Discourse on Yoga Vasishtha
May 4 2016
Om Santissantissantihi
We learned the topic of Jnanamaya Sareera Varnanam, the description of the subtle body which is nothing but consciousness. Leela Devi had expressed a wish to visit a certain place. Saraswati Devi is taking her with her.
Where they are going, what they see as they are traveling, are all described here. To reach that place, we cannot travel with this physical body. We can only go with the subtle astral body, which comprises of mind, and consciousness. Where is this place? It is inside us, in the region between the heart and the throat, but in an invisible location. This is called Hridayakasa – Heart-Space. That is where the two of them are traveling. Even the term Hridayakasa is only used to help us understand the concept. In fact, the body is only a subtle body. Therefore, it cannot be said that it has different parts of the body. This mind-body or consciousness-body is everywhere. It is all pervasive. Our gross body made up of the five elements has a definite frame and can be placed in specific locations. We say, I am here. I was there, and so on, referring only to the physical body. But the mind is everywhere and anywhere. Such is the power of the mind. Assuming those mental bodies, bodies constituting only the mind material, they have begun their journey in space. Now the description of the space in which they are traveling, is being given. All the things we expect to see in space are described. It is as if they are seeing all those things as they travel. When we travel by aircraft, we see the neighborhood, the city, the state, and so on, down below, receding, as we climb higher and travel farther. When one travels by rocket, even the earth will appear as small as a tiny grain. As they traveled, they saw all the stellar bodies, the celestials, and the Siddhas and traveled past them. Where was this? All this was inside the Heart-Space. Leela Devi entered into her own inner space. Mother Saraswati arrived there. As a mother leads her child, by holding her hand, Mother Saraswati is leading Leela Devi on the inner journey. She is pointing at the different sights to see. The two are conversing in a very affectionate and friendly manner as they are wandering about in the inner space. Here Gagana Varnana -a description of Space is given. This is highly poetic. Gagana Varnana is the episode. The description is very poetic because we visualize the sky to be of a certain beautiful aspect. It is very picturesque to see paintings of the skyscape with stars, moon, clouds, and so on. Even in paintings when we see the ocean surrounded by mountains, we feel very happy at the scenic wonder. When we look up at the sky from here, we feel a certain fascination. If we should actually find ourselves in space, how wonderful it would be! When we see through a telescope at the galaxies, and we identify a certain star, we are filled with excitement and amazement. Valmiki has excelled himself in his poetic ecstasy in this description of space. Sage Vasishtha had narrated this to Sri Rama. Sage Valmiki, as the poet, has embellished the description with poetic detail. He describes space travel here. At different times of the day, air travel offers different views. At night, space presents a certain view. At sunrise and sunset, the views are very varied and pleasing. Those who have the experience of air travel know this. If travel in the physical body with the five active senses is so wonderful, can you imagine how much more beautiful travel would be when you travel in the subtle body, with only mind and consciousness as your form? When one travels with the mental body, how does space travel appear? They are now going to visit Vasishtha’s soul in the hut. After much yoga practice, the reward is this siddhi of being able to engage in this type of travel in inner space. After intensive Yoga practice, after one has gone past the Anahata Chakra, one attains the eligibility of traveling in this manner.
Heart Nadi to the Throat Nadi, this inner space extends, it is said in the Yoga Sastra. We have to see it here as the narration given by Vasishtha to Sri Rama, as conveyed to us by Sage Valmiki. Holding hands, Saraswati Devi and Leela Devi proceeded in the Hridayakasa and traveled a very long distance. Saraswati is always in an astral state. When she noticed that Leela Devi had attained the qualification to enter into her inner heart-space, she decided to meet Leela Devi and arrived there. Where does God come from? Where is He? How does He travel, and how long does it take for Him to respond to our prayers, are all foolish questions. It is said that when Gajendra prayed, for a thousand years the Lord did not respond to his call. Then very devoutly and with great difficulty, Gajendra picked up a lotus with his trunk and was about to offer it to God. Afraid that this precious flower might accidentally drop to the ground, that very instant, God appeared before Gajendra. He kept his foot to catch the flower that was falling. The lotus got wedged between God’s toes. Because at that instant Gajendra earned the eligibility for Liberation, God at once grabbed his trunk and pulled him up to heaven. This is the Gajendra Moksha story. Atheists ridicule this story. They say your God does not respond even after one thousand years of prayer. It is a foolish interpretation. The mention of a thousand years is just a fabrication to make us understand the ardent cry for help. It is not that he screamed for help literally for a thousand years. No. A thousand years is a term to denote an extended period of time. In that eon, perhaps, a