Ancient Knowledge from Indian Texts

Day 152 Understanding the Self and the Mind (Simplified Explanation) The True Nature of the Self You Are the Self O Rama, you are the knower of everything, the self. You are the supreme being, non-different from the self that pervades all. By giving up the idea that objects are separate from the self, you won't be affected by joy or grief. The Yogi's Equanimity A true yogi sees a clod of earth and a nugget of gold equally and has abandoned all tendencies that confirm the world's illusions. Such a person remains calm and balanced in pain and pleasure, performing actions without attachment to their outcomes. The Role of Consciousness Mind and Consciousness Infinite consciousness is the only reality. The mind is inert by nature and borrows intelligence from consciousness to function. The mind perceives the universe by the power of consciousness. Understanding the Mind The mind exists by the grace of consciousness and entertains various thoughts. Consciousness without thoughts ...

Day 151 Following Janaka's Path to Self-Knowledge Vasistha exhorts Rama to emulate King Janaka's path to self-realization. Self-Inquiry and Liberation Vasistha emphasizes the importance of self-inquiry ( Atma Vichara ), similar to King Janaka's approach. Through persistent self-reflection, one overcomes the limitations of the senses and attains self-satisfaction ( Atma Tarpana ). This realization of the infinite Self ( Ananta Atman ) extinguishes sorrow, eliminates delusion, and brings an end to suffering. Vasistha urges Rama to be like Janaka and discover the Self within the inner light ( Atma Jyoti ). Self-Effort, Not External Practices Vasistha underscores the significance of self-effort ( Atma Nishtha ) through self-inquiry. Neither gods, rituals, wealth, nor family offer liberation. Only by overcoming the fear of illusion ( Maya Bhaya ) can one attain self-knowledge ( Atma Jnana ). Vasistha warns Rama against following the misguided teachings that rely on externa...

Day 150 The Enlightenment of King Janaka VASISTHA's Continued Narrative: Reflecting on these thoughts, King Janaka rose from his seat like the sun rising on the horizon and began his royal duties, free from any attachment. He had let go of all concepts of desirable and undesirable, acting spontaneously and appropriately, as if in a state of deep sleep while being fully awake. He performed his daily tasks, including honoring the holy ones, and at the end of the day, he retired to his seclusion to meditate deeply, a practice that came naturally to him. His mind had turned away from confusion and delusion, becoming firmly established in equanimity. When he woke up in the morning, King Janaka reflected: 'O restless mind! This worldly life does not bring you true happiness. Seek equanimity, where you will find peace, bliss, and truth. When you indulge in perverse thinking, the illusion of the world spreads out. Desire for pleasure causes this illusion to grow. Thought creates this n...

Day 149 The Enlightenment of King Janaka King Janaka's Realization VASISTHA continued: "After hearing the sages' words, King Janaka became deeply troubled. He hurried back to his palace and, dismissing all attendants, sought solitude in his chamber. In his anguish, he reflected: 'Alas, I am helplessly caught in this world of suffering. Life is but a fleeting moment in eternity, yet I have grown attached to it. What is the worth of sovereignty during one's lifetime? How foolish am I to think it indispensable! This brief life is insignificant against the vastness of eternity. Why do I value it so? Who has cast this illusion called the world, deluding me so? Realizing that all perceptions are in the mind, I will renounce the grasp of external objects. All worldly activities lead only to endless suffering. What hope can there be for true happiness? Day by day, I see happiness followed by sorrow and sorrow followed by more sorrow. Everything in this world is transient a...

Day 148 Discourse on the Nature of Actions and Liberation The Role of Consciousness in Actions VASISTHA continued: "O Rama, one who understands that all actions occur merely due to the presence of consciousness, just as a crystal reflects objects without any intention, is liberated. Those who do not engage in this non-volitional activity, despite being born as humans, continue to cycle between heaven and hell. Some people, devoted to inaction by rejecting or suppressing all actions, move from one misery to another, experiencing continuous sorrow and fear. Others, bound by their desires and actions' outcomes, are reborn as lower forms of life like worms and plants, repeating these cycles. Blessed are those who know the self, having deeply inquired into the nature of the mind and overcome all cravings; they ascend to higher states of consciousness. A person who is born for the last time now has a mix of purity (satva) and slight impurity (rajas). From birth, they grow in holines...

