावरणानि च ॥ १२॥

समुल्लङ्घ्य पुरः प्राप महाचिद्गगनान्तरम् ।

अदृष्टपारपर्यन्तमतिवेगेन धावता।

सर्वतो गरुडेनापि कल्पकोटिशतैरपि ॥ १३॥

तत्र ब्रह्माण्डलक्षाणि सन्त्यसंख्यानि भूरिशः।

तान्यन्योन्यमदृष्टानि फलानीव महावने ॥ १४॥

Sage Vasistha said: 

3.53.1–3

> Now, having received the boon, with this very body she sets out to reach the King as her husband, travelling through the sky path to the higher world.

> Thinking this with joy, the one with the lofty makara banner, delicate in form, flew like a bird in the sky.

> There she met a maiden sent helpfully by Jnapti herself, as if she had come forward from the great mirror of her own resolve.

The maiden said: 

3.53.4

> Friend, I am the daughter of Jnapti. Welcome to you, beautiful one. I have been waiting here on the sky path only for you.

Lila said: 

3.53.5

> O Goddess with lotus eyes, lead me near my husband. The sight of the great ones is never without fruit.

Sage Vasistha continued: 

3.53.6–9

> Saying “Come, let us go there,” the maiden stood in front of her in the sky, fully focused on showing the path.

> Then, following her, she reached a hollow in the sky, pure and clear like the tip of the palm lines drawn by a fortune teller.

> Next, crossing the path of clouds, she entered the midst of the wind regions. She left the sun’s path and passed beyond the path of stars.

> With lightness she crossed the worlds of wind, Indra, gods and perfected beings, and reached the shell of the cosmic egg of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha.

3.53.10–14

> Just as the cold inside an unbroken pot of ice comes out, so by the power of her resolve she came out of the cosmic egg to the outside.

> This one, whose body is only her mind, experiences inside herself alone this delusion born of the nature of her own resolve.

> Having reached the abode of Brahma and others and the shell of the cosmic egg, she then crossed the outer coverings beyond the cosmic egg such as water and the rest.

> Having crossed them she reached ahead the great sky of Pure Consciousness. Even Garuda flying at top speed could not reach its unseen end in hundreds of millions of kalpas.

> There exist countless Universes (Brahmandas) in huge numbers, unseen by one another like fruits in a great forest.

Summary of teachings: 

Lila, strengthened by a Divine boon, decides to meet her husband and begins her journey in her physical body itself. This shows that a strong, pure intention can make the impossible happen and allows a person to move beyond ordinary limits without needing to change the body. The story highlights how determination turns into action and opens doors that normal thinking cannot even imagine.

The meeting with the Divine maiden, daughter of Goddess Jnapti, brings out the role of Higher guidance. The maiden appears exactly when needed, welcomes Lila warmly and offers to lead her. This teaches that when one moves with sincere purpose, help from knowledge and grace arrives naturally. It also reminds us that the vision or company of Great Beings is always fruitful and never wasted, encouraging seekers to value divine support on their path.

The long journey through clouds, winds, sun, stars, gods’ worlds and finally the cosmic egg shell describes the many layers of Existence. Lila crosses each level with ease, showing that the mind can travel through subtle and higher realms. The verses explain that these paths are not just physical but represent different States of Being. By passing them lightly, Lila demonstrates that spiritual progress involves rising above gross matter and entering finer levels of Reality.

A key teaching is that everything happens within the mind. Lila’s body is described as mind-only, and her entire travel is an experience created by her own resolve. Even exiting the cosmic egg like cold escaping a pot shows that the outer Universe is not solid but a projection of thought. This points to the non-dual truth: the world we see is a delusion or vision inside Consciousness, and all journeys are internal, not separate from the Self.

Finally, the vast Space of Pure Consciousness reveals countless Universes, each invisible to the others like fruits scattered in a huge forest. This teaches the Infinite Nature of Creation and the smallness of any single world. It brings humility, showing that our Reality is only one tiny part among endless others, all resting in One Great Consciousness. The verses urge us to see beyond limited views and recognise the boundless, dream-like play of the mind in the Universe.

Chapter 3.52, Verses 42–52

Yoga Vashishtha 3.52.42–52

(The verses teach that Brahm, the Ultimate Reality, is all-pervasive and manifests instantly in any place or form according to the Power of Consciousness, much like how dreams create entire worlds in a moment)

