Dec 24, Vasishtha
Parent Link:
Yoga Vasishtha
Discourse on Yoga Vasishtha
Day 83, December 24
Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Ganesaya Namaha
Sri Saraswatyai Namaha
Sripada Vallabha
Narasimha Saraswati
Sri Guru Dattatreyaya Namaha
Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Sadgurubhyo Namaha
asato ma sadgamaya
tamaso ma jyotirgamaya
mrityor ma amrtam gamaya
Om Santissantissantihi
Please lead me from untruth to Truth, from darkness to light, from death to immortality. May there be peace.
Yoga Vasishtha Dhyana Slokas:
yatassarvāṇi bhūtāni pratibhānti sthitāni ca
yatraivōpaśamaṁ yānti tasmai satyātmanē namaḥ || 1
jñātā jñānaṁ tathā jñēyaṁ draṣṭādarśana dr̥śyabhūḥ
kartā hētuḥ kriyā yasmāt tasmai jñaptyātmanē namaḥ || 2
sphuranti sīkarā yasmāt ānanandasyāṁbarē vanau
sarvēṣām jīvanam tasmai brahmānandātmanē namaḥ || 3
Om santissantissantihi
We are discussing about Paurusha Praadhaanya - the benefit of individual effort is stressed. It is wrong to assume that Time and Luck are ordering our lives. Vasishtha is determined to remove that wrong notion from Rama's mind. Rama earlier spoke at length about the powers of Time, Death, Luck, and so on. Vasishtha is determined to dispel that misunderstanding from Rama's mind that humans are helpless against fate and destiny. Vasishtha insists that individual effort is highly effective in overcoming the power of luck and fortune.
There is no such thing as luck. It is only the result of our own karma that is given back to us as our circumstances. Because Rama expressed his findings in so many different ways, now as Guru, Vasishtha is also expressing himself in many different angles. He is showing how liberation can be attained by personal effort.
Sastrato ...
Yesterday we learned about three methods for attaining siddhi, or accomplishing anything. The three are: to follow the scriptural traditions. Scriptures only give a subtle hint. e.g. Om. It is Guru who gives the detailed meaning, that Om represents the entire Creation. Guru is required to explain the meaning of scriptural statements to us in an easy to understand manner. Om may give us peace and happiness when we chant it, but we do not understand its meaning unless Guru explains it to us. Guru also shows by his example how to do spiritual Sadhana. To understand by intuition or inspiration by our own understanding, is the third method. There is no fortune beyond these three.
For handling worldly affairs, normally one's own intuition serves well, although frequently people do get deceived and require the counsel of Guru even there. Without Guru also, many manage to make a livelihood and go through life. But to understand great rituals, Sastra needs to be studied and understood. When one attempts to achieve tasks greater than ordinary efforts, you need special instruction and guidance. But to gain liberation, Guru is needed. For those who find no access to Guru, one has to begin by the study of Scriptures and personal deep understanding until Guru is found. One should listen to the scriptures and their explanations and then seek the advice of Guru. Vasishtha says that one who has these three has no need of any good fortune. The one who does not depend on luck is the truly worthy individual.
verse
The essence of the scriptures as we have discussed so far is now mentioned. The purpose of this explanation is: When the mind goes in a crooked path regardless of one's reluctance to follow the wrong path, just knowing that such a weakness of mind exists is sufficient. Then one prays to Guru for guidance. Then Guru gives counsel as to how you can avoid the wrong path. Deliberately you should turn your mind towards the right path. When a horse faces a body of water, it hesitates to proceed. One must force the horse to enter the water and proceed ahead.