thousand years was not really a long time. What is important is that God rescues when you pray with true devotion. To leave this aside and to ask God how many kilometers he had to travel, and how much gasoline he had to expend, is nothing but ignorance. The actual message in the story should be recognized and appreciated. It should be learned from Sadguru or some other great soul who knows and can explain the inner secret meaning, which is spiritual in content. With proper grasp of the subject, one must pray and do sadhana. They went a long distance and traveled beyond faraway places, assuming astral bodies. By Saraswati’s grace, Leela Devi attained a subtle body and was able to travel thus, along with her, as she was being led. At Sriharikota, a rocket disappears into space in no time at all. We cannot follow its track with the naked eye. We cannot calculate its speed and distance covered. They saw many elevated places like mountains, and soaring way above them all, they saw the sky which appeared like a beautiful, pristine ocean. It was very vast. From an aircraft, the blanket of clouds appears to us like a vast ocean. It looks like an unbroken sea. What is inside the space? As one rises, the temperature reduces. It felt very pleasant to the travelers with the cool atmosphere. While traveling in an aircraft, they insulate the vehicle tightly, so that the outside extreme cold temperature will not kill us. You may compare their flight in the heart-space to our flight in an aircraft. aahlada … How was that space? We see our space around us with contaminants like clouds, dust and so on. This space which they saw was very pure and clear. Brahma alone remained there. In that ocean they were immersed. It was most refreshing. The heart of a good person is very clear and clean. That space was even cleaner and clearer than that. It was extremely peaceful. In that ocean of Brahma Rasa, all living beings experience immense bliss. We are all like bees. A scholar once came to see Swamiji. There are many great scholars, no doubt. But this scholar was spiritually very experienced and exalted. Swamiji likes him very much. I will not mention his name now. Otherwise you will go and pester him. He was awarded the title of Sastra Nidhi. Sri Rani Deekshitulu mentioned his name yesterday. The scholar had been involved in an accident. He was using a walker to help him walk. Swamiji was surprised that he made a visit to the ashram while in that condition. The scholar in response, said he was now a Shatpadi, a creature with six legs. A bee has six legs. Bees are ever thirsty for the nectar of the lotus-like feet of Vishnu. He said he came like a bee now to the lotus feet of Sadguru. There is a beautiful Stotra called the Vishnu Shatpadi Stotram. In that the devotees describe themselves as bees with six legs, yearning to drink the nectar from the lotus-like feet of Lord Vishnu. The scholar felt that by getting involved in the accident, now he became six-legged, like a bee, and hence, was qualified to approach the lotus feet of Guru like a bee. Do not wish that you should be in an accident and use a four-legged walker for assistance in walking. In our hearts we must feel like bees thirsting for the lotus feet of Sadguru. The man was in severe pain to rest his feet on the ground. Yet, like a bee he came. He came limping. He came to the lotus feet of Guru. In this ocean called Brahmarasa, yogis, seekers, and devotees, who are like Shatpadis, love to take a dip. For attaining Brahma Jnana, everyone is eligible, unlike for other fields of study like medicine and so on. Here, no specific eligibility requirement is there. One has to complete high school, college, be wealthy to be able to afford a seat in a medical college these days. Any creature, be it dog, scorpion, fox, snake, is qualified to try to attain Brahma Rasa, Supreme Bliss.
Since everything is Brahman, all living creatures are eligible to enjoy the nectar of Truth. Everyone has a right. All are eligible, men, women, rich, poor, ill, well, anyone and everyone is eligible to try. You cannot specify who is qualified and who is not. All are qualified. No other Sastra in the world, including Yoga, has qualification requirements. The lowest creature can rise to the level of attaining Brahma Rasa by atonement and remorse. Since all that exists is Brahma, and everyone is the same as Brahma, everyone should attain that realization. This realization comes as a personal experience by Guru’s grace. It comes from deep contemplation of the truths spelled out in Vedanta. No other title or position is there in the world where everyone is qualified. Children, elders, women, men, birds, animals, literate, illiterate, pure-hearted, and the wicked if he feels remorse and does spiritual practice, have all attained this. In no other field in this world are the doors wide open like this for everyone to enter. We have stories about birds and animals, Garuda, Kamadhenu, etc. are examples. Also there are stories in the scriptures, of children, criminals, women, who have attained this privilege of obtaining and consuming the Brahma Rasa, nectar of supreme bliss. As if they were chunks of the Meru mountain, the mansions of the gods were seen in space, where they rested for a while, and then proceeded on their inner journey. Indra sudhaadulu is a phrase used by Sri Swamiji in the Telugu Hanuman Chaleesa. Sudhaadulu refers to gods or nectar. They enjoyed the breeze carrying the fragrance of flowers emanating from garlands worn by the demi-gods such as Siddhas, Gandharvas, and others. They went beyond the moon. This is not our