Ancient Knowledge from Indian Texts

Day 285 - Non-dual nature of Reality In this section of The Yoga Vasistha , the sage Vasistha continues to explore the profound nature of reality, perception, and consciousness in response to Rama’s questions. Here’s a breakdown of the main points: 1. The Reality of Creation: Rama's Query on Reality: Rama asks whether the objects and forms that arise from the dynamic energy (Shakti or Prakriti) are real or false. Vasistha responds that they are indeed real because they arise within consciousness and are experienced by consciousness itself. Just as a mirror reflects objects, consciousness reflects within itself. Therefore, even if these forms are illusory, they are real in the sense that they are experienced. Consciousness as the Basis of Reality: Vasistha emphasizes that whatever is perceived in consciousness is real to the perceiving self, even if it may not be real for someone else. The reality of the external world depends on the observer’s state of consciousness, much like dr...

Day 284 - The vision of Kali and Rudra’s dance In this passage from The Yoga Vasistha , the world within the rock unveils itself as an extraordinary vision of cosmic dance and dissolution. Vasistha’s descriptions highlight profound metaphysical insights, blending both symbolic and literal interpretations of the universe’s cyclical processes. Here’s a breakdown of the key themes: 1. The Dance of Rudra and Kalaratri: Rudra’s Dance: Rudra, a form of Shiva representing cosmic destruction, is depicted as dancing in space. His movements embody the dissolution of the universe. As he dances, a shadow (female figure) steps forward—this is Kalaratri , also known as Kali or Bhagavati , the dark goddess of death and dissolution. Kalaratri’s Appearance: Kali is depicted in terrifying and ever-changing forms. Her body encompasses vast stretches of space, with her arms extending to infinity, symbolizing her cosmic scale. Her body becomes a mirror, reflecting entire universes, with mountains, gods,...

Day 283 - The Final Stage of Cosmic Dissolution In this passage from the Yoga Vasistha , Vasistha continues to elaborate on the events during the cosmic dissolution, the role of Rudra (the cosmic force of destruction), and the nature of existence itself. The narrative paints a vivid picture of how the universe collapses and returns to its primordial state, while also delving deep into metaphysical concepts. The Final Stage of Cosmic Dissolution Destruction of the Universe : Vasistha describes the aftermath of destruction, where the entire universe is consumed by the elements. The space is filled with ashes, the winds blow fiercely, and torrential rains pour down, creating a chaotic symphony of destruction. This climactic moment signals the complete breakdown of all natural order, with elements fighting against each other—fire, wind, and water are in conflict, throwing the remains of mountains, cities, and planets into disarray. The rain finally extinguishes the cosmic fires, leaving be...

Day 282 -  The Cosmic Person (Virat) and His Two Bodies In this continuation of Yoga Vasistha , Vasistha describes the cosmic dissolution, where the very fabric of the universe disintegrates as Brahma, the cosmic creator, withdraws his life force. The passage is filled with vivid, apocalyptic imagery, illustrating the immense power of cosmic forces at play during the final stages of creation's destruction. The Cosmic Person (Virat) and His Two Bodies Vasistha begins by explaining that the cosmic person (Virat) has two bodies: The Superior Body : This is pure consciousness, eternal, without beginning, end, or division. The World : This is the physical manifestation, akin to a temporary shell or "egg," that the cosmic person can perceive from outside, similar to how a hen views an egg. In this vision, the cosmic person divides the universe, symbolically creating the sky from the upper part and the earth from the lower part of the egg, with the space in between representi...

Day 281 -  The Cosmic Dissolution In this continuation of Yoga Vasistha , Vasistha delves deeper into the cosmic dissolution, explaining how even the elements and celestial bodies cease to function when Brahma, the cosmic creator, withdraws his life-force (prana). This event marks the unraveling of the universe as all motion and existence are tied to the sustaining power of consciousness, which Brahma represents. The Cosmic Dissolution and Withdrawal of Prana When Brahma withdraws the prana that sustains the universe, the air stops moving , and the stars fall from their orbits like flowers from trees. Even the siddhas (perfected beings) and gods like Indra begin to fall, and the space-time continuum disintegrates. Vasistha emphasizes that the entire universe exists and is sustained by this cosmic life-force, and without it, everything collapses into chaos. Rama's Question about Brahma and the World Rama asks how the cosmic person (Brahma) , which is a formless consciousness, acq...