श्रीदेव्युवाच ।

ब्रह्म सर्वगतं यस्माद्यथा यत्र यदोदितम्।

भवत्याशु तथा तत्र स्वप्नशक्त्यैव पश्यति ॥ ४२॥

सर्वत्र सर्वशक्तित्वाद्यत्र या शक्तिरुन्नयेत्।

आस्ते तत्र तथा भाति तीव्रसंवेगहेतुतः ॥ ४३॥

मृतिमोहक्षणेनैव यदैतौ दंपती स्थितौ।

तदैवाभ्यामिदं बुद्धं प्रतिभासवशाद्हृदि ॥ ४४॥

आवयोः पितरावेताविमे वै चापि मातरौ।

देश एष धनं चेदं कर्मेदं पूर्वमीदृशम् ॥ ४५॥

आवां विवाहितावेवमेवं नामैकतां गतौ।

एतयोः सापि जनता याता तत्रैव सत्यताम् ॥ ४६॥

तथैवात्रास्ति दृष्टान्तः प्रत्यक्षं स्वप्नवेदनम्।

इत्येवंभावया लीले लीलयाहमथार्चिता ॥ ४७॥

नाहं स्यां विधवेत्येवं वरो दत्तो मयाप्यसौ।

इत्यर्थेन मृता पूर्वमेवेह खलु बालिका ॥ ४८॥

भवतां चेतनांशानामहं चेतनधर्मिणी।

कुलदेवी सदा पूज्या स्वत एव करोम्यहम् ॥ ४९॥

अथास्या जीवको देहात्प्राणमारुतरूपधृक्।

मनसा चलतां प्राप्तो मुखाग्रत्यक्तदेहकः ॥ ५०॥

ततो मरणमूर्च्छान्ते गृहेऽस्मिन्नेव चैतया।

बुद्धौ भावित आकाशे दृष्टो जीवात्मना ततः ॥ ५१॥

संपन्नैषा हरिणनयना चन्द्रबिम्बाननश्रीर्मानोन्नद्धा दयितललिता कान्तमाभोक्तुकामा।

पूर्वस्मृत्या सरभसमुखी संयुता मण्डलान्तः स्वप्नान्ते वाऽप्रकृतिविभवा पद्मिनी चोदितेव ॥ ५२॥

The Goddess said: 

3.52.42–46

> Because Brahm is present everywhere, whatever arises anywhere appears there quickly, just as one sees things through the power of a dream. 

> Wherever any power arises due to its all-powerful nature everywhere, it stays and shines there strongly because of intense momentum. 

> The moment these two, the husband and wife, were overcome by the delusion of death, at that very instant this whole scene was understood in their hearts through appearance. 

> These are our parents and these are our mothers too. This is the place, this is the wealth, and this was our past action of such kind. 

> We two are married in this way and have become one in name. Even the people connected to them have become real in that very place. 

3.52.47–52

> In the same way, there is a clear example here of dream experience seen directly. Thinking in this manner, O Leela, I was worshipped playfully by you. 

> I said, “May I not become a widow,” and that boon was also given by me. For this reason, the girl had died here long before. 

> I am the Conscious Essence among the Conscious parts of you all. As the family Goddess, I am always to be worshipped, and I do everything by my own nature. 

> Then her life-force, taking the form of vital air from the body, moved with the mind and left the body through the mouth. 

> After that, at the end of the death faint in this very house, the living soul saw in the Space imagined in the intellect. 

> She has now become this doe-eyed one with the beauty of the moon’s orb on her face, proud with self-respect, playful and beloved, desiring to enjoy her lover. With previous memory, her face eager, united inside the circle, like a lotus woman with extraordinary powers awakened as if at the end of a dream. 

Summary of the teachings:

Whatever thought or power arises with strong intensity appears and stays as Real in that very spot. This shows the creative nature of the mind and Consciousness, where appearance becomes experience without any external material cause.

Death and life events are portrayed as sudden shifts in Consciousness rather than absolute endings. The husband and wife, caught in the illusion of death, immediately perceive a new reality in their hearts through mental projection. Family relations, places, wealth, and past actions all emerge as projections of the mind, illustrating how the world we experience is shaped by our inner beliefs and memories at every moment.

The story highlights the power of boons, wishes, and playful Divine interaction. The Goddess Leela grants a wish to avoid widowhood, which influences events even before they unfold in ordinary time. This reveals that Consciousness operates beyond linear time, and strong mental resolutions or Divine Grace can alter the course of perceived Reality, turning potential sorrow into continued union.

The family Goddess represents the Conscious Essence present within all Beings. She is eternally worthy of worship because she acts according to her inherent nature, guiding and sustaining life. The departure of the life-force as vital air from the body and its movement through the mind demonstrates how the subtle Self separates from the physical form yet continues to perceive and create new experiences in Inner Space.

Finally, the verses describe the rebirth or reappearance of the soul in a beautiful, youthful form filled with desire and memory. The awakened state at the “end of a dream” symbolizes liberation or heightened Awareness, where one recognizes the dream-like quality of existence. It teaches that previous impressions shape new forms, yet the Conscious Self can experience extraordinary beauty and joy when aligned with its True Nature.

