Ancient Knowledge from Indian Texts

Day 160 The Path to Liberation: Conquering the Mind Virocana explains to Bali how to conquer the powerful minister – the mind – and attain liberation. Conquering the Invincible Minister Virocana acknowledges the immense power of the minister (mind) but assures Bali that it can be conquered with intelligent action. He warns that without this intelligent action, the mind can be destructive. Seeing the King and Subduing the Minister Virocana reveals the key to conquering the mind – seeing the king (true Self) and subduing the minister (mind). These go hand in hand. Intelligent Practice Virocana emphasizes the importance of "intelligent practice" for both seeing the Self and subduing the mind. This practice involves self-effort and steady practice. The Mind is the Minister Virocana clarifies that the minister referred to is the mind. The mind creates the illusion of the world and is responsible for suffering. Conquering the mind leads to conquering everything. Intelligent Means t...

Day 159 The Story of Bali: Seeking Liberation from the Cycle of Rebirth Vasistha continues his teachings on attaining liberation using the story of King Bali. King Bali and his Discontent King Bali ruled the netherworld (Patala) and was protected by Lord Vishnu himself. However, over time, Bali became disillusioned with worldly pleasures and the cycle of rebirth. Bali's Questions Bali pondered the impermanence of everything in the three worlds and the repetitive nature of worldly existence. He questioned the purpose of ruling and seeking worldly happiness if everything eventually ends. Remembering Virocana's Teachings Bali recalled his father, Virocana's teachings about a higher reality beyond the world of appearances. Virocana described a realm of pure light and a powerful minister who governs the three worlds. The Realm of Pure Light Virocana described a vast realm devoid of physical features like mountains, oceans, or even gods. In this realm exists only the supreme ligh...

Day 158 The Path to Liberation: Renouncing Craving and Attaining the Brahmic State Vasistha continues his discourse on achieving liberation, emphasizing the importance of renouncing craving. Pavana's Awakening and Liberation Punya's wise words awakened Pavana from his grief. Both brothers became enlightened beings, living freely yet flawlessly until attaining final liberation. Craving as the Root of Sorrow Vasistha emphasizes that craving is the root of all sorrow. True wisdom lies in completely renouncing desires, not indulging them. He uses the metaphor of fire – the more it's fueled, the fiercer it burns. Similarly, thinking multiplies by thinking, and only by stopping thought processes can one find peace. The Chariot of Non-Thinking Vasistha advises Rama to ascend the "chariot of non-thinking." With a compassionate and boundless vision, one can see the world suffering due to craving. The Brahmic State Vasistha describes the Brahmic state – pure, free from cr...

Day 157 The Story of Punya and Pavana: On Grieving and the Illusion of Duality Vasistha narrates the story of Punya and Pavana, two brothers, to illustrate the illusion of individuality and impermanence of worldly attachments. The Plight of Pavana Two brothers, Punya and Pavana, lived with their ascetic parents. Punya was fully enlightened, while Pavana had attained some wisdom but not complete enlightenment. Their parents passed away, and Pavana became overwhelmed with grief. Punya Offers Enlightenment Punya consoled Pavana, explaining that grief arises from ignorance. Their parents attained liberation, their natural state, and there's no reason to mourn their shedding the limitations of the body. He points out that Pavana's grief stems from clinging to the concepts of "father" and "mother." The Illusory Nature of Relationships Punya emphasizes that these are impermanent relationships. We've had countless parents and children throughout our many in...

Day 156 The Liberated Sage in Action: Playful Detachment and Unwavering Self-Knowledge Vasistha continues his discourse on the characteristics of a liberated sage while living in the world: The Disinterested Observer The liberated sage is a disinterested observer of the world's happenings, finding amusement in its ever-changing nature. They act appropriately without clinging to extremes or forming attachments. They remain unruffled by worldly events, established in a state of fullness. They are neutral in conflicts yet compassionate towards all. They speak only when necessary and are neither seeking nor hating anything. The Wise Counselor The liberated sage offers good advice, explains their views convincingly, and understands multiple perspectives. They remain calm and composed while observing the world with amusement. This is the state of liberation while living. Beyond Rituals and Materialism Vasistha emphasizes the futility of teaching those consumed by desires and worldly...