Day 147 Discourse on the Dissolution of the Universe and Attaining Supreme Peace Understanding the World and Seeking Truth VASISTHA said: "O Rama, please listen to this talk on how the universe dissolves and how to achieve supreme peace. This endless world-appearance is maintained by impure (rajasa) and dull (tamasa) beings, similar to how pillars support a structure. However, those with a pure nature (satva) can easily let go of it, just as a snake sheds its skin. Pure-minded people, whose actions (rajas) are guided by purity and light (satva), do not live mechanically but question the origin and nature of this world-appearance. By studying the right scriptures and being in the company of holy people, one gains clear understanding and sees the truth as if by the light of a lamp. Truth is truly known only when one perceives it directly through such inquiry. O Rama, you are naturally pure; thus, seek to understand what is true and what is false, and be devoted to the truth. What di...

Day 146 Part Five: On Dissolution The assembled audience, captivated by Vasistha's wisdom, dispersed for the midday break. King Dasaratha, his ministers, and even the gods and celestial beings eagerly awaited the sage's next discourse. After the evening session, Rama, unable to sleep, pondered Vasistha's teachings. Rama's mind grappled with profound questions: the nature of reality, the origin and purpose of beings, the mind's path to stillness, the illusion of Maya, and the possibility of liberation. He contemplated the means to conquer the senses and the mind, the root causes of suffering. He recognized the challenge of balancing the allure of pleasure with the pursuit of liberation. Rama yearned for a mind free from worldly illusion, a mind that tasted the supreme peace and wouldn't crave fleeting pleasures. He addressed his own mind, urging it to find solace in the wisdom of sages and his intellect to contemplate Vasistha's teachings, a path to liberatio...

Day 145 Vasistha's Guidance to Rama: The Path to Liberation The Importance of a Wise Teacher and Sacred Texts Vasistha emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from a qualified teacher – someone free from worldly desires and possessing direct experience of the truth. Studying scriptures under such a teacher's guidance, coupled with the practice of yoga, paves the way for attaining the ultimate state. Recognizing Rama's Spiritual Attainments Vasistha acknowledges Rama's spiritual prowess, highlighting his freedom from sorrow and equanimity. He urges Rama to discard all remaining delusions through his intelligence. Vasistha assures Rama that liberation awaits him once he detaches from worldly concerns and establishes himself in the state of non-dual consciousness. This enlightened state will serve as an inspiration for other self-realized beings. The Path of Right Living and Self-Inquiry Vasistha outlines a roadmap for Rama's earthly life. He advises Rama to...

Day 144 The Creation and Illusion of the World: A Discourse by Vasistha The World: A Transient Illusion Vasistha guides Rama towards a deeper understanding of the world's nature. While the world, composed of the five elements and the physical body, offers fleeting entertainment to the ignorant, it holds no value for the truly wise. Vasistha emphasizes the impermanence of this world, comparing it to a poisonous mirage that offers a deceptive sense of reality. The Birth of the Universe: A Creation of Thought Vasistha unveils the story of the Creator's emergence from the infinite consciousness. This Creator, upon awakening, uttered the sound "Brahma," giving rise to his very name. The first manifestation of the Creator's thought was light, followed by the visualization of his own cosmic body and the vast universe – from the sun to the tiniest speck of dust. Even the countless beings arose from sparks of the Creator's initial thought. The universe itself is a ...

Day 143 Vasistha's Analogy: Why Self-Knowledge Takes Time Rama, grappling with the nature of reality, inquires from Vasistha how the seemingly unreal world can coexist with the absolute Brahman, the ultimate reality. Vasistha, recognizing Rama isn't quite prepared for such profound knowledge, offers a gentle analogy. He compares Rama's current state to a child who wouldn't grasp the complexities of love stories. True comprehension of this deep truth requires dedicated self-effort and will blossom in due time. Vasistha then embarks on guiding Rama towards liberation. He outlines a path of progressive detachment, urging Rama to relinquish all attachments and preconceived notions, even noble ones like those associated with friendship. Ultimately, Rama must even surrender the act of renouncing itself. This complete surrender of the ego will lead him to a state of pure being, vast and boundless like infinite space. Vasistha emphasizes the paramount importance of self-knowled...