Chapter 3.52, Verses 31–41

Yoga Vashishtha 3.52.31–41

(These verses teach that the entire world and all Beings within it, including Lila, the King, and even the Goddess, are manifestations arising within the One Infinite Consciousness)

श्रीदेव्युवाच ।

एवमेषा त्वमेषा च संपन्नैवमसौ नृपः।

अहं चात्मनि सत्यत्वं गता सर्वतयात्मनः ॥ ३१॥

इमे वयमिहान्योन्यं संपन्नाश्चोदिता इति।

इत्थं सर्वात्मकतया महाचिद्धनसंस्थितेः ॥ ३२॥

एवमेषा स्थिता राज्ञी हारिहासविलासिनी।

लीला विलोलवदना नवयौवनशालिनी ॥ ३३॥

पेशलाचारमधुरा मधुरोदारभाषिणी।

कोकिलास्वरसंकाशा मदमन्मथमन्थरा ॥ ३४॥

असितोत्पलपत्राक्षी वृत्तपीनपयोधरा।

कान्ता काञ्चनगौराङ्गी पक्वबिम्बफलाधरा ॥ ३५॥

त्वत्संकल्पात्मकस्यैषा यदा भर्तुर्मनःकला।

तदा त्वत्सदृशाकारा स्थितैषा चिच्चमत्कृतौ ॥ ३६॥

त्वद्भर्तुर्मरणे क्षिप्रं समनन्तरमेव हि।

त्वद्भर्त्रैषा पुरो दृष्टा त्वत्संकल्पात्मनामुना ॥ ३७॥

यदाधिभौतिकं भावं चेतोऽनुभवति स्वयम्।

चेत्यं सन्मयमेवात आतिवाहिककल्पनम् ॥ ३८॥

यदाधिभौतिकं भावं चेतो वेत्ति न सन्मयम्।

आतिवाहिकसंकल्पस्तदा सत्योपजायते ॥ ३९॥

अथो मरणसंवित्त्या पुनर्जन्ममये भ्रमे।

त्वं हि संविदितानेन त्वया च गत एव सः ॥ ४०॥

इत्थं त्वां दृष्टवानेष दृष्टश्चैव त्वयेति च।

त्वमप्यात्मनि संपन्ना सर्वगत्वाच्चिदात्मनः ॥ ४१॥

The Goddess continued:

3.52.31–36

> Thus, this one is you, this one is accomplished, and that King too. I have also attained True Reality in the Self through its all-pervading nature.

> We all here have become manifest in relation to each other, as if prompted. In this way, through the all-inclusive nature, we exist in the great mass of Pure Consciousness.

> In this manner, this queen stands adorned with garlands, laughter, and playful charm. Lila has a charming, moving face and possesses fresh youth.

> She has delicate and sweet conduct, speaks sweetly and nobly, her voice resembles the cuckoo, and she moves slowly with the intoxication of love.

> Her eyes are like dark lotus petals, her breasts are round and full, she is beautiful with a golden fair body, and her lips are like ripe bimba fruits.

> When this form arises as a thought in the mind of your husband, who is made of your own resolve, then she appears similar to you in form, established in the wonder of Consciousness.

3.52.37–41

> Right after the death of your husband, this one was immediately seen before him by your husband, through the power of your own thought-created self.

> When the mind itself experiences a physical object, the perceived thing becomes truly real as a subtle or aerial imagination.

> When the mind perceives a physical object but does not see it as truly real, then the subtle thought-form becomes established as truth.

> Then, with the awareness of death, in the illusion of rebirth, you were known by him and he had already gone by you.

> In this way, he saw you and you saw him. You too have become manifest in the Self through the all-pervading nature of Consciousness.

Summary of the Teachings:

Nothing exists independently; everything appears through the power of thought and imagination in the vast ocean of Pure Awareness. The apparent separation between individuals is illusory, as all are interconnected and sustained by the same underlying Reality of the Self. This emphasizes non-duality, where multiplicity is just a play within unity.

The description of Lila as a beautiful, youthful queen highlights how the mind creates vivid, attractive forms and experiences. These forms are not solid but arise like dreams or mental constructs shaped by desires and resolutions. Consciousness has the wonderful power to manifest detailed worlds and characters that feel real, showing the creative potential of the mind when aligned with the deeper Self.

The verses explain the process of perception and Reality. When the mind fully engages with an object as Real, it solidifies into experience. 

Subtle thought-forms can become as true as physical ones depending on the mind's conviction. This reveals that what we call physical or subtle Reality depends on our mental attitude and belief, underscoring that all is mind-created.

Death and rebirth are presented as transitions within the same dream-like illusion. 

The Awareness at the moment of death carries the mind into new forms through its unresolved thoughts and desires. The mutual seeing between characters illustrates how beings interact across these mental realms, yet ultimately remain within the One Consciousness.

