Day 187 - The Sage Vitahavya's Journey of Self-Inquiry

Day 187 - The Sage Vitahavya's Journey of Self-Inquiry

Setting the Stage Vasishtha shared with Rama the story of Vitahavya, a sage who roamed the Vindhya mountains. Disenchanted with worldly affairs, Vitahavya retreated to his hermitage for deep contemplation.

Observing the Mind's Nature

The Fickle Mind Vitahavya first noticed his mind's restlessness, how it bounced between senses and chased after objects.

Addressing the Senses He spoke to his senses, reminding them of their inert nature and lack of true intelligence.

Deeper Inquiry into Mind and Self

Questioning the Mind's Reality Vitahavya challenged his mind's notions of being the doer and enjoyer, calling these poisonous delusions.

The Mind's True Source He explained that the mind's intelligence comes from infinite consciousness, comparing it to a sickle harvesting with the farmer's energy.

The Nature of Self-Knowledge Vitahavya reflected on how the self or infinite consciousness knows itself by itself.

Realizing the Illusion of Separation

The Mind's Non-existence He pondered why the mind should grieve if it's truly infinite consciousness.

Relationship Between Mind and Self Vitahavya noted the lack of true relationship between mind and self, comparing it to fragrance and flower.

Benefits of Transcending the Mind

Positive Outcomes He outlined the benefits of the mind's cessation: peace, purity of heart, absence of doubts, universal friendship, and true bliss.

The Path to Self-Knowledge Vitahavya described how self-knowledge arises when the mind ceases, ending the perception of world-illusion.

Final Realizations

The Mind's Origin and Dissolution He concluded that the mind arose from ignorance and ceases through inquiry and wisdom.

Ultimate Truth Vitahavya's final realization: "There is indeed no mind: the self alone exists. I am that self; there's nothing else in the universe."

Through this profound self-inquiry, Vitahavya transcended the illusions of mind and individual self, recognizing the sole reality of infinite consciousness.