The Wisdom of Virocana: Achieving Self-Knowledge

Day 161

The Wisdom of Virocana: Achieving Self-Knowledge

Virocana's Teachings:

The Path to Dispassion: Virocana explained to his son that self-knowledge is the key to ending the craving for pleasure. When one truly understands the self, deep dispassion naturally takes root in the heart. Therefore, one should engage in intelligent inquiry to understand the self and eliminate the craving for pleasure simultaneously.

Stages of Awakening: When intelligence is still unawakened, one should balance the mind's focus by dedicating half to pleasure, a quarter to studying scriptures, and the remaining quarter to serving the guru. As intelligence begins to awaken, more emphasis should be placed on serving the guru. When fully awakened, two parts of the mind should focus on serving the guru, with the remaining parts dedicated to studying scriptures, always accompanied by dispassion.

Fostering Goodness: Only when filled with goodness can one comprehend the highest wisdom. One must continually educate the mind with purifying knowledge and nourish it through scripture study. This inner transformation allows the mind to reflect the truth without distortion. Thus, the pursuit of self-realization and the cessation of craving must go hand in hand.

Direct Perception of Self: True dispassion arises not from austerity, charity, or pilgrimage but from directly perceiving one's nature. Direct self-realization can only be achieved through right self-effort, not dependence on gods or fate. Through firm self-effort and rejecting the pursuit of pleasure, dispassion matures, and the spirit of inquiry is strengthened. These two—dispassion and inquiry—are interdependent, much like the ocean and clouds. They, along with self-realization, are closely linked and always exist together.

The Practice of Self-Exertion:

Abandoning External Dependence: One must abandon reliance on external factors like gods, and with intense self-effort, cultivate dispassion. Wealth can be earned without violating local traditions or alienating relatives, but it should be used to associate with good and holy men. Such company generates dispassion, which then fosters inquiry, knowledge, and scripture study, leading to the supreme truth.

Pursuing the Supreme State: Turning completely away from the pursuit of pleasure allows one to attain the supreme state through inquiry. When the self is purified, one becomes firmly established in supreme peace, free from the mire of conceptualization, which causes sorrow. Living without hopes or expectations, one remains pure and auspicious.

Acquiring Wisdom: In line with social traditions, acquiring some wealth to associate with saints is beneficial. By their company, one gains disdain for pleasure objects. Through proper inquiry, self-knowledge is attained.

Bali's Realization:

Remembering Virocana's Words: Bali recalled his father's teachings and recognized that his craving for pleasure had ceased. He realized that true tranquility and peace come from inner calmness, where pleasures and pains lose their value.

Renouncing Worldly Pursuits: Bali decided to give up worldly pursuits and withdraw his mind from seeking pleasure, finding happiness in being established in the self. Understanding that the universe is a creation of the mind, he saw no loss in abandoning it.

Immediate Inquiry: Recognizing the importance of immediate treatment for the ailment of ignorance, Bali resolved to question his guru, Sukra, about the nature of the self, the world, and existence.

Vasistha's Commentary:

Sukra's Guidance: Understanding Bali's need, Sukra materialized before him. Bali, filled with reverence, asked Sukra about the truth of existence. Sukra, on his way to another realm, briefly imparted the essence of wisdom to Bali, stating that consciousness alone exists, and everything is filled with it. Understanding this core truth, Bali would attain infinite consciousness.

The Nature of Reality: Sukra explained that objectivity or conceptualization of consciousness leads to bondage, while its abandonment leads to liberation. Consciousness without objectivity is the reality of everything. When one is established in this vision, infinite consciousness is attained.

Action and Wisdom: Sukra emphasized that while the body lasts, one should not abandon appropriate actions, underscoring the importance of continued self-effort and right action.

Summary:

Virocana teaches the importance of self-knowledge in achieving dispassion and ending the craving for pleasure. He outlines the stages of awakening and emphasizes the need for intelligent inquiry and the company of wise men. Bali remembers these teachings, decides to renounce worldly pursuits, and seeks wisdom from his guru Sukra, who explains the nature of consciousness and the path to liberation. Vasistha concludes that true understanding and liberation come from direct self-effort and the right inquiry into the nature of existence.