Finally, the teaching points to liberation through recognizing this Truth. By understanding the all-pervading nature of Consciousness, one Realizes their own identity with the Self. All appearances dissolve back into the Source, freeing one from the cycle of birth and death born of ignorance. This encourages inquiry into the nature of the mind and Self for Ultimate Peace.

Chapter 3.52, Verses 16–30

Yoga Vashishtha 3.52.16–30

(These verses teach that the entire universe we see is not solid or real but appears like a dream within Pure Consciousness)

श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।

न जगत्तत्र नो सर्गः कश्चिदप्यनुभूयते।

तेनाहमजमाकाशं जगदित्येव वर्तते ॥ १६॥

सर्वं शून्यात्मविज्ञानं मेर्वादिगिरिजालकम्।

नेदं कुड्यमयं किंचिद्यथा स्वप्ने महापुरम् ॥ १७॥

देशे प्रादेशमात्रेऽपि गिरिजालमयान्यपि।

वज्रसाराणि खान्येव लक्षाणि जगतो विदुः ॥ १८॥

जगन्ति सुबहून्येव संभवन्त्यणुकेऽपि च।

कदलीपल्लवानीव संनिवेशेन भूरिशः ॥ १९॥

त्रिजगच्चिदणावन्तरस्ति स्वप्नपुरं यथा।

तस्याप्यन्तश्चिदणवस्तेष्वप्येकैकशो जगत् ॥ २०॥

तेषां यस्मिञ्जगत्येष पद्मो राजा शवः स्थितः।

लीला तव सपत्नीयं प्राप्ता पूर्वतरा शुभे ॥ २१॥

यदैव मूर्च्छामायाता लीलेयं पुरतस्तव।

तदैव भर्तुः पद्मस्य शवस्य निकटे स्थिता ॥ २२॥

लीलोवाच ।

कथमेषा पुरा देवि संपन्ना तत्र देहिनी।

कथं च तत्सपत्नीकभावमाप्तवती स्थिता ॥ २३॥

ते चास्या वद किं रूपं पश्यन्त्यथ वदन्ति किम्।

तद्गेहवरवास्तव्याः समासेनेति मे वद ॥ २४॥

श्रीदेव्युवाच ।

श्रृणु सर्वं समासेन यथापृष्टं वदामि ते।

लीले लीलास्ववृत्तान्तमन्तदं दृश्यदुर्दशम् ॥ २५॥

पद्मस्तव स भर्तैष भ्रान्तिं तावत्ततामिमाम्।

इयं जगन्मयी तस्मिन्नेव सद्मनि पश्यति ॥ २६॥

भ्रान्तियुद्धमिदं युद्धमेषा भ्रान्तिर्जनोऽजनः।

भ्रान्त्यैवास्तीह मरणमेष चैवं भ्रमात्मकः ॥ २७॥

भ्रमक्रमेणानेनैव लीलास्य दयिता स्थिता।

त्वं चैषा च वरारोहे स्वप्नमात्रं वराङ्गने ॥ २८॥

यथा भवत्यावेतस्य स्वप्नमात्रं वराङ्गने।

तथा भवत्योर्भर्तैष तथैवाहमपि स्वयम् ॥ २९॥

जगच्छोभैवेदृशीयं दृश्यमेतदिहोच्यते।

एतदेव परिज्ञातं दृश्यशब्दार्थमुज्प्तति ॥ ३०॥

Maharishi Vashishta continued:

3.52.16–22

> No world exists there, and no Creation is experienced at all. Therefore I remain as the unborn sky, and the world appears only in that way.

> Everything is Knowledge of the Self as Void. It is like a net of mountains such as Meru. This is not made of solid walls at all, just like a great city seen in a dream.

> Even in a tiny Space the size of a span, there are nets of mountains that look hard as diamond, yet they are only empty Space. Wise ones know thousands of such worlds.

> Many worlds arise even inside a tiny atom, placed densely like the layers of banana leaves.

> The three worlds exist inside a minute particle of Consciousness, just like a city in a dream. Inside that particle too are more particles of Consciousness, and inside each one there is a whole world.

> Among those worlds, in one of them King Padma lies as a corpse. O auspicious one, your co-wife Lila reached there earlier.

> The moment this Lila fell into a swoon in front of you, she stood near the corpse of her husband Padma.

Lila asked: 

3.52.23–24

> O Goddess, how did she become embodied there in the past? How did she attain the state of co-wife and stay there?

> Tell me what form they see of her and what they say about her. Briefly describe the residents of that excellent house.

Goddess said: 

3.52.25–30

> Listen to everything briefly as you asked. O Lila, this is the inner story of your own Lila, a difficult vision to see.

> This Padma, your husband, is under this delusion. This world-full form sees everything inside that very house.

> This war is only a war of delusion. This delusion creates people and non-people. Death exists here only through delusion. Everything is of the nature of delusion.

> Through this sequence of delusion, this Lila remains as his beloved. O beautiful lady, both you and she are merely a dream.