Many people feel contented that they have commenced on the right path. That is not enough. One must continue the journey with determination. Just having darshan of Guru is important, without question. But to follow his teachings consistently is more important. A horse gets tempted to deviate from the path when it sees attractive food along the wayside. The mind likewise, gets tempted to go hither and thither, where it should not go. We have to control the mind with discipline.
verse
Gurus are there to give advice. How does a Sadguru teach? He cajoles the disciples like a child and when the disciple does not cooperate, he also punishes and teaches. Just like a father, who is a well-wisher, Guru, likewise, uses different methods to put the disciple on the right path. Sreyas is worldly success. Preyas is spiritual success. Guru helps the disciples in achieving both. Sreyas is for here and now. Preyas is for what comes after this life ends. Gurus do not waste time in teaching trivial things. What we cannot learn or understand on our own, is taught by Guru. What Guru teaches are all safe methods of overcoming troubles. A Guru never advices one to place the hand in a snake pit and get stung. To get rid of your sarpa dosha, Guru gives the right method to get rid of your sin. He never puts you in harm's way. Guru teaches either verbally or by example. We must follow the teachings sincerely.
What is most beneficial, is Sarvotkrishta. Such is what Guru teaches. When we go to a Guru to learn to do Namasankeertan, Guru does not sing film songs to us. He teaches us what will lead us towards the highest goal. We must learn the highest truth. The world shows us many different truths which we find confusing. Guru alone teaches us the highest and the only Truth. A fragile piece of glass may slip from our hands and may break. We may glue the pieces together but it will not be the same again. Guru teaches what is unbreakable, indestructible, what is eternal and true. He teaches us as if he is teaching a child, with easy examples, as if feeding us tasty ice cream.
Everyone knows that effort yields results. But for some reason, people still place their faith on luck and remain idle.
When there is hunger or thirst, food and water will satisfy us. This is the immediate result that we experience. But some yajnas and yagas may not yield immediate results. They may give the benefit gradually. Such results are not immediately obvious, although guaranteed.
verse
Only with efforts one gains benefits. They do not occur due to good luck. No such thing exists as good luck.
What is the origin of this concept of luck? It is by God's resolve that such words have come into being. We understand the meaning of words effortlessly. It is God's resolve that certain words have their specific meanings. What brought this 'luck' into worldly parlance in the first place? The wise ones always base their beliefs on effort only. They do not just magically achieve things. They proceed in a systematic way and achieve the desired results.
Luck is only a means to console those who are in trouble. When someone meets with an untimely death, to pacify the grieving person people speak about bad luck as the cause of the trouble. It is useful to console those who are weak-minded. Arjuna, who was the greatest amongst warriors, who even earned the Pashupata astra, became victimized by cowardice and weak-mindedness. To dispel his wrong notion, Krishna said: Ashochyaan ...
Understand the journey of each soul. There is no need for you to grieve for these departing souls. It is not right to weep for the dying persons. Attachment causes sorrow. Understand where these souls have come from, and where they are going. You must understand the true nature of beings by transcending this worldly attitude. Vasishtha himself once grieved when he lost his sons. His daughter-in-law consoled him. She said that all these comings and goings are temporary and illusory. Her words consoled him, who was in fact worrying about his pregnant daughter-in-law.
verse
Man intends to achieve something. He proceeds to systematically achieve it and succeeds in it. Thomas Edison attempted 999 times and failed. The assistant told him to quit. But Edison persisted and the 1000th time they succeeded. The assistant said all the previous efforts were a waste. Edison said: No. They paved the way for this successful last attempt.
Bhotaa ..
One eats to satisfy hunger. When he eats he is satisfied. One who depends on luck and does not eat is not satisfied. Only he, who walks towards his destination will reach the destination, and not the one who remains idle, depending on luck to take him there.
verse
Great difficulties come. They are overcome by effort. But merely depending on luck, no one got saved from drowning in difficulties. Devotion and prayer are a different matter. Such faith in God is more effective. But depending on luck, and not even praying to be relieved from troubles, is nothing but a delusion. It is useless.
verse
Again the same concept is reiterated. He, who is idle does not succeed. Krishna said: I bless people as per their worship and approach.
Tulasidas saw God in his wife. The wife became his Guru. She told him: if you had placed in God 1% of the faith that you place in me, you would have been liberated by now. With those words, Tulasidas became transformed.
One who relentlessly makes attempts, is certain to succeed.
subhena ..
