Day 314 - The Final Teaching of Sage Vasistha

Vasistha's Closing Words to Rama

Sage Vasistha concluded his profound teachings by affirming that Rama now possesses all the knowledge worth knowing and has transcended delusion. Vasistha encourages Rama to integrate these teachings with his direct experience, comparing the enlightened mind to a polished mirror that reflects reality with perfect clarity. He emphasizes that all forms and experiences, both within and beyond the mind, are merely expressions of the infinite consciousness, which holds everything together in unity and diversity.

Vasistha further explains that in the eyes of the wise, concepts like "body," "dream," "reality," and "illusion" hold no concrete existence. Rather, all that exists is Brahman, the boundless consciousness that creates and experiences its own projections. Within this state, consciousness is self-sustaining and independent; it manifests as what it imagines, yet remains free from the bindings of what it creates.

The Infinite Nature of Reality and Creation

Rama asks about the nature of other realms and beings like the siddhas, sadhyas, and celestials. Vasistha reveals that each being perceives the universe according to its own consciousness, creating worlds within itself. Thus, many individuals may wish to be a "moon" or seek different experiences, yet each exists within its own space, as if in separate dream worlds. These subjective experiences, stabilized by the beings who hold them, form the "realities" within consciousness. Hence, the entire universe is essentially an infinite space of ideas and projections.

Vasistha illustrates that just as waves appear on the surface of the ocean, this universe is a temporary manifestation within the boundless consciousness. He encourages Rama to understand that while these forms are experienced as real, they are in essence as unreal as reflections in a mirror. Therefore, one need not become entangled in striving for temporary gains or attached to the appearance of diversity.

The Nature of the "I"-Notion and Liberation

Rama further inquires about the concept of "I" in Brahman. Vasistha explains that the notion of "I" arises within consciousness, bringing with it the ideas of time, space, and multiplicity. From this concept, the world of diversity seems to emerge. Yet, all of this is merely a play of consciousness, appearing only as long as one identifies with the notion of individuality. When one transcends this notion, the state of enlightenment brings liberation from duality and attachment.

The Parable of the Eternal Dialogue

Vasistha shares a memory from a past epoch when Rama, as Vasistha’s disciple, had posed similar questions. He recounts how he explained that at the end of the cosmic cycle, all that is seen perishes, including time, space, and the gods themselves. Only the infinite consciousness remains. However, this consciousness is beyond "being" and "non-being," as it is the source from which all appearances arise. Therefore, while the world may seem real in one state, upon enlightenment, one realizes it to be no more substantial than a dream.

The Grand Celebration

Upon realizing the supreme truth, Rama, King Dasaratha, and the assembly were filled with a profound sense of peace and accomplishment. Rama expresses his gratitude for Vasistha's guidance, recognizing that only through the sage's grace could he have transcended delusion and reached the state of nirvana. Dasaratha, as well as Lakshmana, Vishwamitra, Narada, and Satrughna, acknowledge their newfound clarity and joy.

In celebration, King Dasaratha invited ten thousand brahmanas to honor them with gifts, food, and feasts. The city filled with the sounds of music, dancing, and recitations of the Vedas. For a full week, the king held a grand celebration, marking the successful completion of Vasistha's teachings with joy and reverence.