> Just as you both are only a dream to him, O lady, so is this husband only a dream to both of you, and so am I myself.

> This is the beauty of the world. This visible scene is spoken of here. Once this is fully known, the meaning of the word “visible” is uprooted.

Summary of the Teachings:

Sage Vashishta explains that no actual world or Creation exists outside; everything is like empty space or a vast sky that has never been born. 

Mountains, cities, and objects that look hard are actually hollow appearances, just as things in dreams feel real while dreaming but have no substance.

The teaching shows how countless worlds exist even inside the smallest particles, layered densely like banana leaves. Each tiny atom of Consciousness contains full worlds, and inside those worlds are even smaller ones. This illustrates the infinite, dream-like nature of reality where one world nests within another without end, all happening inside the mind of consciousness.

The story of King Padma and the two Lilas demonstrates that what we call life, body, and relationships are delusions within delusion. One Lila reaches the scene of her husband’s corpse through a swoon, showing how souls move between dream-like states. Everything—war, people, death—is created and sustained only by mental illusion, with no independent reality.

Both Lilas and even Vasistha himself are presented as dream figures to one another. The husband appears as a dream to the wives, and the wives appear as dreams to him. This mutual dream nature reveals that all individual identities and experiences are temporary projections within the same Infinite Consciousness.

Finally, the verses urge complete understanding that the visible world is merely apparent beauty with no lasting substance. Once this Truth is Realized deeply, the very idea of a solid, external “visible” world dissolves, leading to freedom from illusion and recognition of the unborn, empty Awareness that alone exists.

Chapter 3.52, Verses 1–15

Yoga Vashishtha 3.52.1–15

(These verses teach that the huge world we see is nothing but a dream-like illusion appearing inside a tiny space, such as the pavilion near a dying person’s body. Even though it looks real and full of action like battles and nations, nothing is truly happening or being achieved outside the mind)

श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।

एतस्मिन्नन्तरे राम लीलोवाच सरस्वतीम्।

श्वासावशेषमालोक्य मूढं भर्तारमग्रगम् ॥ १॥

प्रवृत्तो देहमुत्स्रष्टुं मद्भर्तायमिहाम्बिके ।

ज्ञप्तिरुवाच।

एवंरूपमहारम्भे संग्रामे राष्ट्रसंभ्रमे ॥ २॥

संपन्नेऽपि स्थितेऽप्युच्चैर्विचित्रारम्भमन्थरे।

न किंचिदपि संपन्नं राष्ट्रं न च महीतलम् ॥ ३॥

न स्थितं क्वचनाप्येव स्वप्नात्मकमिदं जगत्।

तस्य तन्मण्डपस्यान्तः शवस्य निकटाम्बरे ॥ ४॥

इदं भूराष्ट्रमाभाति भर्तृजीवस्य तेऽनघे।

अन्तःपुरगृहान्ते तदिदं राष्ट्रान्वितोदरम् ॥ ५॥

वसिष्ठविप्रगेहेऽन्तर्विन्ध्याद्रिग्रामके स्थितम्।

वसिष्ठविप्रगेहेन्तः शवगेहजगत्स्थितम् ॥ ६॥

शवगेहजगत्कुक्षाविदं गेहजगत्स्थितम्।

एवमेष महारम्भो जगत्त्रयमयो भ्रमः ॥ ७॥

त्वया मयाऽनयाऽनेन संयुक्तः सार्णवावनिः।

गिरिग्रामकदेहान्तर्मध्ये गगनकोशके ॥ ८॥

स्वात्मैव कचति व्यर्थो न कचत्येव वा क्वचित्।

तत्पदं परमं विद्धि नाशोत्पादविवर्जितम् ॥ ९॥

स्वयं कचितमाभातं शान्तं परमनामयम्।

किल मण्डपगेहेन्तः स्वस्वभावोदितात्मनि ॥ १०॥

एवमारम्भघनयोरपि मण्डपयोस्तयोः।

उदरे शून्यमाकाशमेवास्ति न जगद्भ्रमः ॥ ११॥

भ्रमद्रष्टुरभावे हि कीदृशी भ्रमता भ्रमे।

नास्त्येव भ्रमसत्तातो यदस्ति तदजं पदम् ॥ १२॥

भ्रमो दृश्यमसत्तस्य द्रष्टृदृश्यदशा कुतः।

द्रष्टृदृश्यक्रमाभावादद्वयं सहजं हि तत् ॥ १३॥

तत्पदं परमं विद्धि नाशोत्पादविवर्जितम्।

स्वयं कचितमाभातं शान्तमाद्यमनामयम् ॥ १४॥

किल मण्डपगेहान्तः स्वस्वभावोदितात्मनि।

विहरन्ति जनास्तत्र स्वगेहे स्वव्यवस्थया ॥ १५॥

Maharishi Vasistha said: 

3.52.1–5

> In this interval, O Rama, Leela spoke to Saraswati: Seeing my foolish husband lying in front with only his breath remaining.