Day 155 Abandoning the Ego: Two Paths to Liberation Rama questions Vasistha on abandoning the ego. If he lets go of ego, wouldn't that mean giving up his body and everything associated with it? Two Kinds of Ego Abandonment Vasistha explains two approaches to abandoning the ego-sense and its associated cravings: Contemplative Egolessness: This involves recognizing the deluded notion that we belong to objects and depend on them. Through deep contemplation, one realizes this is not true and detaches from the ego while playfully engaging in natural actions with a tranquil mind. Direct Realization of Egolessness: This involves direct experience of the non-dual truth, where one sees no separation between oneself and the world. There's no feeling of "mine" even towards the body. Liberation Through Both Paths Vasistha explains that both contemplative and direct realization lead to liberation. Those who playfully abandon the ego through contemplation are liberated while ...

Day 154 The Mind: A Delusion and the Root of Suffering Vasistha continues his discourse on the mind and its role in suffering: Who Can Be Helped? Vasistha advises Rama that trying to help those with distorted minds is like trying to cover the sky with a small umbrella. Those controlled by their minds are like animals led by a rope. The wise don't waste their energy on such endeavors. However, they strive to uplift those who have conquered their minds and are ready for self-inquiry. The Illusory Mind Vasistha emphasizes that the mind is not real. It exists only as long as we forget our true Self. He instructs Rama to abandon the thought of the mind, as clinging to its existence is like a ghost haunting you. He explains that objectivity in consciousness leads to bondage, whereas abandoning this objectivity leads to liberation. Experiencing the qualities of nature leads to bondage, while detachment from them leads to liberation. Seeing Beyond Duality Vasistha teaches Rama to rem...

Day 153 The Mystery of the Mind: An Illusion that Binds Us Vasistha delves deeper into the puzzling nature of the mind: The Paradox of the Inert Mind Vasistha emphasizes that the mind is essentially inert and unreal. Yet, paradoxically, it holds immense power over us. People are "killed" by this "dead thing," consumed by its influence despite its lack of true substance. He compares it to being harmed by a lotus petal or the moon's heat – it's simply illogical. Ignorance Fuels Suffering Vasistha asserts that stupidity and ignorance are the root causes of all suffering. We cling to this unreal entity, strengthening it with our beliefs. He compares the world-illusion to a soldier imagining invisible chains and enemies. The very mind that creates this illusion can also dismantle it. The Unteachable Mind Vasistha warns that those clinging to the illusion of the world and its pleasures are unfit for true knowledge. Their minds are filled with fear, easily startled...

Day 152 Understanding the Self and the Mind (Simplified Explanation) The True Nature of the Self You Are the Self O Rama, you are the knower of everything, the self. You are the supreme being, non-different from the self that pervades all. By giving up the idea that objects are separate from the self, you won't be affected by joy or grief. The Yogi's Equanimity A true yogi sees a clod of earth and a nugget of gold equally and has abandoned all tendencies that confirm the world's illusions. Such a person remains calm and balanced in pain and pleasure, performing actions without attachment to their outcomes. The Role of Consciousness Mind and Consciousness Infinite consciousness is the only reality. The mind is inert by nature and borrows intelligence from consciousness to function. The mind perceives the universe by the power of consciousness. Understanding the Mind The mind exists by the grace of consciousness and entertains various thoughts. Consciousness without thoughts ...

