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-knowledge. He laments how people chase fleeting worldly desires instead of pursuing this true understanding. He underscores the rarity of enlightened beings who have transcended the illusion of the material world and attained self-realization.

To illustrate this point further, Vasistha recounts the inspiring song of Kaca, a wise sage established in self-knowledge. Kaca resides in a cave on Mount Meru, his mind saturated with the highest wisdom. Untouched by the allure of the five elements that make up the world, Kaca sings a song feigning despair, yet brimming with profound meaning.

Kaca's song delves into the all-encompassing nature of the Self. He expresses that everything, from happiness to sorrow, is ultimately a manifestation of the Self. Recognizing the emptiness of desires, Kaca finds liberation from suffering. He transcends the limitations of the body and perceives only the Self, both within and without, everywhere and always. Kaca proclaims his oneness with the Self, existing as the fullness, the self-bliss, and the very essence that permeates the entire universe like a boundless ocean.

The song culminates with Kaca chanting the sacred syllable "OM," a sound resonating like a bell. As he chants, he merges his entire being with that sound, signifying his complete absorption into the Self.