Discourse on Yoga Vasishtha
Day 17, July 31
Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Ganesaya Namaha
Sri Saraswatyai Namaha
Sripada Vallabha
Narasimha Saraswati
Sri Guru Dattatreyaya Namaha
Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Sadgurubhyo Namaha
Rama was approaching the court of Dasaratha. Up until now Rama remained in his quarters without interacting with anyone. Viswamitra came for a definite purpose. His wish was first denied by Dasaratha. Then upon Vasishtha’s advice Dasaratha agreed to send his son Rama with Viswamitra. Rama’s condition was explained by the door keeper who went to bring him. Viswamitra had said, bring Rama here. I will resolve his problem.
Rama had to be sent for twice. The second time he was called Rama left his room and came towards the court. He saw the presence of sages Vasishtha and Viswamitra. Rama appeared like Sri Subrahmanya Swami. Sage Valmiki had great affection and devotion towards Subrahmanya. Subrahmanya is Jnana Skanda. Rama is also now a seeker of Jnana. Some feel that Valmiki Maharshi is from South India.
Rama appeared gentle and pleasant. His mind appeared at peace. There was no turbulence. The face expressed repose. He has merged his mind in Omkara. It appeared as if Omkara itself was walking towards the court. The physical description of Rama is wonderful.
Sita asked Anjaneya Swami if he had seen Rama. When he said yes, she asked him to describe Rama’s form. This occurs in Sundara Kanda. This was a great test for Hanuman. Except for Sita no one else had complete knowledge of Rama’s physique. He deeply meditated and began the description of Rama from head to toe. He is well proportioned. He is of an auspicious form.
We keep pictures of God and Guru in our homes. They radiate good vibrations. Youngsters keep photos of cinema heroes, heroines, athletes and other stars. Their faces do not inspire us with any divine energy as do the pictures of gods and Guru. But the faces of these other local heroes may inspire the youth to strive towards certain worldly goals.
Rama is humble and noble. He is radiant and free from anxiety. His body is fit for receiving the initiation to reach the highest spiritual state of enlightenment.
We must all think about this life’s journey, its nature and purpose. Rama explored deeply into the subject.
At the beginning of the work, Rama is described in all aspects – mind, body, and emotions. Rama is now entering the stage of youth. It is at the adolescent stage.
Generally, youth at his stage are accused of arrogance and instability.
But Rama appears wise as an elder. He is unhurried. He is not appearing troubled. He is not also fully joyous. He has not yet obtained the highest bliss that is yielded by a complete spiritual awakening. All his internal queries have not been fully answered yet.
The stagnant water has flown away. But the fresh water has not flown in yet, to fill the space. We become disciples to attain eternal bliss.
He appears contented. Why this life’s journey? What is the purpose of it? He has completely thrashed out the topic in his mind. There is no need for a college education for doing this. A genuine interest and curiosity are required. At a young age these questions arise but later they disappear. One must continually ponder over them.
Rama appears pure and unblemished. All virtues are in him. Has he earned them or have they been attracted to Him? The virtues themselves wished to become purified by being associated with Rama. They wished to gain further power and fame. It was not due to his yearning but theirs. He is generous. He follows the righteous path. In Rama’s eyes and face there is an attraction. But to the discerning eyes of sages it was evident that there is an unfulfilled desire in Rama.
Everyone watched him approaching. Even from afar, Rama offered his prostrations and greetings. Dasaratha was very happy. He had doubted whether he would come.
Rama prostrated to the feet of the king after introducing himself. Rama was invited to sit on the king’s lap but Rama preferred to sit on the floor.
When one makes a phone call, one must disclose the identity first, before beginning a conversation.
Rama sat on the floor comfortably on a carpet placed for him. Along with him, his brothers Lakshmana and Satrughna also took their seats.
One should be seated comfortably and without any anxiety and fear when listening to the words of Guru. Dasaratha began his speech. Rama, why are you like this? I am saddened to see you like this. You are looking pale and weak. Why are you troubled? You appear like an uninformed person, despite all your knowledge. You are a jnani.
Dasaratha is a great king and a scholar.
The elders and gurus speak wise words. Those who do not follow the path shown by gurus and elders fall into delusion and become dejected. You must not fall into such a trap. You should listen to the elders and follow their advice. Do not be restless and ill at ease due to troubling doubts.
This advice applies to all of us. As if looked at through a magnifying glass, we make our small troubles appear mountainous. That is the sign of ignorance and illusion.
As long as we are not subjected to illusion, we are free from despair. Get rid of your sadness and be happy. Do not fear these small problems.
Rama sat still, showing no reaction.
Vasishtha spoke: O prince, you are extraordinary in your valor and courage. It is very tough to conquer the inner enemies. You have defeated all your enemies and even vanquished your inner enemies. Now you are drowned in delusion like an inferior being. One who dives into a frozen ocean will become frozen and immobile. You are unable to distinguish between the desirable and the undesirable.
Guru is here trying to attract the attention of the disciple towards himself.
Rama, do not allow this condition to overpower you.
Vasishtha had spoken such words to Rama before several times. But Rama had not heeded them.
Sometimes those who are in chronic depression have to be jolted out of their condition with some harsh words. That is the reason Viswamitra thundered at Rama, to shake him out of his state.