Day 151 Following Janaka's Path to Self-Knowledge Vasistha exhorts Rama to emulate King Janaka's path to self-realization. Self-Inquiry and Liberation Vasistha emphasizes the importance of self-inquiry ( Atma Vichara ), similar to King Janaka's approach. Through persistent self-reflection, one overcomes the limitations of the senses and attains self-satisfaction ( Atma Tarpana ). This realization of the infinite Self ( Ananta Atman ) extinguishes sorrow, eliminates delusion, and brings an end to suffering. Vasistha urges Rama to be like Janaka and discover the Self within the inner light ( Atma Jyoti ). Self-Effort, Not External Practices Vasistha underscores the significance of self-effort ( Atma Nishtha ) through self-inquiry. Neither gods, rituals, wealth, nor family offer liberation. Only by overcoming the fear of illusion ( Maya Bhaya ) can one attain self-knowledge ( Atma Jnana ). Vasistha warns Rama against following the misguided teachings that rely on externa...

Day 150 The Enlightenment of King Janaka VASISTHA's Continued Narrative: Reflecting on these thoughts, King Janaka rose from his seat like the sun rising on the horizon and began his royal duties, free from any attachment. He had let go of all concepts of desirable and undesirable, acting spontaneously and appropriately, as if in a state of deep sleep while being fully awake. He performed his daily tasks, including honoring the holy ones, and at the end of the day, he retired to his seclusion to meditate deeply, a practice that came naturally to him. His mind had turned away from confusion and delusion, becoming firmly established in equanimity. When he woke up in the morning, King Janaka reflected: 'O restless mind! This worldly life does not bring you true happiness. Seek equanimity, where you will find peace, bliss, and truth. When you indulge in perverse thinking, the illusion of the world spreads out. Desire for pleasure causes this illusion to grow. Thought creates this n...

Day 149 The Enlightenment of King Janaka King Janaka's Realization VASISTHA continued: "After hearing the sages' words, King Janaka became deeply troubled. He hurried back to his palace and, dismissing all attendants, sought solitude in his chamber. In his anguish, he reflected: 'Alas, I am helplessly caught in this world of suffering. Life is but a fleeting moment in eternity, yet I have grown attached to it. What is the worth of sovereignty during one's lifetime? How foolish am I to think it indispensable! This brief life is insignificant against the vastness of eternity. Why do I value it so? Who has cast this illusion called the world, deluding me so? Realizing that all perceptions are in the mind, I will renounce the grasp of external objects. All worldly activities lead only to endless suffering. What hope can there be for true happiness? Day by day, I see happiness followed by sorrow and sorrow followed by more sorrow. Everything in this world is transient a...

Day 148 Discourse on the Nature of Actions and Liberation The Role of Consciousness in Actions VASISTHA continued: "O Rama, one who understands that all actions occur merely due to the presence of consciousness, just as a crystal reflects objects without any intention, is liberated. Those who do not engage in this non-volitional activity, despite being born as humans, continue to cycle between heaven and hell. Some people, devoted to inaction by rejecting or suppressing all actions, move from one misery to another, experiencing continuous sorrow and fear. Others, bound by their desires and actions' outcomes, are reborn as lower forms of life like worms and plants, repeating these cycles. Blessed are those who know the self, having deeply inquired into the nature of the mind and overcome all cravings; they ascend to higher states of consciousness. A person who is born for the last time now has a mix of purity (satva) and slight impurity (rajas). From birth, they grow in holines...

Day 147 Discourse on the Dissolution of the Universe and Attaining Supreme Peace Understanding the World and Seeking Truth VASISTHA said: "O Rama, please listen to this talk on how the universe dissolves and how to achieve supreme peace. This endless world-appearance is maintained by impure (rajasa) and dull (tamasa) beings, similar to how pillars support a structure. However, those with a pure nature (satva) can easily let go of it, just as a snake sheds its skin. Pure-minded people, whose actions (rajas) are guided by purity and light (satva), do not live mechanically but question the origin and nature of this world-appearance. By studying the right scriptures and being in the company of holy people, one gains clear understanding and sees the truth as if by the light of a lamp. Truth is truly known only when one perceives it directly through such inquiry. O Rama, you are naturally pure; thus, seek to understand what is true and what is false, and be devoted to the truth. What di...