Day 142 The Story of Dasura and the Illusion of the World (Continued) Rama's Inquiry and Vasistha's Clarification: Rama: "O revered Vasistha, your words illuminate the path to liberation. However, a doubt persists in my mind. You speak of both the reality and the unreality of the world. How can both be true at the same time?" Vasistha: "Excellent question, Rama. The world appears real from the perspective of Maya, the illusory power that veils our true nature. But from the standpoint of the Self, the Atman, the world is ultimately unreal. It's like a dream – vivid and seemingly real while it lasts, but non-existent upon waking." The Analogy of the Rope and the Snake: Vasistha explains with an analogy: "Imagine seeing a rope in the dim light and mistaking it for a snake. Fear grips you because of this misconception. However, once you recognize the rope for what it truly is, the fear vanishes. Similarly, the world appears real because of our ignoran...

 Day 141 The Cause of Suffering and the Path to Liberation (Continued) Dasura's explanation to his son delves deeper into the root cause of suffering in the world – the illusion-creating power of notions (sankalpa). The Illusory King and the Nature of the Universe: Dasura clarifies that King Khottha, representing the ego, is nothing but a fleeting notion that arises and dissolves in the vast emptiness. This notion is the source of the entire universe, including the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The city built by the king symbolizes the living being with its various organs and functions. The different kinds of beings within the city represent the diversity of existence, all products of the ego's illusion. The Role of Ahamkara and the Cycle of Rebirths: The illusory city is guarded by ghosts, which represent ahamkara, the ego-principle. Ahamkara creates a false sense of separation between the self and the world, leading to attachment and the cycle of rebirths. Dasura...

Day 140 The Story of Dasura and the Illusion of the World  Vasistha's narration of the story of Dasura serves as a powerful allegory to illustrate the ignorance that binds most people to the cycle of birth and death and the path to liberation through self-knowledge. The Disinterested Majority and the Wise Seeker: Vasistha begins by highlighting the indifference of most people towards the truth. They are consumed by the pursuit of pleasure and power, blind to the impermanence of the world. In contrast, he acknowledges the existence of those wise individuals who perceive the world's illusory nature. These seekers, armed with this knowledge, can choose liberation through self-knowledge. Vasistha emphasizes this point by urging Rama to be wise and avoid the ignorance that makes people focus solely on the impermanent physical body. Dasura's Journey from Orphan to Ascetic: The story then delves into the life of Dasura, a young sage who loses his parents at a young age. Here, the ...

Day 139 The Illusory Nature of the Universe and the Path to Liberation (Continued) Vasistha's teachings delve deeper into the illusory nature of the universe and the path to self-realization. The Mind and the Reflection of Consciousness: Vasistha explains that the universe appears as a reflection of the infinite consciousness, similar to how the eyes perceive the world. The mind, with its inherent powers, creates this illusion. Just like a lamp extinguished due to lack of fuel, the universe ceases to exist when the mind stops entertaining such notions. The Unreality of Duality: Vasistha emphasizes the unreality of the world. It's neither something to be pursued nor avoided. When desire, the root cause of this world-appearance, ceases, the world dissolves. True reality is the ever-existing infinite consciousness, Brahman. From this perspective, there's no reason for sorrow. Equanimity and Self-Knowledge: Vasistha guides Rama towards equanimity. Whether the world appears real...