> He is about to leave his body, this husband of mine here, O Ambika. The Enlightened One said: Even in such a great effort of this form, in the battle and the confusion of the nation.

> Even though accomplished and standing high in the slow strange beginning, nothing at all is accomplished – neither the nation nor the earth.

> Nothing is situated anywhere at all. This world is dream-like. Inside that pavilion of his, near the corpse in the upper space.

> This earth and nation appears to the life of your husband, O Pure One. At the end of the inner palace house, that nation with its inner belly.

3.52.6–11

> Situated inside the Brahmin house of Vasistha in the Vindhya mountain village. Inside the Brahmin house of Vasistha, the world of the corpse’s house is situated.

> Inside the belly of the corpse-house world, this house-world is situated. Thus this great effort is the illusion consisting of the three worlds.

> Joined with you, me, her and this, the ocean and the earth. Inside the body of the mountain village, in the middle of the sky sheath.

> The Self alone shines in vain or does not shine anywhere at all. Know that Supreme State as free from destruction and production.

> It appears self-shining, peaceful, supreme, without any disease. Indeed, inside the pavilion house, in the Self arisen from its own nature.

> Thus, even for these two dense pavilions of beginning, in the belly there is only empty Space; there is no illusion of the world.

3.52.12–15

> In the absence of the Seer of the illusion, what kind of movement in the illusion? There is no existence of the illusion at all; that which exists is the unborn state.

> The illusion is the seen, which is non-existent for it. Where is the state of Seer and seen? Due to the absence of the order of Seer and seen, it is indeed non-dual and natural.

> Know that Supreme State as free from destruction and Creation. It appears self-shining, peaceful, primordial, without disease.

> Indeed, inside the pavilion house, in the Self arisen from its own nature. People wander there in their own homes according to their own arrangements.

Summary of Teachings: 

The verses show how big things are nested inside smaller ones – the earth inside the palace, the palace inside a village house, and the house inside the body – proving that everything is contained within the mind and has no independent Reality.

The teachings explain that this world has no real place or existence anywhere because it is all like a dream. There is only empty Space inside the apparent structures, and the so-called great efforts and confusions are empty. The Self is the only thing that shines by itself, peaceful and free from any trouble, birth or death. People think they live in their own homes and follow their own plans, but all of it is happening inside the Self that arises from its own nature.

In the absence of a true Seer, there cannot be any real illusion or movement within it. 

The illusion is only the seen object, which does not truly exist, so there is no separate seer and seen. This leads to the understanding of non-duality – everything is one natural, unborn reality without any sequence of perception or change.

The Supreme State is beyond Creation and destruction, self-shining and completely Peaceful from the beginning. 

Even the dense beginnings of worlds and pavilions contain only empty space with no world-illusion at all. Recognizing this removes all confusion and shows that the vast three-world illusion is just a mental play.

Finally, the verses remind us that Beings move about in what they believe are their own worlds and arrangements, yet all of it unfolds within the self-arisen soul. True Wisdom comes from knowing this Unchanging Supreme Reality, free from disease or harm, where the Self alone exists without any need for external support.

Chapter 3.51, Verses 12–22

Yoga Vashishtha 3.51.12–22

(These verses teach that worldly kingdoms naturally fall into chaos and suffering when righteous order breaks down)