Day 146 Part Five: On Dissolution The assembled audience, captivated by Vasistha's wisdom, dispersed for the midday break. King Dasaratha, his ministers, and even the gods and celestial beings eagerly awaited the sage's next discourse. After the evening session, Rama, unable to sleep, pondered Vasistha's teachings. Rama's mind grappled with profound questions: the nature of reality, the origin and purpose of beings, the mind's path to stillness, the illusion of Maya, and the possibility of liberation. He contemplated the means to conquer the senses and the mind, the root causes of suffering. He recognized the challenge of balancing the allure of pleasure with the pursuit of liberation. Rama yearned for a mind free from worldly illusion, a mind that tasted the supreme peace and wouldn't crave fleeting pleasures. He addressed his own mind, urging it to find solace in the wisdom of sages and his intellect to contemplate Vasistha's teachings, a path to liberatio...

Day 145 Vasistha's Guidance to Rama: The Path to Liberation The Importance of a Wise Teacher and Sacred Texts Vasistha emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from a qualified teacher – someone free from worldly desires and possessing direct experience of the truth. Studying scriptures under such a teacher's guidance, coupled with the practice of yoga, paves the way for attaining the ultimate state. Recognizing Rama's Spiritual Attainments Vasistha acknowledges Rama's spiritual prowess, highlighting his freedom from sorrow and equanimity. He urges Rama to discard all remaining delusions through his intelligence. Vasistha assures Rama that liberation awaits him once he detaches from worldly concerns and establishes himself in the state of non-dual consciousness. This enlightened state will serve as an inspiration for other self-realized beings. The Path of Right Living and Self-Inquiry Vasistha outlines a roadmap for Rama's earthly life. He advises Rama to...

Day 144 The Creation and Illusion of the World: A Discourse by Vasistha The World: A Transient Illusion Vasistha guides Rama towards a deeper understanding of the world's nature. While the world, composed of the five elements and the physical body, offers fleeting entertainment to the ignorant, it holds no value for the truly wise. Vasistha emphasizes the impermanence of this world, comparing it to a poisonous mirage that offers a deceptive sense of reality. The Birth of the Universe: A Creation of Thought Vasistha unveils the story of the Creator's emergence from the infinite consciousness. This Creator, upon awakening, uttered the sound "Brahma," giving rise to his very name. The first manifestation of the Creator's thought was light, followed by the visualization of his own cosmic body and the vast universe – from the sun to the tiniest speck of dust. Even the countless beings arose from sparks of the Creator's initial thought. The universe itself is a ...

Day 143 Vasistha's Analogy: Why Self-Knowledge Takes Time Rama, grappling with the nature of reality, inquires from Vasistha how the seemingly unreal world can coexist with the absolute Brahman, the ultimate reality. Vasistha, recognizing Rama isn't quite prepared for such profound knowledge, offers a gentle analogy. He compares Rama's current state to a child who wouldn't grasp the complexities of love stories. True comprehension of this deep truth requires dedicated self-effort and will blossom in due time. Vasistha then embarks on guiding Rama towards liberation. He outlines a path of progressive detachment, urging Rama to relinquish all attachments and preconceived notions, even noble ones like those associated with friendship. Ultimately, Rama must even surrender the act of renouncing itself. This complete surrender of the ego will lead him to a state of pure being, vast and boundless like infinite space. Vasistha emphasizes the paramount importance of self-knowled...

