Ancient Knowledge from Indian Texts

Day 255-  The Parable of the Elephant and the Pit  Overcoming Ignorance The Elephant as a Symbol for You Cudala, disguised as a Brahmana, explained the deeper meaning of the second parable to King Sikhidhvaja. The elephant in the Vindhya hills symbolized the king himself, with his two powerful tusks representing viveka (wisdom) and vairagya (dispassion). However, the rider controlling the elephant represented ignorance , which had overpowered even the mighty elephant. In the same way, despite all the wisdom Sikhidhvaja possessed, he was still controlled by ignorance. The cage that trapped the elephant was the cage of desires , a stronger force than any material imprisonment. While the elephant escaped its physical cage, the rider (ignorance) continued to control it, just as Sikhidhvaja had renounced his kingdom but remained mentally trapped by ignorance and desires. The Trap of Asceticism When the king abandoned worldly pleasures and retreated to the forest, he had wounde...

Day 254 The Story of Cintamani A Lesson in True Renunciation A Man's Quest for the Celestial Jewel The Brahmana (Cudala, disguised) began telling King Sikhidhvaja a story about a man who had both wealth and wisdom but lacked self-awareness. This man, clever and ambitious, desired the celestial jewel known as Cintamani , a legendary stone believed to fulfill all desires. Driven by his intense effort, the jewel appeared before him in a surprisingly short time. However, despite the jewel being within his reach, the man’s prolonged struggle and suffering caused doubt to cloud his mind. He mused, “Is this truly the Cintamani ? How could I, a mere mortal with little austerity, attain this so soon? Surely, it must be an illusion.” In his uncertainty, he hesitated to touch the jewel. As a result, the precious stone disappeared before his eyes. The Consequences of Doubt and Delusion Though the jewel had vanished, the man did not abandon his quest. He continued his austerities, determined to...

Day 253 - The Brahmana’s Wisdom: A Story of Narada and Self-Control Narada’s Encounter and Momentary fall. Contd..... Narada’s Realization and the Birth of Kumbha The Brahmana continued with the tale of Narada. Despite a brief moment of losing control, Narada quickly regained his composure. He through the power of his thoughts created a perfect infant. Narada named the child Kumbha and imparted the highest wisdom to him as he grew. Later, Narada took Kumbha to Brahma, his father, who conferred the highest wisdom upon the boy. Kumbha, now a radiant and enlightened being, wandered the world freely, without any attachments. This, the Brahmana revealed, was the boy standing before Sikhidhvaja. Sikhidhvaja’s Realization and Gratitude Moved by the Brahmana’s story and wisdom, Sikhidhvaja realized that it was only through many good deeds in past lives that he had the fortune of meeting such a wise teacher. He confessed that nothing in the world could bring the peace that the company of holy b...

Day 252 - The Brahmana’s Wisdom: A Story of Narada and Self-Control Narada’s Encounter and Momentary Fall The Brahmana (Queen Cudala in disguise) began narrating a story to King Sikhidhvaja, speaking of the great sage Narada. One day, Narada was deep in meditation in a cave by the holy river Ganga. As his meditation concluded, he heard the sound of bracelets from nearby water-sports. Drawn by curiosity, Narada looked and saw celestial nymphs, indescribably beautiful, playing naked in the water. For a moment, Narada's heart was overwhelmed by pleasure, and his mind lost its equilibrium, clouded by lust. Sikhidhvaja’s Question: How Can Even the Wise Be Overcome by Lust? Confused, Sikhidhvaja asked, "How could a sage as great as Narada, one free from desires and attachments, be overcome by lust?" The Brahmana’s Explanation: The Nature of the Embodied Self The Brahmana explained that as long as a being has a body, it is subject to the dual forces of pleasure and pain, happine...

Day 251 - The Story of the Philosopher's Stone: A Lesson in Enlightenment Queen Cudala’s Powers and Her Unwavering Devotion Vasistha began by recounting the story of Queen Cudala, a great Siddha-Yogini endowed with extraordinary psychic powers. She could travel across the skies, explore the deepest oceans, and even move effortlessly through substances like wood, rock, and water. She mingled with celestial beings and sages without leaving the side of her husband, King Sikhidhvaja. Despite her powers, Cudala's husband remained ignorant of higher spiritual truths. She made many attempts to enlighten him, but her efforts were met with laughter and dismissal. Sikhidhvaja was blinded by delusion and did not respond to her wisdom. Sensing his resistance, Cudala wisely refrained from flaunting her abilities before him. Rama’s Question: How Can One Attain Enlightenment? Rama was puzzled and asked, "If even a powerful yogini like Cudala couldn’t bring enlightenment to her husband, h...