Day 280 -  Vasistha's Deep Contemplation and Cosmic Vision In this section of the Yoga Vasistha , Vasistha describes the cosmic dissolution or pralaya , which occurs as the Creator (Brahma) merges back into the infinite consciousness. This dissolution of the physical world unfolds progressively, illustrating the temporary and illusory nature of creation. Vasistha's Deep Contemplation and Cosmic Vision After entering deep samadhi (contemplation), Vasistha explains that his awareness of the physical world ceased. He experienced only the infinite consciousness, which is beyond all concepts of space and matter. This vision reveals that everything, even what seems like solid matter, is nothing but consciousness . The rock, the body, the physical universe—all are mere illusions, dream-like projections of the cosmic mind. Vasistha emphasizes that man is a dream object within another dream, reinforcing the idea that duality and the material world are not truly real. Even though peo...

Day 279 - The Nature of the Space-Body and Illusions Rama asks Vasistha how a formless woman could speak. Vasistha explains that beings with a space-body cannot produce audible sounds, much like how one cannot hear someone else's dream conversations . This analogy emphasizes that dreams and the waking state are both illusory projections of pure consciousness . The seeds of past experiences are embedded in consciousness, and new experiences sprout from these seeds, creating illusory worlds . These worlds do not interact or overlap, just as one person's dream is distinct from another’s. Vasistha clarifies that this whole universe and every world within it exist only as consciousness . Even the existence of demons, gods, and humans in these worlds are merely dream-like creations that emerge from ignorance . These illusory creations are infinite , with countless beings living in infinite universes created by consciousness itself. The Celestial Woman’s Story A celestial b...

Day 278 - Vasistha's Story of the Rock and Infinite Creations Vasistha shares with Rama the profound realization that creation is illusory and exists only within the infinite consciousness of Brahman. He begins by explaining that within a seemingly solid object like a rock , countless universes and creations exist. These universes are not real in the conventional sense but exist as reflections in consciousness , much like how infinite potentials exist within the core of Brahman. The Illusory Nature of Creation In his story, Vasistha describes how all objects and elements—whether air, fire, water, or mountains—are merely names and forms that arise in consciousness. He asserts that there is no real division between Brahman and creation. Even terms like unity and duality are misleading, as they are nothing more than concepts created by the mind. When one transcends these mental notions, inner peace prevails, even in the midst of worldly activity. Everything is nirvana becaus...

Day 277 - Vasistha's Discourse on Ignorance and Egosense The Illusion of the World and Ignorance (Avidya) Vasistha continues explaining that the notion of the world only arises in the ignorant, much like how a tree might "sense" its limbs, an entirely illusory apprehension . This illusion, termed avidya or ignorance, does not truly exist—it is as real as water in a mirage . However, for the sake of instruction and understanding, Vasistha urges the listener to momentarily accept the existence of ignorance as real. In doing so, it becomes clear that everything in this world perishes at the end of a world-cycle, except for Brahman, the ultimate reality. The cycle of creation and destruction has no true cause, as there is no causal relationship between the appearance of the world and the ultimate reality of Brahman. The reality is indivisible consciousness —all that seems to arise from it, such as the world and individual beings, is a mere expansion of consciousness with...

Day 276 - Vasistha's Teachings on Spiritual Progress and the Nature of Consciousness Stages of Spiritual Awakening Vasistha describes the progressive stages by which a person, after being disillusioned with the material world, seeks spiritual refuge and ultimately reaches peace and rest . The first step in this transformation occurs when, either due to a specific event or a general weariness of life's pleasures, a person turns away from worldly pursuits. This seeker gravitates towards the company of wise and holy people and consciously avoids negative influences. The blessings that arise from being in the company of enlightened beings are immeasurable. A wise person radiates peace , goodness , and purity , and their presence dispels fear and sin from those who seek it. The seeker who aligns themselves with the company of such a holy person finds their intelligence becoming clear, and the scriptures reveal their truth. The wise person, now focused on breaking free from the ca...

Day 275 - Vasistha's Teachings on Equanimity, Meditation, and Liberation The Tree of Equanimity (Samadhana) Vasistha begins by describing the tree of samadhana (equanimity) that grows in the heart of the wise. The seed of this tree is the turning away from the world, which can arise naturally or through the experience of sorrow. The mind is like a field, ploughed by right action and watered by right feeling . On this field, the seed of samadhi (meditation) falls, leading to spiritual growth. This seed must be constantly nourished and protected, especially from the "birds" of desire , attachment , pride , and greed , using contentment as a shield. The seed of meditation grows into a tree of wisdom with branches of knowledge , clarity , courage , truthfulness , and peace . The tree offers the cool shade of self-control and tranquility, providing refuge to the mind, which is likened to a deer that wanders through the wilderness of concepts , notions , and cravings . T...