Day 138 Rama Learns About the Jiva and the Illusion of Duality Vasistha guides Rama deeper into the nature of reality, explaining how the infinite consciousness appears as individual beings and the universe itself. The Infinite Consciousness and Its Manifestations: Vasistha uses the analogy of a calm ocean that appears agitated in certain areas. Similarly, the infinite consciousness, though nondual, seems to manifest diverse forms in certain aspects. This is the natural play of its infinite power. The Role of Time, Space, and Causation: The infinite consciousness interacts with time, space, and causation to manifest its infinite names and forms. These names and forms, however, are ultimately not separate from the underlying consciousness. The Witness Consciousness and the Jiva: The aspect of the infinite consciousness that relates itself to these manifestations is called the "knower of the field" or the witness consciousness. The body is the field, and the witness cons...

Day 137 Rama Seeks Answers: The Cause of the Universe and Suffering Rama's curiosity about the nature of reality deepens. He ponders the paradox of a sorrow-free Brahman creating a world filled with suffering. Vasistha, his wise guide, offers enlightening yet challenging concepts to illuminate the path to understanding. Brahman's Infinite Potential: Vasistha explains that Brahman, the absolute reality, is all-encompassing. It contains within itself all possibilities, both positive and negative, including happiness and sorrow. The universe, with its diverse experiences, emerges from Brahman like waves on a vast ocean. The jiva, the individual soul, is also a limited manifestation within this infinite reality. The Illusion of Maya: Vasistha introduces the concept of Maya, the indescribable power of Brahman. Maya acts like a cosmic magician, creating the illusion of reality. It can make the unreal appear real and vice versa, much like how the empty space appears blue due to atmosp...

Day 136  Rama Seeks Answers: The Nature of Reality Rama ponders the existence of the universe within the infinite consciousness. Vasistha offers profound insights using metaphors and analogies. The Unmanifest and the Manifest: Vasistha explains that the universe exists in the infinite consciousness like future waves in a calm sea. It's not truly separate but has the potential for apparent difference. The infinite consciousness is unmanifest, like space, yet all-pervading. Reflections and Reality: The universe is seen as a reflection in the infinite consciousness, similar to a reflection in a crystal. It's neither truly real nor unreal. Just as clouds don't affect space, the universe doesn't affect the infinite consciousness. Light is only visible through a medium; similarly, the infinite consciousness is revealed through various bodies. Consciousness: The Source and Experience: Consciousness reflects within itself, shining as pure experience. It allows the sun to shine ...

Day 135 The Wise Demons and the Path to Liberation Following the downfall of Dama, Vyala, and Kata, the demon king Sambara realized their mistake. They were powerful but ultimately faltered due to ego. So, Sambara created three new demons – Bhima, Bhasa, and Drdha. Demons with a Difference: These new demons were unlike any others. They possessed self-knowledge, wisdom, and detachment. They saw the world as inconsequential and fought without fear or attachment. They were the embodiment of selfless action. Victory and Liberation: The gods, unable to defeat them, sought refuge in Vishnu. Vishnu himself intervened and ultimately defeated Sambara. Interestingly, upon their physical death, Bhima, Bhasa, and Drdha attained liberation because they were free from ego. Contrasting Destinies: Vasistha uses this contrasting tale to illustrate the importance of self-knowledge. Dama, Vyala, and Kata represent conditioned minds ruled by ego, leading to suffering. Bhima, Bhasa, and Drdha repres...

Day 134 The Redemption of Dama, Vyala, and Kata: A Path from Ego to Liberation Curious about the fate of Dama, Vyala, and Kata, Rama asks Vasistha when these demons will find liberation. Vasistha reveals a fascinating prophecy. A Future City and Rebirth: In a future city named Adhisthana, in Kashmir, the three demons will be reborn in different forms - Dama as a mosquito, Vyala as a sparrow, and Kata as a myna bird. This rebirth cycle offers them a chance for liberation. Freedom Through Remembering: The story of their past lives, filled with ego and suffering, will be recounted by a minister named Narasimha. Hearing this tale will trigger a memory in the myna bird (Kata). It will recognize its true nature as a creation of magic, not a separate entity. This realization will break the spell of ego and lead to liberation (nirvana). A Chain Reaction of Enlightenment: The sparrow (Vyala) and the mosquito (Dama) will also overhear the story. Remembering their past, they too will be fr...