A good deed yields a positive result. A bad deed yields a negative results. This is the pronouncement made by Guru Vasishtha in the incarnation of Rama. He remembered this during the eons and as Krishna, repeated the same words to Arjuna. Rama placed such faith in the words of Guru that he remembered through so many incarnations. Such faith we must develop. See what a perfect disciple Rama is! Krishna said in the Bhagavad Gita, these are the words spoken to me by my Guru. I have told you. Now do as it pleases you.
verse
Again he is grinding in the same idea. The way we pulverize food to feed babies for easy digestion, Vasishtha is grinding the ideas into our heads. Sadguru Sri Swamiji similarly feeds Cerelac to the parrots. Our attempts must be suited to the time and place. Such attempts are the same as good luck. They will yield good results.
verse
Good fortune is not visible to the eyes. Veda says: Heavenly pleasures are invisible now. They manifest only when one gets to heaven. Some who go to heaven, forget their goal of life and get lost in the pleasures and drop down to earth again when their merit gets exhausted. In heaven also, some wise ones, stay away from pleasures and keep listening to the words of wisdom, sometimes directly from Lord Brahma himself. Indra himself sits and listens. The wise person in heaven utilizes his time well there instead of wasting his time in the enjoyment of pleasures. When one earns enough merit to get to heaven, if he uses his time well, he proceeds towards liberation.
purusho..
We are born. We grow. We develop. We study, we work, we grow old, and we end our life. Where is the question of luck here? It has all happened based on our own past actions. Do not link these events to good fortune or bad fortune.
verse
Our effort should be aimed solely at attaining the highest Truth. The sadhana that we employ towards that end, is the only thing that one should engage in.
verse
As we move from place to place, the way things change hands, the way our sense organs function, all these are our own actions. Where is the question of luck in these events?
verse
Performing actions thoughtlessly, and in a manner that is ill-advised, is like doing the antics of a madman. Once, a madman threw a huge rock on a gutter and went his way. When the floods came, many people used the rock as a stepping stone to cross over and reach safety. Now, did the madman's action bear fruit or not? It is a matter of your opinion. Even a madman's action may bear fruit, but when we act without proper guidance it is certain that our actions will be as useless as those of a madcap. Such actions should not be done. Sometimes even bad consequences may occur due to our misguided actions.
verse
Inner stimulus occurs sometimes to achieve a noble goal. Then a certain suitable action follows to achieve the goal that is close to our heart. That is called attaining the selfish desire to get liberated. Those who desire liberation are the most selfish of all people in the world. Such selfishness is needed for that sadhana. They are not concerned about anything or anyone else. Such non-attachment and unconcern comes from the association of Sadhus/saintly persons. In the company of saints one must spend time. Time should be spent in studying the scriptures. When that is done, liberation is attained.
verse
This verse has occurred before with a slight variation. The vision of seeing God everywhere is called liberation. Those who have become enlightened are Gurus and they have to be approached and served. Their company grants peace and bliss.
There are a few more slokas in this sarga. This same thought is reiterated again and again. It is like the grinding process. It has to somehow get digested or absorbed by the heart. Because it is difficult to grasp and retain these concepts, they are being drilled into our heads repeatedly. Like the Bhagavad Gita this work also could have been made into a short work of a 1000 verses. But it would not help us because our minds require to be strengthened. Normally, repetition should be avoided. It makes a speech boring and tiresome to listen to. Same musical notes repeated monotonously will sap the melody from the music. It is the different variations employed in the combination of musical notes that give a tune its appeal. If it is monotonous, we cannot enjoy listening to such a tune.
In Vedanta, we easily forget the concepts. Therefore, repetition is essential. The same words that occur in the Vedas are now presented in the Upanishads in different combinations and variations. The reason is that in Vedanta, repetition is not a flaw. Since ten days we have been speaking of the same concept. But we do not get bored. We must keep chanting Rama Rama Rama Rama. We cannot say we are bored and change it to Rima Rima Rima Rima. It will be useless to do so. So, we will keep listening to the same topics, ideas, and concepts over and over again to firmly register them in our minds and hearts. That is the purpose of Vedanta.
Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Guru Datta
Om Santissantissantihi
Sri Ganesaya Namaha
Sri Saraswatyai Namaha
Sripada Vallabha
Narasimha Saraswati
Sri Guru Dattatreyaya Namaha
Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Sadgurubhyo Namaha
asato ma sadgamaya
tamaso ma jyotirgamaya
mrityor ma amrtam gamaya
Om Santissantissantihi
Please lead me from untruth to Truth, from darkness to light, from death to immortality. May there be peace.
Yoga Vasishtha Dhyana Slokas:
yatassarvāṇi bhūtāni pratibhānti sthitāni ca
yatraivōpaśamaṁ yānti tasmai satyātmanē namaḥ || 1
jñātā jñānaṁ tathā jñēyaṁ draṣṭādarśana dr̥śyabhūḥ
kartā hētuḥ kriyā yasmāt tasmai jñaptyātmanē namaḥ || 2
sphuranti sīkarā yasmāt ānanandasyāṁbarē vanau
sarvēṣām jīvanam tasmai brahmānandātmanē namaḥ || 3
Om santissantissantihi
We are discussing about Paurusha Praadhaanya - the benefit of individual effort is stressed. It is wrong to assume that Time and Luck are ordering our lives. Vasishtha is determined to remove that wrong notion from Rama's mind. Rama earlier spoke at length about the powers of Time, Death, Luck, and so on. Vasishtha is determined to dispel that misunderstanding from Rama's mind that humans are helpless against fate and destiny. Vasishtha insists that individual effort is highly effective in overcoming the power of luck and fortune.
There is no such thing as luck. It is only the result of our own karma that is given back to us as our circumstances. Because Rama expressed his findings in so many different ways, now as Guru, Vasishtha is also expressing himself in many different angles. He is showing how liberation can be attained by personal effort.
Sastrato ...
Yesterday we learned about three methods for attaining siddhi, or accomplishing anything. The three are: to follow the scriptural traditions. Scriptures only give a subtle hint. e.g. Om. It is Guru who gives the detailed meaning, that Om represents the entire Creation. Guru is required to explain the meaning of scriptural statements to us in an easy to understand manner. Om may give us peace and happiness when we chant it, but we do not understand its meaning unless Guru explains it to us. Guru also shows by his example how to do spiritual Sadhana. To understand by intuition or inspiration by our own understanding, is the third method. There is no fortune beyond these three.
For handling worldly affairs, normally one's own intuition serves well, although frequently people do get deceived and require the counsel of Guru even there. Without Guru also, many manage to make a livelihood and go through life. But to understand great rituals, Sastra needs to be studied and understood. When one attempts to achieve tasks greater than ordinary efforts, you need special instruction and guidance. But to gain liberation, Guru is needed. For those who find no access to Guru, one has to begin by the study of Scriptures and personal deep understanding until Guru is found. One should listen to the scriptures and their explanations and then seek the advice of Guru. Vasishtha says that one who has these three has no need of any good fortune. The one who does not depend on luck is the truly worthy individual.
verse
The essence of the scriptures as we have discussed so far is now mentioned. The purpose of this explanation is: When the mind goes in a crooked path regardless of one's reluctance to follow the wrong path, just knowing that such a weakness of mind exists is sufficient. Then one prays to Guru for guidance. Then Guru gives counsel as to how you can avoid the wrong path. Deliberately you should turn your mind towards the right path. When a horse faces a body of water, it hesitates to proceed. One must force the horse to enter the water and proceed ahead.