Day 250 - Rama’s Question on Kundalini and Consciousness Rama asked Vasistha , "Isn't infinite consciousness always indivisible? If so, how does kundalini arise and reveal this consciousness?" The Nature of Infinite Consciousness Vasistha responded , Indeed, infinite consciousness is always present, unchanging, and pervasive, much like space. However, it manifests differently depending on various conditions. Just as the sun reflects uniquely when its rays hit a mirror, consciousness, though ever-present, appears differently in individuals. In some, it seems hidden, while in others, it shines brightly. This consciousness itself is the foundation of the five elements. With your consciousness, you perceive this same consciousness in the elements and the world around you, much like using one lamp to light many others. The world, as we know it, is merely the movement of energy in consciousness, appearing as the elements, nature, and living beings. The Play of Energy and Nature...

Unlocking the Power of Antravestika Nadi Introduction In yogic philosophy, Antravestika Nadi is a vital energy channel located at the base of the spine. It plays a crucial role in energizing the entire nadi system and awakening Kundalini energy. What is Antravestika Nadi? Antravestika Nadi is the central energizer of the nadi system, distributing prana to the various nadis and chakras. Its activation and purification are essential for spiritual growth, higher awareness, and liberation from worldly illusions. Yogic Practices for Activating Antravestika Nadi - Pranayama (Breathwork) : Practice Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) and Kapalbhati to clear blockages and purify Antravestika Nadi. - Kundalini Yoga: Use advanced Kundalini Yoga practices to activate and balance Antravestika Nadi and initiate the rise of Kundalini energy. - Meditation: Focus on chakra meditation on the Muladhara chakra, visualizing prana flowing from the base of the spine through Antravestika Nadi. Bene...

Day 249 -  The Radiance of Cudala Vasistha continued: As time passed, Queen Cudala became more inwardly focused, finding increasing joy in the bliss of the self. She was free from desires and attachments, acting naturally and spontaneously without seeking or avoiding anything. She had crossed beyond the cycle of worldly existence and rested in a state of profound peace. Her self-knowledge made her radiant, and she realized that this world, just like it had appeared, would one day vanish. Noticing her extraordinary radiance and calmness, King Sikhidhvaja asked her, "You seem to have regained your youth and shine with a unique light. You seem undisturbed by anything and filled with bliss. Have you discovered some divine secret or nectar?" Cudala’s Response: Cudala replied, "I have let go of this empty world that only appears to have substance. I am rooted in truth, not in appearances, and that is why I am radiant. I remain in a state that is both real and unreal, knowing i...

Day 248 -   The Story of Sikhidhvaja and Cudala Vasistha began: Rama, like the noble King Bhagiratha, you should remain steady and unmoved in life. Now, let me tell you the story of Sikhidhvaja, a king from the Malva kingdom. Sikhidhvaja was wise and virtuous, ruling his kingdom justly from a young age after the early death of his father. As spring arrived, he began to yearn for a companion, and his ministers, understanding his desires, arranged his marriage to Cudala, a princess from the Saurastra kingdom. Sikhidhvaja and Cudala were deeply in love, inseparable in their devotion to each other. They shared everything—knowledge, wisdom, and the joys of life—so much so that they seemed like one soul in two bodies. Their love was pure and strong, akin to that of the divine couple, Vishnu and his consort. Vasistha continued: For many years, they lived in happiness, but as time passed, they began to reflect on the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures. Realizing that all earthly joy...

Day 247 -   The Story of Bhagiratha Vasistha narrates: Once upon a time, there was a noble king named Bhagiratha. He was deeply devoted to dharma (righteousness) and was known for his generosity towards the pious and his efforts to punish wrongdoers. Bhagiratha worked tirelessly to eliminate the roots of poverty and found great joy in the company of holy men, where his heart overflowed with devotion. Bhagiratha is famous for bringing the holy river Ganga down from the heavens to the earth, a task that required him to overcome immense difficulties and seek the blessings of the gods Brahma, Siva, and the sage Jahnu. Despite facing many setbacks and frustrations, he remained determined. From a young age, Bhagiratha was wise and dispassionate. One day, reflecting on the futility of worldly life, he thought, "This life is meaningless and repetitive. Day and night pass endlessly, with people engaged in the same pointless activities. True action is that which leads to the highest goa...