Day 142 The Story of Dasura and the Illusion of the World (Continued) Rama's Inquiry and Vasistha's Clarification: Rama: "O revered Vasistha, your words illuminate the path to liberation. However, a doubt persists in my mind. You speak of both the reality and the unreality of the world. How can both be true at the same time?" Vasistha: "Excellent question, Rama. The world appears real from the perspective of Maya, the illusory power that veils our true nature. But from the standpoint of the Self, the Atman, the world is ultimately unreal. It's like a dream – vivid and seemingly real while it lasts, but non-existent upon waking." The Analogy of the Rope and the Snake: Vasistha explains with an analogy: "Imagine seeing a rope in the dim light and mistaking it for a snake. Fear grips you because of this misconception. However, once you recognize the rope for what it truly is, the fear vanishes. Similarly, the world appears real because of our ignoran...

 Day 141 The Cause of Suffering and the Path to Liberation (Continued) Dasura's explanation to his son delves deeper into the root cause of suffering in the world – the illusion-creating power of notions (sankalpa). The Illusory King and the Nature of the Universe: Dasura clarifies that King Khottha, representing the ego, is nothing but a fleeting notion that arises and dissolves in the vast emptiness. This notion is the source of the entire universe, including the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The city built by the king symbolizes the living being with its various organs and functions. The different kinds of beings within the city represent the diversity of existence, all products of the ego's illusion. The Role of Ahamkara and the Cycle of Rebirths: The illusory city is guarded by ghosts, which represent ahamkara, the ego-principle. Ahamkara creates a false sense of separation between the self and the world, leading to attachment and the cycle of rebirths. Dasura...

Day 140 The Story of Dasura and the Illusion of the World  Vasistha's narration of the story of Dasura serves as a powerful allegory to illustrate the ignorance that binds most people to the cycle of birth and death and the path to liberation through self-knowledge. The Disinterested Majority and the Wise Seeker: Vasistha begins by highlighting the indifference of most people towards the truth. They are consumed by the pursuit of pleasure and power, blind to the impermanence of the world. In contrast, he acknowledges the existence of those wise individuals who perceive the world's illusory nature. These seekers, armed with this knowledge, can choose liberation through self-knowledge. Vasistha emphasizes this point by urging Rama to be wise and avoid the ignorance that makes people focus solely on the impermanent physical body. Dasura's Journey from Orphan to Ascetic: The story then delves into the life of Dasura, a young sage who loses his parents at a young age. Here, the ...

Day 139 The Illusory Nature of the Universe and the Path to Liberation (Continued) Vasistha's teachings delve deeper into the illusory nature of the universe and the path to self-realization. The Mind and the Reflection of Consciousness: Vasistha explains that the universe appears as a reflection of the infinite consciousness, similar to how the eyes perceive the world. The mind, with its inherent powers, creates this illusion. Just like a lamp extinguished due to lack of fuel, the universe ceases to exist when the mind stops entertaining such notions. The Unreality of Duality: Vasistha emphasizes the unreality of the world. It's neither something to be pursued nor avoided. When desire, the root cause of this world-appearance, ceases, the world dissolves. True reality is the ever-existing infinite consciousness, Brahman. From this perspective, there's no reason for sorrow. Equanimity and Self-Knowledge: Vasistha guides Rama towards equanimity. Whether the world appears real...

Day 138 Rama Learns About the Jiva and the Illusion of Duality Vasistha guides Rama deeper into the nature of reality, explaining how the infinite consciousness appears as individual beings and the universe itself. The Infinite Consciousness and Its Manifestations: Vasistha uses the analogy of a calm ocean that appears agitated in certain areas. Similarly, the infinite consciousness, though nondual, seems to manifest diverse forms in certain aspects. This is the natural play of its infinite power. The Role of Time, Space, and Causation: The infinite consciousness interacts with time, space, and causation to manifest its infinite names and forms. These names and forms, however, are ultimately not separate from the underlying consciousness. The Witness Consciousness and the Jiva: The aspect of the infinite consciousness that relates itself to these manifestations is called the "knower of the field" or the witness consciousness. The body is the field, and the witness cons...