Many people feel contented that they have commenced on the right path. That is not enough. One must continue the journey with determination. Just having darshan of Guru is important, without question. But to follow his teachings consistently is more important. A horse gets tempted to deviate from the path when it sees attractive food along the wayside. The mind likewise, gets tempted to go hither and thither, where it should not go. We have to control the mind with discipline.
verse
Gurus are there to give advice. How does a Sadguru teach? He cajoles the disciples like a child and when the disciple does not cooperate, he also punishes and teaches. Just like a father, who is a well-wisher, Guru, likewise, uses different methods to put the disciple on the right path. Sreyas is worldly success. Preyas is spiritual success. Guru helps the disciples in achieving both. Sreyas is for here and now. Preyas is for what comes after this life ends. Gurus do not waste time in teaching trivial things. What we cannot learn or understand on our own, is taught by Guru. What Guru teaches are all safe methods of overcoming troubles. A Guru never advices one to place the hand in a snake pit and get stung. To get rid of your sarpa dosha, Guru gives the right method to get rid of your sin. He never puts you in harm's way. Guru teaches either verbally or by example. We must follow the teachings sincerely.
What is most beneficial, is Sarvotkrishta. Such is what Guru teaches. When we go to a Guru to learn to do Namasankeertan, Guru does not sing film songs to us. He teaches us what will lead us towards the highest goal. We must learn the highest truth. The world shows us many different truths which we find confusing. Guru alone teaches us the highest and the only Truth. A fragile piece of glass may slip from our hands and may break. We may glue the pieces together but it will not be the same again. Guru teaches what is unbreakable, indestructible, what is eternal and true. He teaches us as if he is teaching a child, with easy examples, as if feeding us tasty ice cream.
Everyone knows that effort yields results. But for some reason, people still place their faith on luck and remain idle.
When there is hunger or thirst, food and water will satisfy us. This is the immediate result that we experience. But some yajnas and yagas may not yield immediate results. They may give the benefit gradually. Such results are not immediately obvious, although guaranteed.
verse
Only with efforts one gains benefits. They do not occur due to good luck. No such thing exists as good luck.
What is the origin of this concept of luck? It is by God's resolve that such words have come into being. We understand the meaning of words effortlessly. It is God's resolve that certain words have their specific meanings. What brought this 'luck' into worldly parlance in the first place? The wise ones always base their beliefs on effort only. They do not just magically achieve things. They proceed in a systematic way and achieve the desired results.
Luck is only a means to console those who are in trouble. When someone meets with an untimely death, to pacify the grieving person people speak about bad luck as the cause of the trouble. It is useful to console those who are weak-minded. Arjuna, who was the greatest amongst warriors, who even earned the Pashupata astra, became victimized by cowardice and weak-mindedness. To dispel his wrong notion, Krishna said: Ashochyaan ...
Understand the journey of each soul. There is no need for you to grieve for these departing souls. It is not right to weep for the dying persons. Attachment causes sorrow. Understand where these souls have come from, and where they are going. You must understand the true nature of beings by transcending this worldly attitude. Vasishtha himself once grieved when he lost his sons. His daughter-in-law consoled him. She said that all these comings and goings are temporary and illusory. Her words consoled him, who was in fact worrying about his pregnant daughter-in-law.
verse
Man intends to achieve something. He proceeds to systematically achieve it and succeeds in it. Thomas Edison attempted 999 times and failed. The assistant told him to quit. But Edison persisted and the 1000th time they succeeded. The assistant said all the previous efforts were a waste. Edison said: No. They paved the way for this successful last attempt.
Bhotaa ..
One eats to satisfy hunger. When he eats he is satisfied. One who depends on luck and does not eat is not satisfied. Only he, who walks towards his destination will reach the destination, and not the one who remains idle, depending on luck to take him there.
verse
Great difficulties come. They are overcome by effort. But merely depending on luck, no one got saved from drowning in difficulties. Devotion and prayer are a different matter. Such faith in God is more effective. But depending on luck, and not even praying to be relieved from troubles, is nothing but a delusion. It is useless.
verse
Again the same concept is reiterated. He, who is idle does not succeed. Krishna said: I bless people as per their worship and approach.
Tulasidas saw God in his wife. The wife became his Guru. She told him: if you had placed in God 1% of the faith that you place in me, you would have been liberated by now. With those words, Tulasidas became transformed.
One who relentlessly makes attempts, is certain to succeed.
subhena ..
