Day 273 - Vasistha's Final Teachings on Desire, Consciousness, and Liberation

Day 273 - Vasistha's Final Teachings on Desire, Consciousness, and Liberation

The Illusory Nature of the World and Desire

Vasistha continues by explaining that the universe, as perceived through consciousness, is similar to a hallucination. What seems real to one person, like a child’s imaginary world, is not experienced by others. The universe exists only as consciousness, and Vasistha asserts that he perceives only this pure consciousness—not the external world or egosense. The true nature of reality is absolute peace, and even the dialogue between Vasistha and Rama exists only in Rama’s consciousness. For one who has transcended desire, the world becomes like an empty reed, devoid of essence.

Desire is the root of samsara (the cycle of birth and death), and its cessation brings about supreme joy. Vasistha emphasizes that yoga is about eliminating the poison of desire. Even if a person has desires, they must realize that there is nothing to desire because everything is ultimately consciousness. The concept of possessing or acquiring anything is an illusion. Just as a black moon does not exist, the object of desire is an illusory appearance.

The Role of Desire in Creation and Liberation

Rama asks if desire is part of Brahman, and Vasistha explains that once self-knowledge arises, desire naturally ceases, just as darkness vanishes when the sun rises. In a state of enlightenment, there is neither attraction to nor aversion from worldly objects. Desires no longer arise naturally in the heart of the wise, and even if desires appear, they are recognized as Brahman itself, without causing attachment or disturbance.

The enlightened being, having realized the emptiness of objects, experiences liberation. They see no essence in worldly things and have no taste for fleeting pleasures. This leads to freedom from mental agitation, and the wise one remains at peace, indifferent to whether they act or refrain from acting. Vasistha notes that such a person no longer distinguishes between unity and duality—they treat both equally, resting in the bliss of Brahman.

The Transformation of Sorrow into Joy

Vasistha explains that an enlightened being transforms even sorrow into joy. They are established in the realization that space rests in space, and the world is simply Brahman, or pure consciousness. The egosense, which once seemed real, vanishes upon this realization. The world is like an illusory city—neither real nor unreal, and ultimately indescribable. Therefore, whether desire or non-desire arises, the enlightened being remains unaffected.

The World as Consciousness

The entire world is pure consciousness, and even the diverse objects within it are not separate from consciousness. Vasistha explains that creation itself, whether by Brahma or by the mind, is essentially the same—arising from the self or infinite consciousness. The subject and object of experience are both forms of this consciousness, and through this oneness, experience occurs. There is no duality, and all distinctions—such as mind, body, and elements—are ultimately unreal. They are merely appearances that arise within the infinite consciousness, like waves on an ocean.

Desire and Liberation

Vasistha continues by emphasizing that desire is samsara—the cycle of birth, old age, and death. When desire is eliminated, liberation (moksha) is attained. The only true remedy for the pain caused by desire is self-knowledge. While false remedies, like indulging in desire, offer no real solution, the abandonment of desire brings about peace.

The body and mind, which are products of consciousness, appear to be real but are ultimately void. The entire world is a wave in the ocean of infinite consciousness—arising without cause and disappearing without effect. Therefore, yogis and enlightened beings can perceive the world as both void and real, depending on their state of consciousness.

The Power of Self-Knowledge

Vasistha concludes by reminding Rama that self-knowledge is the only means to liberation. When one understands that there is no I and that the world is but an illusion, they attain freedom from duality and live in peace. Desire no longer arises in the heart of one who understands this truth. The false egosense, which gave rise to suffering, vanishes.

The infinite consciousness is the ultimate reality, free from all notions of creation and destruction. The enlightened being sees the world as a reflection in a mirror—unaffected by the reflection itself. They live in a state of peace, knowing that there is no difference between life and death, desire and non-desire, or creation and dissolution.