श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।

ग्रामान्तरसमाक्रान्तविद्रवद्राजवल्लभम्।

मण्डलान्तरसंजातनगरग्रामलुण्ठनम् ॥ १२॥

अनन्तचोरमोषार्थरुद्धमार्गगमागमम्।

महानुभाववैधुर्यसनीहारदिनातपम् ॥ १३॥

मृतबन्धुजनाक्रन्दैर्मृततूर्यरवैरपि।

हयेभरथशब्दैश्च पिण्डग्राह्यघनध्वनि ॥ १४॥

सिन्धुदेवो जयत्येकच्छत्रभूमण्डलाधिपः।

इत्यनन्तरमारेभे भेर्यः प्रतिपुरं तदा ॥१५॥

राजधानीं विवेशाथ सिन्धुरुद्धुरकन्धरः।

प्रजाः स्रष्टुं युगस्यान्ते मनुर्जगदिवापरः ॥ १६॥

प्रवृत्ता दशदिग्भ्योऽथ प्रवेष्टुं सैन्धवं पुरम्।

कराः करिहयाकारै रत्नपूरा इवाम्बुधिम् ॥ १७॥

निबन्धनानि चिह्नानि शासनानि दिशं प्रति।

क्षणान्निवेशयामासुर्मण्डलं प्रति मन्त्रिणः ॥ १८॥

उदभूदचिरेणैव देशे देशे पुरे पुरे।

जीविते मरणे माने नियमोऽयमतो यथा ॥ १९॥

अथ शेमुर्निमेषेण देशोपप्लवविभ्रमाः।

प्रशान्तोत्पातपवनाः पदार्थावृत्तयो यथा ॥ २०॥

सौम्यतामाजगामाशु देशो दशदिगन्वितः।

क्षीरोदः क्षुभितावर्तो द्रागिवोद्धृतमन्दरः ॥ २१॥

ववुरलकचयान्विलोलयन्तो मुखकमलालिकुलानि सैन्धवीनाम्।

जललववलनाकुलाः समीरा अशिवगुणानिव सर्वतः क्षणेन ॥ २२॥

Sage Vashishta continued:

3.51.12–16 

> This describes a kingdom where royal favorites fled, having been attacked by people from other villages; and where towns and villages were plundered by people from other regions.

> With obstructed roads and access for endless theft and plunder; and where the days’ bright sunshine was obscured by mist, reflecting the decline or absence of noble persons.

> By the lamentations of relatives of the deceased, and also by the sounds of silenced musical instruments, and by the noises of horses, elephants, and chariots, a dense sound, perceptible as a single mass, arose.

> “Sindhudeva, the sole ruler of the entire earth under a single umbrella, is victorious!” Thus, immediately afterwards, the drums began to sound in every town at that time.

> Then Sindhu, with his neck held high, entered the capital, like another Manu at the end of an age, intending to create new generations of people for the world.

3.51.17–22

> Then, from all ten directions, tributes in the form of elephants and horses began to enter Sindhu’s city, just as rivers laden with jewels flow into the ocean.

> The ministers swiftly established regulations, symbols, and decrees throughout every direction and every region.

> Consequently, a rule regarding life, death, and honor swiftly arose in every country and every city, thereby becoming universally established.

> Then, in an instant, the disturbances and confusions afflicting the region ceased, just as the movements of objects subside when agitated winds have completely calmed.

> The region, encompassing all ten directions, quickly attained tranquility, just as the agitated Ocean of Milk quickly became calm after the Mandara mountain was lifted out of it.

> The winds, carrying sprays of water and themselves agitated, blew from all directions in an instant, gently swaying the masses of curls on the lotus-like faces of the women of Sindh, as if dispelling all inauspicious qualities.

Summary of the teachings:

The scenes of fleeing nobles, plundered villages, blocked roads, endless theft, cries of the dead, and thick clouds of noise show how quickly society descends into fear and disorder without a strong, just leader. 

This reminds us that the material world is unstable and filled with pain unless guided by dharma, urging the seeker to look beyond external turmoil to inner stability.

The verses then show how a wise and powerful ruler can instantly restore peace and prosperity. The victorious king’s proud entry into the capital, proclaimed by drums across every town, and his role like a new Manu creating fresh life, illustrate that true leadership acts like a creative force. It rebuilds society from ruin, teaching that enlightened authority—whether of a king or the awakened mind—has the power to renew the world and bring hope after darkness.

Next, the teachings emphasize the practical role of good governance in sustaining harmony. Tributes flowing from all directions like jewel-filled rivers and ministers swiftly setting clear rules for life, death, and honor demonstrate that structured laws and ethical administration turn confusion into order. This highlights that peace does not happen by chance but through disciplined effort, fair policies, and wise ministers who spread justice everywhere.

The verses reveal that once proper rule is established, calm returns with surprising speed. Disturbances vanish in a moment, just as the stormy Ocean of Milk settles after the churning ends. This teaches the profound truth that chaos is temporary and that righteous order works like a soothing force, calming the entire land and its people almost instantly, much like spiritual wisdom quiets the restless mind.

Finally, these verses point to the gentle joy and auspiciousness that follow restored peace. Soft winds carrying water droplets playfully move through the land, gently touching the faces of the people and removing all inauspicious signs. In the deeper philosophy of Yoga Vasistha, this beautiful calm shows the bliss of a well-governed world while reminding us that even such happiness is part of the grand illusion. It encourages detachment from transient worldly glory and the pursuit of the eternal truth beyond birth, death, and changing kingdoms.

