Discourse on Yoga Vasishtha
Day 128, May 6
Sri Sadgurubhyo namaha.
Om Santissantissantihi.
Sadachara Niroopanam or the benefits of Satsang, we have been learning about. We had to take a break due to the celebrations of Sri Lakshmi Nrsimha Jayanti. We witnessed the rituals personally performed by Sri Swamiji.
Yesterday we celebrated the anniversary of the Mysore Ashrama. This itself is Satsang. Satsang is this – going to the ashram from far and near, enjoying the presence of Sadguru, feeling the bliss of His proximity, witnessing the events, listening to His words of guidance, taking that advice home with us, and constantly recollecting them. This we must never neglect to do.
We are lost in a jungle. We have lost our way and do not know which way to go. At such a time if someone who is familiar with the jungle comes along and shows us the right path, how happy we feel! Comfortably we find our way out the jungle which appeared to us like a maze. Similarly, Satsang makes our journey through life very comfortable and enjoyable.
vichara ..
We have been told of four different approaches, shama, vichara, santosha, and Sadhu samagama. If all four of them we are able to practice, then we will enjoy prosperity in every area of our lives, especially in the area of spiritual knowledge, as if we have a Kalpavriksha within our reach.
Poverty is suffered in many ways – lack of money alone is not poverty, but lack of health, lack of devotion, lack of dispassion, and lack of spiritual wisdom – all these are also sufferings caused by different types of poverty. These types of poverty rob us of comfort and happiness.
vichara ..
Vichara is to ask and learn. We must never remain complacent about our limited knowledge. Shama is peace of mind. Santosha is happiness that comes from contentment. We do not even know many times that such bliss is within our reach, if only we attempt to gain it. Satsang is the company of the enlightened ones. Those who enjoy all these four are full and whole possessing all virtues, just like the full moon. We must have the urge to develop the above four.
satsanga …
A king consults with his ministers and comes to a conclusion. But he will not disclose his decision. He keeps his plan to himself. If everyone is told of everything that goes on in his mind, the king may face difficulties such as others stealing his ideas. Only when the project or mission is completed, others will come to know of his intention and his strategy. Often it is not advisable to disclose the details of all of one’s plans to others. When you follow this procedure, and cultivate all the four traits mentioned above, you will be successful in your endeavors. You will gain the strength to face the tests which come your way. These need to be practiced constantly. We learn these tips from Sadguru on how to achieve victory in our dealings.
tasmadeka …
O Sri Rama, make every effort to at least master one of the above by achieving control over the mind.
verse
Paurusham here is human effort. Many people are unwilling to make the effort, blaming fate and destiny as being all powerful and over-riding all their efforts and plans. Such an attitude is wrong. There are such people who remain lazy and do not make a serious attempt to succeed in their ambitions. For a larger reward, one has to expend a greater effort. That is param paurusham. Mind, which is like an intoxicated elephant must be tamed.
Until you follow the path, you will not reach your destination. The path lies in front of you. But you do not notice it. You ignore it and do not follow the path. Sadguru reminds you and alerts you to begin your journey on the spiritual path.
paurushena …
How much effort should one put in? You must grit your teeth and do it. It may not be easy to succeed for some. It appears as if some others achieve things easily. That is because they had already made great strides in their past lives. That is why they are beginning now where they previously had left off. No one should give up an effort half-way.
In the Sundara Kanda it is described how Lord Hanuman stood on the Mahendra Mountain prior to leaping across the ocean, gathering up all his inner energy by doing Pranayama, by tightening his belt, and pulling together all his resources through spiritual exercises. It is only after that, that he took the leap. Spiritual journey is a tough assignment. One requires to expend a lot of effort to gain spiritual wisdom and attain perfection in virtues. Once the virtues are mastered, they will remain as your assets lifelong.
devo …
Rama, this advice is not meant only for human. Even gods need to follow these four paths. Whether you are a human, a god, or even a tree, you have to follow these. This statement proves that even trees have life and can attain a higher plane of existence. This is a very interesting statement made here.
Even the fishes in the water, and the animals in the forest, and even the birds flying in the sky, have to practice these four.
Mahabharata tells the story of Bharata who is born as a deer and he remembers his past life. In the body of a deer, he continues his sadhana and he attains liberation. This is very strange. It shows that in spirituality, it makes no difference what your species, nationality, caste, or status may be. If you perform your sadhana with commitment and dedication, you can achieve higher planes of existence. When even a tree is mentioned, there is no question the any human being qualifies to succeed in his attempts if they are made with sincerity.
These four are most important not only in spiritual life, but also in worldly life. The company you keep is most crucial in determining your destiny.
to be continued…
Sri Guru Datta
Compiled by Smt Hira Duvvuri