Day 274 - Vasistha's Teachings on the Illusion of the World and True Liberation The Nature of Ignorance and Wisdom Vasistha begins by explaining that those who are free from ignorance and desire shine with pure intelligence, illuminating the world around them. Their wisdom dispels darkness, and those who come into contact with such individuals are also purified. Vasistha stresses that the notion of the reality of objects arises only in ignorance. Once we realize that objects are unreal , desire for them naturally ceases. The concepts of creation and liberation are merely words, lacking true meaning. In essence, the entire world is simply consciousness . Real peace is attained when one moves beyond the notions of egosense, world-appearance, and sorrow. These are all just mental constructs . The only truth is the self —pure and indivisible. If we stray from our real nature, sorrow arises, but resting in the self brings peace and self-control. The Illusion of the World Vasistha ...

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 ul...

Day 272 -  Vasistha's Wisdom on Consciousness, Egosense, and Liberation The Illusory Nature of the 'I' and the World Vasistha continues to explain that the notions of 'I' and 'the world' arise from movements within the infinite consciousness. These concepts are not inherently harmful if one recognizes their oneness with consciousness . However, when these notions are perceived as separate and real, it leads to ignorance and suffering . The movement itself, which gives rise to the egosense, is an illusion—no more real than the dance of a barren woman’s son , an impossible event. In the light of right understanding, these movements dissolve, and the egosense ceases to exist. To transcend the egosense and achieve samadhi (superconscious state), one must engage in constant self-enquiry, questioning, "Who am I?" and "How has this world arisen?" This enquiry leads to the realization that the 'I' does not exist independently, and such ...

Day 271 -  Vasistha's Teachings on Self-Knowledge and Worldly Existence The Paradox of External Actions and Inner Peace Vasistha instructed Rama to perceive all actions as expressions of pure consciousness. He explained that one can live with an outward appearance of being engaged in worldly affairs—participating in celebrations, sharing in grief, acquiring wealth, or fighting battles—while remaining internally unaffected . The key is to inwardly rest in the bliss of the self and realize that the self remains unchanged by external circumstances. Despite outward appearances of joy or sorrow, one who is rooted in self-knowledge is free from the internal experience of such emotions. Vasistha emphasized that while engaging in life’s activities, a wise person should behave appropriately according to societal norms but should remain deeply aware of the non-dual nature of reality . This allows the individual to experience the world without being bound by it. He likened the self to somet...

Day 270 -Manki’s Realization: The Illusion of Desire and Suffering Manki’s Struggle with Desire Manki, a pilgrim, wandered through the world in search of someone who could relieve him of his doubts. Despite his efforts, he found no one capable of helping him. Upon meeting the sage Vasistha , he realized that he had obtained the highest blessing of finding wisdom. Manki expressed his anguish: the world, full of temporary pleasures and sorrows, ultimately leads only to suffering. Even those who experience prosperity eventually fall into misery. His mind was filled with delusions and sinful tendencies, driven by an insatiable craving for pleasure that never found fulfillment. Despite recognizing the futility of these desires, his heart remained restless, plagued by ignorance and confusion. Manki lamented that the knowledge of the scriptures had failed to dispel the darkness within him, and he sought Vasistha's guidance on what would truly be beneficial for him. Vasistha’s Response: Th...

Day 269 - The Cosmic Person and Creation: The Illusion of Egosense Vasistha’s Wisdom to Rama The cosmic person is nothing more than a concept, a manifestation of consciousness. Whatever thoughts this cosmic person entertains materialize into the world we perceive, embodied in the five elements of nature. To the wise, the entire world is simply an expansion of notions. This cosmic person, or Brahman , is the original cause of all creation, and the effect—this world—shares the same nature as its cause. However, all of this happens within consciousness , not in some unconscious space. From the smallest to the largest beings, including the gods, everything in the universe arises from the original thought in the cosmic consciousness. Just as a mighty tree grows from a tiny seed, the universe expands from a subatomic particle, though both large and small are illusions. The jiva (individual self) continues to exist, not limited by these elements but veiled by its identification with them. T...