Discourse on the Nature of Actions and Liberation

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 holiness, easily acquiring noble qualities like friendliness, compassion, wisdom, and magnanimity. They perform all appropriate actions without being affected by their results, maintaining a clear heart. Such a person is sought after by others and follows an enlightened master to realize the self, which is the one cosmic being.

When this inner intelligence awakens, it recognizes itself as the infinite consciousness. Constant awareness of this inner light leads to a state of utter purity."

Paths to Liberation

"This is the normal evolution process, O Rama. However, there are exceptions. For those born into this world, two possibilities for liberation exist:

1. Following the master's path gradually to liberation.
2. Experiencing sudden enlightenment, where self-knowledge appears instantly.

I will narrate an ancient story to illustrate this sudden enlightenment. Please listen."

The Story of King Janaka

VASISTHA continued:

"O Rama, there is a great monarch named Janaka, ruler of Videha, whose vision is limitless. He is a cornucopia for those who seek his help, and in his presence, the hearts of his friends blossom like lotuses in the sun. He is a great benefactor to all good people.

One day, while wandering in a pleasure-garden, Janaka heard the inspiring words of some perfected sages. They sang:

'We contemplate the self that manifests as pure bliss when the seer and the seen merge without division. We reflect on the self where objects are mirrored without intention once the division of subject and object ceases. We focus on that light illuminating all, transcending the dual concepts of "is" and "is not". We meditate on the reality that everything exists within, belongs to, emerges from, and constitutes everything. We honor the self, the basis of all language and expression, encapsulated by "aham" (I).

Alas, people chase other objects, ignoring the Lord within their hearts. One who, knowing the worthlessness of objects, remains attached to them is not truly human. Every craving should be struck down with wisdom, whether already arisen or about to arise. True delight comes from inner peace, and a well-controlled mind firmly establishes peace. When the heart is at peace, pure self-bliss arises without delay.'"