AvadhootaDatta Peetham

Discourse on Yoga Vasishtha
Day 176, October 31 2015

Sri Sadgurubhyo namaha
Om Santissantissantissantihi

Sage Vasishtha is enumerating the qualities of a Jeevanmukta. Today we learn that a Jeevanmukta does not frighten anyone. He does not fear anyone. He neither feels nor expresses joy, sorrow, or fear. He does not get affected by the world. He sees his own soul in all that exists. He is always aware of the one and only Supreme Consciousness.
Sri Rama asked to know first about the qualities of a Videhamukta. Although Rama asked first about this, Vasishtha describes this after describing a Jeevanmukta. As long as the body lasts, the Brahma Jnani is a Jeevanmukta.

Videhamukta is one without a body. After all the Prarabdha karma is exhausted, the Jeevanmukta’s body falls off. He is the same as Parabrahma. A Videhamukta does not again have the need to assume a body. He remains in complete Jnana. Adeha and Videha mean the same thing.

Just as air that does not move, he remains with no birth and death. He is neither perceptible nor is he imperceptible.

One must learn and understand the Stotras occurring in the Bhagavatam. Both that work and the Yoga Vasishtha teach us great truths of the Brahma Sutras in the form of stories. Gajendra uses a description of *** in the Gajendra Moksha: He is most subtle. He appears as if He is very far.

Yet, He is very close to us. He is more subtle than a subatomic particle. A paper kept too close to the eyes cannot be read.
He is everything.

Videhamukta’s attributes are talked about, but actually he has no attributes. Just for our understanding, a strange description is given. As the Sun he gives light to the world. As Brahma, he creates. As Vishnu he sustains, and as Rudra he destroys. He is like the sky. He is air. He is the Meru Mountain. He is the refuge of the gods. He supports the rishis. He is the entire earth with all its flora, and vegetation. He is all fruits and flowers. As liquid he flows, and makes things wet. As fire he burns all. As the moon he gives cool nectar. He is also the venom that can destroy everything. He is also Death. All opposites are given to indicate that He is everything. He is both nectar and poison. He is the light that dispels darkness and he is also darkness that hides everything. He is also void. He is spread everywhere and gives room for all things. When things are gathered into water, water as a substance is still there. But space he has no substance. He is also mountains. He is consciousness. He moves and yet does not move. He creates all. He is the ocean that surrounds all land on earth. He is the subtlest atom that lights up everything. He is formless, changeless, and exists beyond the Time factor. He transcends past, present, and future. He is peaceful.

These qualities show that none else can do what he does, since he does so much. Sri Rama wonders whether anyone in the world is capable of reaching such a state. Also to be so engaged in so many activities, how can there be any mental rest and repose?

Vasishtha assures him that this state can be achieved. He said he would teach him how to attain it. He, who has the feeling of me, mine, you, and yours, cannot obtain this state. The entire world consists only of the above perceptions. One has to transcend those differences through continuous contemplation.

Sri Rama expressed another doubt. Jeevanmukta’s description is easily understood. He can be seen and observed. But he does not share our joys and sorrows.

But the Videhamukta appears to be the greatest Samsari, He seems to be the entire Creation himself. Is it not better to just remain as we are? What is the use of becoming like him? Why become the Trinity and the five elements, and engage in so many activities?
What a beautiful question Sri Rama has posed!

The actual truth is now explained by Vasishtha.

We have the perception that this Creation has actually taken place. We feel fascinated about getting the power to be as powerful as the Creator. But this Creation is not real. The run-of-the-mill people who lack a proper understanding, think that the Creation exists. Such ones may be impressed by one who can create and also become one with the entire Creation.

Now let us learn along with the original verses.

Sage Vasishtha is enumerating the qualities of a Jeevanmukta. Today we learn that a Jeevanmukta does not frighten anyone. He does not fear anyone. He neither feels nor expresses joy, sorrow, or fear. He sees his own soul in all that exists. All that is aware of the Supreme Consciousness.

When a pebble is tossed into water, at once ripples are created. But a Jeevanmukta is like water that does not respond to the pebble being tossed into it. He is most at peace and undisturbed. Even a Jeevanmukta sees the world but he does not respond to it. He remains unaffected

Yasman

No one feels any fear looking at a Jeevanmukta. He does not fear anyone. He neither feels nor expresses joy, sorrow, or fear. He sees his own soul in all that exists.

Only when they detect fear or a tendency to harm others, an animal will attack and hurt us. What is a cruel animal? We also have cruelty in us. Most wild animals eat to survive. But they do not harm other creatures once their stomach is full. Some animals like a hyena may *** and store food for later. Great souls can befriend all types of creatures.

Once, a huge group of monkeys was there. Swamiji stopped the car. Others ran away in fear that they may scratch and attack. Swamiji offered treats and they behaved in a friendly manner, receiving food from his hands.
A man was regularly feeding pigeons in Delhi. One day he took away one pigeon. Thereafter the birds stopped coming even though food was being offered.

