Discourse on the Dissolution of the Universe and Attaining Supreme Peace

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 didn’t exist in the beginning and won’t exist in the end cannot be considered truth. Only what has always existed and will always exist is the truth.

The Path to Self-Realization

Birth and growth are mental constructs, O Rama. When truth is clearly seen, the mind frees itself from ignorance. Therefore, guide the mind with the study of scriptures, association with holy people, and cultivating dispassion. Seek the guidance of a perfected master (guru) and follow their teachings to gradually reach total purity.

Rama, see the self by the self through pure inquiry, like the moon illuminating the sky. Without self-inquiry, one is like a straw floating in water, but with knowledge of truth, the mind finds peace. Ignorance causes sorrow, but knowing the self brings joy and tranquility.

VASISTHA continued:

Resolve the confusion between body and self to find peace. Just as gold in mud remains pure, the self is untouched by the body. I say with uplifted arms, "The self is different from the body, like water from the lotus," but no one listens! As long as the mind seeks pleasure, the darkness of world-illusion remains. But as soon as one awakens and questions the self, this darkness disappears. Strive to awaken the mind within the body to go beyond the sorrowful process of becoming.

The self, like the sky, is unaffected by the body. Pleasure and pain are falsely attributed to the self, just as one wrongly thinks the sky is polluted by dust. In reality, pleasure and pain belong to ignorance, not the self. Realize that all is the self, which is supreme peace and infinite.

Embracing Non-Duality and Inner Peace

The self and the world are neither the same nor different (dual). All this is a reflection of truth. Only Brahman exists. "I am different from this" is just an illusion; let go of it, O Rama. The self sees itself as infinite consciousness. Therefore, there is no sorrow, delusion, birth, or creation; whatever exists, simply is. Be free from distress, O Rama. Embrace non-duality, remain firmly in the self, and be unconcerned with personal welfare. Keep your mind steady and peaceful. Rest in inner silence, free from self-willed thoughts. Be courageous, control the mind and senses, and live without desire, accepting what comes naturally. Live without grasping or giving up anything, free from mental distortions and illusion. Rest content in the self. Be free from distress, expansive like the full ocean, and rejoice in the self, like the blissful rays of the full moon."