Now Viswamitra speaks. His words are not gentle. Sometimes some have to raise their voice and use harsh words to stimulate some reaction.
Why do you appear frightened? Why do your glances dart about as if in fear? What is your problem? We are here to dispel your troubles.
Rama is a prince. He will have certain self-respect and dignity. It should be jolted a bit.
Why do you remain in this condition of anguish and delusion? Disclose the reason for your sorrow. You are not fit to be subject to such a terrible condition as you are suffering now. You are competent to remove this problem yourself.
Viswamitra spoke firmly. Rama felt as a peacock does, as it dances at the sound of the thunder of rain clouds.
When someone like Rama is being scolded, it should be done very cautiously. He is the future king. It will go down in history that Rama was scolded by Sage Viswamitra.
In the case of children, while scolding or blaming, one should take care not to do any permanent damage to their feelings and reputation. Viswamitra himself was a king once. He is a Rajarshi. He knows the feelings of a prince.
Rama felt that this is the right time and situation for him to express himself. Up until now, he had not revealed to anyone his mental anguish. He is now going to dig up from the bottom of his heart whatever is bothering him, and express it.
12nd sarga.
Rama’s initial words and his 5 questions:
These doubts expressed by Rama dispel our own doubts.
Rama spoke, sighed with relief. He felt confident to express his mental state:
You have asked me. So I am expressing myself. It might appear as arrogance if I do not honor your command.
When we are challenged, we want to defy the command. But Rama is advising all us that no virtuous person should ever go against the wish of elders.
When offered a boon, one must mention a wish.
Rama’s first statement is highly philosophical and spiritual. Aham-kaaram(spice) will give us indigestion.
I am the Supreme soul. I have taken this body and am born as this Rama. I am born as a child in the household of King Dasaratha. I gradually grew up.
Krishna at birth appeared as Maha Vishnu with four arms and carrying all weapons. Devaki was frightened. Then Krishna assumed his form as an infant. Rama did not do any such tricks.
I am responding to your command. I know nothing, and yet, I speak to obey your command. No one should disobey the orders of the elders.
This is Rama’s advice to us.
Since you asked to know the reason for my sorrow, I am telling you.
Rama is coming from a great distance. This body, this Rama, is originally the Supreme Soul. This took birth here.
We grow tall till age 23 and then people we begin to grow sideways. We gradually grow. If we go searching backwards, we reach the seed state, the source.
I went for studies. I have learned what was taught at Gurukula. I am now seated here before you.
Ahambhaava is different from Ahamkara. Ahambhava is regarding oneself as none other than God Himself, recognizing the divinity in oneself.
I have completed the pilgrimage as per my own wish. I have no interest now in any enjoyments. A thought has taken root in me. I pursued it.
This train of thought must be introduced to all, for the benefit of society. It is very important to have this knowledge. Social benefit is not restricted to providing utilities and building bridges. Humanness must be promoted. This exploration is not for only the aged. From childhood this thought process must be initiated and promoted. Never foolishly question, why Vedanta? Why rituals? This second question is less harmful, although even rituals should not be defied and challenged.
Chanukya established a great kingdom. But how did he live? For the benefit of society, he lived in a hut. The kings fell at his feet and depended on his valuable counsel. A foreign king came, not to visit the king, but to Visit Chanukya. He was told that Chanukya does not live at the palace but in a hut at the outskirts of the city. The king went on foot to pay a visit. He found a small lamp at which Chanukya was reading a book. Chanukya put out that lamp when the king entered and lit another lamp and greeted the king and began to converse with him. The king questioned the reason for this strange behavior. Since you are here on official business, I use official materials. When I do my personal work, I use my personal funds to light my lamp. The king’s perspective changed and he initiated new procedures and principles back in his country when he returned.
Chanukya wrote the Artha Sastra, a great treatise about finances.
With Jnana you can win, not with fear. What can the police do to control bad behavior? Fear does not protect us for long. The knowledge that his habits are harmful will stop a man from doing harmful things.
Knowledge is lacking in this world. That is the cause for all the atrocities in the world. So much of terrible abuse of people and children is occurring. It is because of lack of spiritual knowledge. It is important to spread this knowledge. This is the missile that protects our country. Until the education system in India is corrupted, we cannot win this country, a Britisher wrote in a letter. They succeeded in doing so and we have become victimized.
Vedanta study will benefit all of us and will yield success in all fields.
Rama says, what is bliss? Why is it not enduring in me?
What is this world and what is the cause of this series of births?
Samsara is not just spouse, children and family life.
What is the beginning and where is the end? I thought about this. All are being born.
This is the most important topic in Vedanta. What good can we grasp from this? We must not look for negative ways of interpreting it and make ourselves unhappy.
I found an answer as to why people are getting born. Only to die they are all being born.
This is the truth. Everyone in society should have at least a small quantity of this philosophical knowledge. Then we would be useful to society and we will win God’s grace and receive enlightenment.
We die to be born again. The seed called death is the cause for birth. The seed called birth is the cause for death. I have analyzed the topic and have come to this conclusion.
These are like twin poets.
I have realized this truth. Hence, I am like this. What is the flaw in me? Please explain to me.
Rama placed his findings before the assembly. They are not direct questions. We will proceed to the five questions tomorrow.
Sri Guru Datta