A Path from Ego to Liberation

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 freed from the illusion of ego, achieving liberation.

The Lesson: The Trap of Ego:

This story reiterates the dangers of ego. The initial invincibility of Dama, Vyala, and Kata stemmed from their lack of self-awareness. Once ego arose, they became vulnerable to fear and desire, leading to their downfall. Their liberation comes only through dissolving this ego.

Beyond Samsara: The Play of Consciousness:

Vasistha goes beyond the specific story, offering a philosophical explanation. He describes how pure consciousness, through a playful act, creates the illusion of a separate "I" and the world around it. This distorted image leads to the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

Finding Liberation:

True liberation, according to Vasistha, lies in realizing this underlying unity of consciousness. The path to this realization involves scriptural guidance, self-reflection, and the company of wise people.

Living a Virtuous Life:

The text emphasizes the importance of virtuous living. It advocates for self-discipline, seeking knowledge, and following the scriptures. True humanity, it suggests, lies in these qualities, not in mere physical existence.

Dissolving Duality:

Vasistha encourages Rama to question the perceived reality of the world. He argues that the distinction between subject and object, perceiver and perceived, is ultimately an illusion. Only pure, infinite consciousness exists.

Understanding "I":

The concept of "I" is central to the discussion. Vasistha differentiates between a false and a true understanding of "I". The false "I" identifies with the body and creates suffering. The true "I" recognizes itself as one with the infinite consciousness. Through self-knowledge, one can dispel the false "I" and achieve liberation.

The Path to Freedom:

Vasistha provides a roadmap to liberation. It involves cultivating a higher understanding of "I" and ultimately transcending it altogether. Once free from the illusion of separation, one can live a life of peace and freedom, regardless of external circumstances.

This story of Dama, Vyala, and Kata serves as a powerful allegory, highlighting the dangers of ego and the path to liberation through self-realization and the awareness of our true nature as pure consciousness.