Chapter 3.51, Verses 1–11

Yoga Vashishtha 3.51.1–11

(These verses describe the sudden chaos that follows the death of a king in battle. They show how a strong kingdom can turn into a scene of fear and disorder in moments)

श्रीवसिष्ठ उवाच ।

हतो राजा हतो राजा प्रतिराजेन संयुगे।

इतिशब्दे समुद्भूते राष्ट्रमासीद्भयाकुलम्॥ १॥

भाण्डोपस्करभाराढ्यं विद्रवच्छकटव्रजम्।

साक्रन्दार्तकलत्राढ्यं द्रवन्नागरदुर्गमम् ॥ २॥

पलायमानसाक्रन्दं मार्गाहृतवधूगणम्।

अन्योन्यलुण्ठनव्यग्रलोकलग्नमहाभयम् ॥ ३॥

परराष्ट्रजनानीकताण्डवोल्लाससारवम्।

निरधिष्ठितमातङ्गहयवीरपतज्जनम् ॥ ४॥

कपाटपाटनोड्डीनकोशान्तरवघर्घरम्।

लुण्ठितासंख्यकौशेयप्रावृताभिभटोद्भटम् ॥ ५॥

क्षुरिकोत्पाटितार्द्रान्त्रमृतराजगृहाङ्गनम्।

राजान्तःपुरविश्रान्तचण्डालश्वपचोत्करम् ॥ ६॥

गृहापहृतभोज्यान्नभोजनोन्मुखपामरम्।

सहेमहारवीरौघपादाहतरुदच्छिशु ॥ ७॥

अपूर्वतरुणाक्रान्तकेशान्तःपुरिकाङ्गनम्।

चोरहस्तच्युतानर्घ्यरत्नदन्तुरमार्गगम् ॥ ८॥

हयेभरथसंघट्टव्यग्रसामन्तमण्डलम्।

अभिषेकोद्यमादेशपरमन्त्रिपुरःसरम् ॥ ९॥

राजधानीविनिर्माणसारम्भस्थपतीश्वरम्।

कृतवातायनश्वभ्रनिपतद्राजवल्लभम् ॥ १०॥

जयशब्दशतोद्धोषसिन्धुराजन्यनिर्भरम्।

असंख्यनिजराजौघधृतसिन्धुकृतास्थिति ॥ ११॥

Sage Vasishta said: 

3.51.1–5

> The King is killed! The King is killed by the enemy King in battle. When these words spread, the whole kingdom was filled with fear and panic.  

> Carts loaded with household goods and utensils were fleeing in large groups. The city fortress was being abandoned by people with crying and distressed wives and families.  

> People were running away while crying loudly, and groups of women were being dragged on the roads. Everyone was busy looting one another, and great terror had gripped the people.  

> The enemy army from another kingdom was dancing and shouting in victory. Riderless elephants, horses, and fallen warriors lay scattered everywhere.  

> The sounds of doors being smashed and treasuries being broken open echoed loudly. Bold enemy soldiers, wrapped in countless stolen silk clothes, were everywhere.  

3.51.6–11

> In the palace courtyards, the bodies of the dead had their wet intestines pulled out with knives. The King's inner quarters were filled with low-caste Chandala people and dog-eating scavengers resting there.  

> Common people were eagerly eating the food and grains looted from houses. Little children were crying as they were trampled under the feet of the hordes of great warriors in golden armor.  

> The women's apartments in the palace were being invaded by unfamiliar young men. The roads were scattered with priceless jewels that had fallen from the thieves' hands.  

> The group of ministers was in chaos from the crowding and collisions of horses, elephants, and chariots. The chief minister was leading them and giving orders for the new King's coronation.  

> The chief builder was starting the work of building a new capital city. The king's favorite companion was falling from the window into a dug pit.  

> The air was filled with hundreds of loud victory shouts from the Sindhu King's warriors. The new order was firmly established by the countless troops of the conquering king.

Summary of the Teachings: 

This section teaches that worldly power, wealth, and royal glory do not last forever. Even the mightiest ruler can fall, and everything he built can crumble quickly. The story reminds us that life is full of sudden changes, so we should not cling too tightly to position or possessions.

The pictures of fleeing people, looting, and suffering families highlight the pain caused by war and greed. When fear takes over, even good people start robbing each other. Women and children face the worst harm. These verses teach that attachment to material things and the illusion of safety in kingship only bring more sorrow. True peace comes when we learn to stay calm inside, no matter what happens outside.

The victory dance of the enemy army and the ruin of the palace show how power keeps shifting between winners and losers. 

No one stays on top forever. The old King is gone, and the new one takes his place, but the cycle of conquest and defeat goes on. Vasishta uses this scene to explain that the whole world is like a dream or a play. We should not get lost in its ups and downs but look for the unchanging truth within ourselves.

Even the new rulers are shown rushing to build a new capital and hold a coronation. Yet this too is part of the same short-lived drama. The fall of the King's favorite from the window reminds us that yesterday's glory can become today's ruin. The teaching is that all human efforts for fame, control, and comfort are temporary. Only Knowledge of the True Self can give lasting Freedom from this endless game.

In the end, these verses help us understand the nature of illusion, called Maya in the Yoga Vashishta. By seeing the full picture of destruction and new beginnings, we learn to give up the desire for worldly success. Sage Vasishta wants Rama, and all readers, to turn inward and find the Eternal Peace of the soul. This path of Self-Realization ends the cycle of birth, death, and suffering, leading to complete liberation.