Day 246 - The Story of Bhagiratha The King's Explanation: In the supreme self, elements like time, space, and motion appear like tiny particles of dust. These elements are not separate realities but are movements within pure consciousness, which is also pure intelligence. Though the self, or Brahman, seems to move from one dream-world to another, it never loses its true nature or becomes unaware of itself. Just as peeling a banana stem reveals layer after layer of the same substance, when we deeply investigate this world, we find it is none other than Brahman. This Brahman is often described as truth or reality, though it is beyond description and can also be referred to as emptiness or the indescribable. Whatever we experience as real is, in fact, pure consciousness. Like the banana stem, every part of the world is made of the same essence—pure consciousness. The self is said to be atomic because it is extremely subtle and intangible, yet it is also infinite and the very source of...

Day 245 -  The Story of the Vampire Vasistha explains: True liberation (moksha) occurs when ignorance is dispelled through self-inquiry. In this state, the individual soul (jiva) and the mind cease to exist as separate entities. The ego and other mental constructs, which are as illusory as a mirage, disappear when examined closely with the light of knowledge. Let me tell you a story to illustrate this, featuring a vampire who asked some profound questions. The Vampire's Questions: In the Vindhya forests, there lived a vampire. One day, it entered a new territory, seeking to satisfy its hunger. However, this vampire had a rule: it would not kill unless the person deserved it. Finding no such person in the forest, it ventured into a city and approached the king. The vampire said to the king: "O king, I will not harm you unless you deserve it. You are known for fulfilling the desires of those in need, so I ask you to fulfill mine. I have a few questions, and I expect correct answ...

Day 244 -  Why Lord Siva's Form is Unique Rama's question: Why does Lord Siva appear unclothed, living in cremation grounds, adorned with skulls, covered in ashes, and seemingly overcome by desires? Vasistha's response: The actions of divine beings like gods, enlightened sages, and liberated individuals do not follow ordinary rules or social norms—these are created by people who do not understand deeper truths. However, for the ignorant, who are strongly conditioned by their minds, rules are necessary to maintain order in society. Without these rules, chaos would reign, where the strong would overpower the weak. A wise person, on the other hand, naturally controls their desires and lives with awareness. They act spontaneously, without attachment to outcomes, like a coconut falling from a tree, unaffected by external events. Their actions are pure, beyond judgment, and they may choose to act or remain inactive. Even the divine beings like Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva take on inc...

  Day 243: The Nature of the Mind and Its Role in Bondage Understanding the Dynamics of the Mind and the Path to Liberation The Mind as the Source of Bondage Vasistha begins by emphasizing that the mind is the root cause of all bondage. He explains that the mind is a bundle of thoughts, impressions ( samskaras ), and desires ( vasanas ). When the mind identifies with the body, senses, and external objects, it creates the illusion of duality and separation. This illusion leads to attachment, desire, and suffering, which bind the jiva to the cycle of birth and death. The mind, when clouded by ignorance, perceives the world as real and independent, leading to the experience of pleasure and pain. Vasistha compares the mind to a mirror that reflects whatever it faces. When the mind is turned outward, it reflects the external world and becomes entangled in it. This entanglement is the source of bondage, as the mind loses sight of its true nature as pure consciousness. The Purification o...

  Day 242: The Subtle Body and the Notion of Rebirth Understanding the Ativahika and the Cycle of Birth Introduction On Day 242, Vasistha continues to explore the nature of the jiva and its connection to the physical and subtle bodies. He elaborates on how the jiva , through the subtle body known as puryastaka or ativahika , experiences the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The subtle body is the vehicle that carries the impressions and tendencies of the jiva from one life to the next, thus perpetuating the illusion of individuality and separation from the infinite consciousness. The Subtle Body: Ativahika Vasistha begins by explaining that the ativahika or puryastaka is the subtle body that accompanies the jiva throughout its journey across different lifetimes. This subtle body is composed of mind, intellect, ego, and the subtle forms of the five elements. It is this puryastaka that gives rise to the sense of individuality and the perception of the physical world. The sub...

  Day 241: The Nature of Perception and the Role of the Jiva Exploring the Illusory World The Illusory Nature of Perception Vasistha begins by explaining that the external world we perceive is not an independent reality but a projection of the jiva ’s consciousness. The jiva , due to its conditioning, sees this projection as something outside itself, thereby giving rise to the illusion of a separate, objective world. He emphasizes that this perception is like a reflection in a mirror. The mirror (consciousness) reflects the image (the world), but the reflection is not real; it is merely an appearance. Similarly, the world we experience is a reflection within consciousness, not an independent reality. The jiva ’s ignorance leads it to mistake this reflection for the true nature of reality, thus binding it further into the cycle of existence. The Role of the Senses and the Mind Vasistha explains that the senses and the mind are the primary instruments through which the jiva perceive...