Those who have conquered fear are Jeevanmuktas. They have no enemies. They greet even bad people with courtesy.

Santa

This Creation is illusory. In the clouds we imagine chariots, elephants, and horses. It is a fabrication of the mind. We forget that we ourselves have created with our minds this universe, and we live as if it is all real.
Recently, in China, an entire city was seen in the clouds. Someone took a video. It was commented upon that it is all like a fabrication of mind.

The world appears to be changing. It does not remain static. Therefore, people think it is real. The Jeevanmukta is firm in his knowledge of the unreality of the Creation.

He appears to wear a body, but a Jeevanmukta has no love for the body. Unless it is personally experienced, one will not understand the bliss he enjoys by being detached about his body. He appears to have a mind. But he is in a state of equilibrium with no disturbances in the mind. His mind is inactive with no thoughts or movements.

yassamasta

A Jeevanmukta sees everything but is not affected by them. He remains cool.
It is as if we wear gloves and do our work. Nothing sticks to the hands. Some lacquer is applied on object so that nothing sticks. Non-stick pans are there these days used for cooking. Nothing sticks to them. Still, we must wash the pan, otherwise, we get sick. A Jeevanmukta is untouched by anything.

Creation is there but a Jeevanmukta sees only himself in all. It is not ego. He exists only in that state of identifying with the soul.

Now Sri Rama’s question is being answered about a Videhamukta. A Jeevanmukta can be observed by us because he is wearing a body.

Once the Jeevanmukta leaves his body, he merges with Paramatma. It is wrong to say that they are dead. They have chosen to let their body go. They are not reborn.

Some individuals choose to be reborn immediately, or after some time. We perform ancestral rites to help them in their forward journey. It is as if a money order is sent to them. The cash appears before us but the money is already delivered to the recipient. The food we offer for them, reaches them in a subtle manner. They have no need to sit with a plate or leaf to receive solid food. Once a year, the forefathers come to our home. We should offer them food and drink by following a process of giving food to a recipient or a bird or an animal. We must believe in this procedure and follow it carefully. Scriptures specify how and when to perform these rituals.
A Jeevanmukta does not go through the process of rebirth.

Jeevanmukta

Once a person is in the state of a Jeevanmukta, he leaves the body once his karma is exhausted. A very subtle or minute amount of ignorance is the cause of his assuming a body in the first place. Once the life force leaves the body, he has no birth. When a soul leaves the body, a tail remains, like a lizard’s tail, if he is to occupy another body in the future. When a person becomes aware of his astral body, he will notice that there is a tail.
After the tail is dropped, a lizard grows back another tail. Similarly, the soul that has left one body, grows a tail in his subtle body, which is an indication that he is going to enter into another gross body. He then enters a mother’s ***.

A Jeevanmukta leaves off the body and becomes an Adehamukta. Life force and soul are different. There are different levels. We must realize that. Just because something is invisible or imperceptible, it cannot be denied an existence.

That is why when someone dies, people console others to not grieve. The dead person will be born again, perhaps as your own grandchild or as someone else.

Prana/life force means movement. Once Prana is given up, there is no movement. Soul has no movement and no change. He sees everyone as himself.

Imagine air without movement. A Videhamukta is like air that is still. Because the fabric is moving we say there is a breeze. We feel the movement of air with our skin. Anjaneya is the son of Air. He does not move. He is formless. Develop more devotion towards him.

Naasta

Videhamukta is neither born again nor does he die again. He who dies has to be born again. Those who enter into immortality are never born again.

That is why in the prayer: the Mrityunjaya Stotram we pray that we should be kept close to Amrita/immortality and distanced from Mrityu/Death. Mrityunjaya does not mean living for thousands of years. It means, the individual getting liberated. Liberation comes only through ***’s grace. His grace prolongs a person’s life. Why does he prolong life? It is by His grace. He revives because He gives a second chance for the person to fulfill his life’s purpose. He wishes that the person would transcend death and gain immortality.

It is important to pray to Lord Mrityunjaya. But prolonging life alone is not significant. The second chance must be well-utilized to seek Liberation. A transformation must occur within. That is why for us, rebirth is a very important concept. Living longer is not sufficient. A red signal is turned once again into a green signal by ***’s grace, only so that the person should change his ways and travel towards immortality.

The Liberated ones have no setting or departing. He is neither visible nor is he invisible. He is neither too far nor too near. Unless you keep a paper at a reasonable distance, you cannot read the writing on it. But you cannot deny the writing that is there on it.

Paramatma resides in our heart-space. Because He is so near, we do not recognize Him.
One should utilize the proximity of Sadguru Swamiji when he is in the ashrama.
Videhamukta has no feeling of I, You, me, or yours.
He has merged with Parabrahma. He becomes Brahma, the Creator.

Does it mean that the Creation is real? If Paramatma has made this Creation, should we not follow its rules and live our lives normally? What is the benefit of studying this Sastra?
The answer comes later.