A good deed yields a positive result. A bad deed yields a negative results. This is the pronouncement made by Guru Vasishtha in the incarnation of Rama. He remembered this during the eons and as Krishna, repeated the same words to Arjuna. Rama placed such faith in the words of Guru that he remembered through so many incarnations. Such faith we must develop. See what a perfect disciple Rama is! Krishna said in the Bhagavad Gita, these are the words spoken to me by my Guru. I have told you. Now do as it pleases you.
verse
Again he is grinding in the same idea. The way we pulverize food to feed babies for easy digestion, Vasishtha is grinding the ideas into our heads. Sadguru Sri Swamiji similarly feeds Cerelac to the parrots. Our attempts must be suited to the time and place. Such attempts are the same as good luck. They will yield good results.
verse
Good fortune is not visible to the eyes. Veda says: Heavenly pleasures are invisible now. They manifest only when one gets to heaven. Some who go to heaven, forget their goal of life and get lost in the pleasures and drop down to earth again when their merit gets exhausted. In heaven also, some wise ones, stay away from pleasures and keep listening to the words of wisdom, sometimes directly from Lord Brahma himself. Indra himself sits and listens. The wise person in heaven utilizes his time well there instead of wasting his time in the enjoyment of pleasures. When one earns enough merit to get to heaven, if he uses his time well, he proceeds towards liberation.
purusho..
We are born. We grow. We develop. We study, we work, we grow old, and we end our life. Where is the question of luck here? It has all happened based on our own past actions. Do not link these events to good fortune or bad fortune.
verse
Our effort should be aimed solely at attaining the highest Truth. The sadhana that we employ towards that end, is the only thing that one should engage in.
verse
As we move from place to place, the way things change hands, the way our sense organs function, all these are our own actions. Where is the question of luck in these events?
verse
Performing actions thoughtlessly, and in a manner that is ill-advised, is like doing the antics of a madman. Once, a madman threw a huge rock on a gutter and went his way. When the floods came, many people used the rock as a stepping stone to cross over and reach safety. Now, did the madman's action bear fruit or not? It is a matter of your opinion. Even a madman's action may bear fruit, but when we act without proper guidance it is certain that our actions will be as useless as those of a madcap. Such actions should not be done. Sometimes even bad consequences may occur due to our misguided actions.
verse
Inner stimulus occurs sometimes to achieve a noble goal. Then a certain suitable action follows to achieve the goal that is close to our heart. That is called attaining the selfish desire to get liberated. Those who desire liberation are the most selfish of all people in the world. Such selfishness is needed for that sadhana. They are not concerned about anything or anyone else. Such non-attachment and unconcern comes from the association of Sadhus/saintly persons. In the company of saints one must spend time. Time should be spent in studying the scriptures. When that is done, liberation is attained.
verse
This verse has occurred before with a slight variation. The vision of seeing God everywhere is called liberation. Those who have become enlightened are Gurus and they have to be approached and served. Their company grants peace and bliss.
There are a few more slokas in this sarga. This same thought is reiterated again and again. It is like the grinding process. It has to somehow get digested or absorbed by the heart. Because it is difficult to grasp and retain these concepts, they are being drilled into our heads repeatedly. Like the Bhagavad Gita this work also could have been made into a short work of a 1000 verses. But it would not help us because our minds require to be strengthened. Normally, repetition should be avoided. It makes a speech boring and tiresome to listen to. Same musical notes repeated monotonously will sap the melody from the music. It is the different variations employed in the combination of musical notes that give a tune its appeal. If it is monotonous, we cannot enjoy listening to such a tune.
In Vedanta, we easily forget the concepts. Therefore, repetition is essential. The same words that occur in the Vedas are now presented in the Upanishads in different combinations and variations. The reason is that in Vedanta, repetition is not a flaw. Since ten days we have been speaking of the same concept. But we do not get bored. We must keep chanting Rama Rama Rama Rama. We cannot say we are bored and change it to Rima Rima Rima Rima. It will be useless to do so. So, we will keep listening to the same topics, ideas, and concepts over and over again to firmly register them in our minds and hearts. That is the purpose of Vedanta.
Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Guru Datta
Om Santissantissantihi