  Day 240: Understanding Bondage and Liberation Unraveling the Layers of Conditioning Introduction Vasistha continues to delve into the concepts of bondage and liberation, explaining how the jiva (individual soul) becomes trapped in the cycle of birth and rebirth due to psychological conditioning. He elaborates on how this conditioning creates the illusion of separation from the infinite consciousness, leading to the experience of duality and suffering. Vasistha also discusses the different states of consciousness, outlining the path to liberation. The Role of Psychological Conditioning Vasistha explains that bondage arises from psychological conditioning, which shapes the jiva ’s perception of reality. This conditioning causes the jiva to identify with the body and mind, creating a sense of separation from the infinite consciousness. This identification leads to the experience of duality, suffering, and limitation. He compares conditioning to dust on a mirror. The mirror (the se...

  Day 239: The Beginning of the Journey Understanding the Illusion As we continue to embark on the journey with Vasistha and Rama, the very foundation of reality is questioned. The story begins with the sage Vasistha explaining to Rama the nature of the world they perceive around them. Vasistha, with his profound wisdom, emphasizes that what we consider to be real is not truly so. The world we see, the experiences we undergo, and the bodies we inhabit—all of these are part of an elaborate illusion crafted by the mind. The Illusory Nature of Reality Vasistha starts by describing how the world, as we perceive it, is essentially a projection of consciousness. This consciousness, infinite and boundless, manifests itself in various forms, giving rise to the universe and all its contents. However, these forms are not the ultimate reality; they are merely appearances, like reflections in a mirror. The reality behind these appearances is something far more profound, something that is beyon...

Day 238- Understanding the Story of the Hundred Rudras: A Journey Through Illusion and Reality The Yoga Vasistha   explores deep philosophical ideas through stories. One such story is the "Story of the Hundred Rudras," which helps us understand the nature of reality, illusion, and self-realization. The Swan Who Became Rudra The story begins with a swan who, upon seeing Lord Rudra (a form of the god Shiva), suddenly feels, "I am Rudra." This strong belief causes the swan to leave its body and actually become Rudra. Now, as Rudra, the swan begins to reflect on the strange nature of the world and life itself. Rudra's Realization Rudra, now fully aware of his transformation, starts to recall all his past lives. He realizes that everything he experienced was like a dream, a play of illusion known as Maya . He remembers being a monk, a king, a nymph, a deer, a creeper, and even a bee. Each time, he believed he was that specific form, and so he became it. This journey ...

Day 237:  The Legend of the Mendicant The Power of Thought Vasistha narrates the story of a mendicant whose purified mind could materialize thoughts. Tired of meditation, he dreamt of being born in a non-Brahmana family. He then dreamt of being a Brahmana, a king, and various other forms, each dream leading to another. The mendicant's mind, having been purified by meditation, possessed the power to materialize its thoughts. One day, tired of continuous meditation, he fancied birth as an illiterate person from a non-Brahmana family. Instantly, he became a tribesman and experienced life as Jivata. Cycle of Dreams In each dream, the mendicant experienced different lives, from a tribesman to a celestial nymph, a deer, a creeper, a bee, and an elephant. Each form led to another dream, illustrating the endless cycle of dreams and the power of the mind to create various realities. While living as Jivata, he got drunk, slept, and dreamt that he was a Brahmana endowed with scriptural know...

Day 236:  The Dreamlike Nature of Creation The Illusory World Rama asks how the world, though a dream of Brahma, appears so real. Vasistha explains that the first creation of Brahma is observed as real due to the infinite nature of consciousness. Creation, born of ignorance, appears solid due to the emergence of the ego-sense. Even though the world is a dream of the Creator, it appears real to those within the dream. The first creation of Brahma is observed as real because consciousness is infinite. The creation of the jiva also takes place everywhere. This creation, born of ignorance, appears solid due to the emergence of the ego-sense. The dreamer does not realize the evanescence of the objects seen in the dream; similarly, the cosmic dream of the Creator appears real. The Power of the Mind The mind has the power to create extraordinary phenomena, making the unreal appear real. This world, born of the unreal concept of the Creator’s dream, should be firmly rejected. The creati...