Yogi, Maha Yogi, Parama Yogi, and Atma Jnani are terms we hear. A great yogi is teaching his disciples. One disciple is very eager to get siddhis. One day he came running to the Guru and announced gleefully that he had lifted the Himalayan Mountain and had set it aside. He declared that he had achieved the superhuman strength to lift and move a mighty mountain.

Guru said: You are indeed great. I am unable to even lift this blade of dry grass that is in front of me, although I have been trying to do so for some time.

The disciple prostrated to the Guru and apologized. The disciple, who learned his knowledge from the Guru came and boasted to him. What was gained by moving the mountain? Nothing. What was the use of moving the mountain? In his mind, the disciple had to identify himself with the mountain and move it. It served no purpose or benefit. The mind has that kind of power. Whether such powers exist these days we do not know. Only Sadguru will know. When indiscriminately such powers are used, it may create earthquakes as happened recently in Nepal.

Govardhana Giri was lifted by Lord Krishna to protect the people and the cows. There was a definite useful purpose for his action.

Mind has the power to move a mountain. If misused, it may create an earthquake and harm people.
Guru is in a state of inaction. That the disciple realized. What is the use of moving hills and boulders?
Why was it mentioned that a Videhamukta caused the entire Creation?

We are under the misconception that this Creation has actually taken place. Many people are tempted to do Yoga so that they can levitate and gain Siddhis. They wish to gain powers. But is there any great benefit in achieving those?

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa once narrated an incident. He went to the riverbank. He offered a half rupee to the boatman, and requested him to take him across the river. He went across. Another yogi laughed at Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and walked on the waters and got to the other side. The boatman asked him why he was laughing. The yogi said, look, he had to pay to cross the river, whereas I am able to simply walk over the waters. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa also laughed at the yogi, saying, your power of yoga is worth only the half rupee I paid the boatman. You have invested a lot of time and effort to gain your power and wasted it on an action which could have been achieved by paying a half rupee. The yogi realized his mistake and thereafter became a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. With that one word, the yogi became transformed. Yoga must give liberation. Health and physical vigor is not its goal.

Great siddhis are earned through rigorous austerities. But one angry word will deplete all that power in an instant.

Real Yoga is that which benefits others. Yoga must give Jnana. It must give Liberation. Yoga gives good health no doubt. But that is not the goal of yoga. Athletes who exercise intensely and have built great stamina, sometimes fall sick and die. Why? Health is important. Why diseases occur or do not occur, is not known to us. Bad habits occur because of bad karma. They cause diseases also. Health must be maintained. But the purpose of yoga is to get liberated.

Videhamukta, as the Sun, gives light, he gives protection to the three worlds. As Rudra he destroys everything. The Creator of the entire world, Brahma is also He.

Khambhootvaa

He becomes the sky and holds the entire atmosphere within him. He, like Mount Meru, gives refuge to all the rishis and gods. We prostrate to the east (Sun) and the north (Meru) directions. It is very significant. It is a prostration offered to all the gods.

verse

A Videhamukta and a Jeevanmukta make that bhavana to offer protection. If a great soul makes a sankalpa/resolves, our tasks get accomplished. When we are in a dire situation, their thoughts can change our situation.

Gulma lataa

As the earth, he bears all the forests, creepers, trees, fruits, and flowers. He becomes everything. He is Paramatma himself.

verse

He is water, fire, and everything else. He preserves life on earth. He satisfies everyone as water. He has the power to burn the worlds. He is in the highest Yoga.

verse

He gives nectar as the moon. Especially yesterday was a very auspicious day. Bhrigu Chaturthi (Friday on the fourth lunar day) is special for Ganapati, Mother Goddess, and Venkateswara. It is good to view the moon on that day. One should view the moon certainly once a month at least, and more so on auspicious days. Gurupushya (Pushyami star on a Thursday) is a good date to do Aksharabhyasa (begin teaching the ABCs), pushya arka (Pushyami star on a Sunday), it is good to chant the Aditya Hridayam.

Without the moon Creation suffers. The Moon gives nectarine nourishment.
A Videhamukta gives both immortality and death.

Verse

He lights up all the directions. He is also the darkness that blinds the world.

Soonyam

He is as the sky that is void that gives space to everything. He has the power to even stop the movement of air like a mountain.

Verse

It is the mind that moves. The Videhamukta is still also. He is both mobile and immobile. He is the ocean that encircles the earth.

verse

As the sun, he gives light to the three worlds down to the subtlest atom. He is peaceful and inactive. He is Nirvikara. He has no action that he engages in. He only inspires you do Satkarma/good deeds. He is the witness to all your actions.

One must pray every morning that the intellect should be inspired to think good thoughts. Dhiyoyonah prachodayaat.

Verse

All that glowed, glows, and will glow with radiance is all He. The list is limitless. He is everything. He transcends all the three time principles. He also exists in all the three times.
Vasishtha thus described a Videhamukta.

We will continue tomorrow.

Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Guru Datta

Om Santissantissantihi