Day 193 -Nirvana-Prakarana - On the Perfect Calm and Composure of the Mind

Day 193 -Nirvana-Prakarana

Chapter II: On the Perfect Calm and Composure of the Mind

Argument

The sages join the assembly the next morning and preach divine knowledge to the audience.

The Beginning of a New Day

The Dissipation of Night

Valmiki describes the night as a face as dark as the darkened moon, gradually disappearing like ignorance and human desires before the light of reason.

  1. The rising sun crowned with golden rays on the eastern horizon symbolizes the dispelling of darkness and ignorance.
  2. The morning breeze, moistened by moonbeams and ice particles, refreshes the rising sun, signifying the renewal of the day.

Morning Rituals

Rama, Lakshmana, and their attendants rise from their beds, perform their morning services, and proceed to the holy hermitage of Sage Vasishtha.

  1. They see the Sage emerging from his morning devotion and offer him arghya (flowers and presents).
  2. The hermitage becomes crowded with munis (sages), Brahmans, princes, and chiefs, their vehicles blocking the pathways.

Assembly at the Palace

The Sage, accompanied by the gathering, proceeds to King Dasaratha’s palace, greeted with great honor and respect.

  1. The king, having completed his morning service, walks to welcome and honor the Sage.
  2. They enter a court hall adorned with flowers, gems, and pearls, where they sit on arranged sofas and seats.
  3. The previous day's audience, including both terrestrial men and celestial spirits, assembles and takes their respective seats.

The Calm Assembly

Harmony and Quietness

The assembly greets each other respectfully, and the court hall shines brilliantly, resembling a bed of blooming lotuses.

  1. The gentle sounds of mutual greetings fade away, and the hall falls silent, anticipating the Sage’s lecture.
  2. The sunbeams through the windows seem to join the audience, eager to listen to the Sage’s teachings.

Attentive Audience

The sound of bracelets from visitors shaking hands seems to lull the hearers, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

  1. Rama’s attentive gaze upon Sage Vasishtha is compared to Kumara's reverence for Shiva, Kacha’s veneration for Brihaspati, Prahlada’s respect for Shukra, and Suparna’s admiration for Krishna.
  2. Rama’s eyes, like black bees on a lotus, are fixed on Vasishtha’s countenance.

The Sage’s Teaching

Introduction to the Lecture

Sage Vasishtha resumes his discourse, addressing Rama and reminding him of the previous day's deep and meaningful lecture.

  1. Vasishtha prepares to impart further spiritual wisdom to Rama, urging him to listen attentively for the consummation of his spiritual knowledge.
  2. The practice of dispassion and the knowledge of truth are emphasized as means to traverse the turbulent ocean of worldly existence.

Knowledge of Brahma

Vasishtha elaborates on the nature of Brahma, the ultimate reality, and the path to inner peace.

  1. Brahma, unbounded by space and time, is the singular reality underlying all dualities.
  2. Understanding Brahma's nature leads to liberation from egoism and the realization of one's bodiless, infinite essence.
  3. The concepts of mind, ignorance, and the living principle are revealed as fictitious terms for Brahma's manifestations.
  4. The universal presence of Brahma in all forms, including desires, faculties, and perceptions, is likened to the ocean surrounding the earth.

Spiritual Liberation

The discourse continues with insights into overcoming the delusions of the mind and attaining spiritual liberation.

  1. The mind's errors persist as long as one identifies with the body and perceives the world as real.
  2. Association with the wise and good, and the light of universal spirit, help dispel ignorance.
  3. Liberation from worldly desires and the recognition of the body's extraneous nature lead to inner tranquility.

The State of a Liberated Soul

Vasishtha describes the characteristics of a liberated soul, highlighting the calm and composed state of the mind.

  1. The liberated soul is free from desires, unattached to sensual enjoyments, and sees the world as an extension of the universal soul.
  2. The mind of a liberated person is passive, performing duties without volition, and free from selfishness.
  3. Such individuals exhibit tranquility, control over their senses, and freedom from the delusions of the mind.

Ultimate Realization

Vasishtha concludes with the ultimate realization of the soul's oneness with Brahma, transcending all dualities.

  1. The knowledge of Brahma dispels the mind’s misconceptions, leading to a serene and enlightened state.
  2. The liberated soul views the universe as an intellectual manifestation of Brahma, recognizing its illusory nature.
  3. This realization brings about a profound inner peace, free from the anxieties and desires of worldly existence.

Advisory to Modern Society

The teachings of Sage Vasishtha offer profound insights into achieving inner calm and composure. In today's fast-paced world, these principles can guide individuals towards a more balanced and peaceful life. Embracing dispassion, understanding the transient nature of worldly desires, and recognizing the oneness of all existence with the universal spirit can help alleviate stress and anxiety. By cultivating inner tranquility and detachment, individuals can navigate life's challenges with greater wisdom and equanimity, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and harmonious existence.

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