moon. This is a different moon in Yoga Sastra. Three moons are there which occur during the upward journey through the Yoga Chakras. The three moons are very different from one another. Three times moons are seen. One is the moon adorning Siva’s head, another moon is a moon way beyond the previous moon, and the third moon is the Moon adorning Mother Goddess’s crown in the Sahasrara Chakra. For our visualization, these stages are mentioned. How the stages are, and what stages they have reached can be recognized by the experienced seekers. Once they traveled past the regions of the three moons, they approached the sun’s orb. The lightning flashes were like red water lilies in a pond. The clouds were like a cool pond where the ladies bathed to get solace from the scorching heat of the sun. They bathed in the region of clouds. Like two bees they wandered amidst great mountains and lotus-filled lakes. Akasa Ganga was there where they took a dip. Tripathaga is a name for Ganga, which travels through all three worlds. The first Ganga travels in the celestial region in Deva Loka in Akasa The second Ganga travels on this earth, Bhoomi, and Ganga traveling in the nether world is called Patala Ganga. Hara Hara Gange Hara Hara Gange Hara Hara Gange, like this, three times you chant the name, as you bathe in the Ganga to be relieved of all three types of sins, committed by thought, word, and deed. One must have this concept in mind, while taking the holy bath in Ganga. This is a tradition in North India. Remembering River Ganga early in the morning is very beneficial. They saw the celestial Ganga. They took a bath in it. They saw Dhaaraagrihas which were nothing but clusters of floating clouds. Kalidasa has described them beautifully. What we consider these days as pleasure or comfort, is really not what it used to be in the olden days. We take buttermilk that has no butter in it. The liquid is just insipid white water. We eat polished rice that has no nutrients at all. Only with the husk rice is nutritious. We might as well eat lime which is white. We are enamored of the white color of rice. It is the outer covering that has all the vitamins and nutrition. We eat the middle part which is nothing but starch. We eat useless food. We imagine that we are enjoying now. It is false. We think we are enjoying, but we are really not. In Dharagrihas, there are layers, like granite, and another stone, with gaps in between, where water rotates. And then on the top there is marble. Imagine how cool such a flooring will be. On the ceiling, like shower heads, they have sprinkling water. Such was the construction of summer homes which remained cool in hot weather. Bad audio 26 – 30 minutes Verse The two ladies traveled, often pausing to take rest. .. This is indescribable as to the actual location. It is all happening in the mind. If there is happiness inside the mind, you will see it outside also. So, who suffers if the mind harbors envy and hatred? Oneself. If we feel disgust, dislike, hatred or jealousy towards someone, it means that a negative cell has entered into us to torment us. It will spoil our health. When people complain about others, and speak about betrayal, they are veering away from the spiritual path. After all, how long do we live? We have a long journey ahead of us, after leaving this body. We have already traveled a long distance before taking up this body. This interim time while we reside in this body is very short. Why worry about these passing trivialities so much? Why quarrel so much? If it is difficult to get along with certain bad people, just leave their company. The bad things we see outside are only bad cells within our own bodies. That is what is happening. What goes on inside is what appears to us outside. All the creatures, beings, and worlds which seem to be existing outside us are actually within us. That is what they are now showing to us as existing inside us. There are many worlds in layers, as they could see. It is all in the area between the heart and the throat region inside us. Such great Creation is seen inside our own bodies. The entire world is within us. If we feel any negative feeling towards any outsiders, it is an indication that our health is in danger. Due to anger the heart fails. With envy and hatred, the kidney fails. There is a negative something inside us that is surfacing like this as a specific disease. Science is accepting this now. So many blood cells inside our bodies are all the outside worlds. Any bad thought that occurs, is in indication that we are in danger. With each bad feeling some organ in us will be badly affected. There is no medicine for this. Sleeping pills will only put one to sleep. Once you wake up you again think the same bad thought. Even after death, these will continue and torment us as diseases. Only Guru can cure us of this. Follow the guidance of Guru and prevent diseases from affecting you thus. Otherwise, you spoil your own health by damaging internal organs. To get rid of this problem, one has to do Pranayama and spiritual practice. There are no medicines to cure this. The doctors may give placebos or sleeping pills which will only give temporary relief. The diseases caused are chronic and terrible. All these are called Bhava Rogas. They occur in this Creation. They linger even after Creation ends.
Even after this body drops off, these ailments will trouble us. What we need are medicines which will prevent the occurrence of such diseases. That will be good. Such a medicine is Guru’s guidance. That is the best preventive. Otherwise, we destroy our health. The space they witnessed is so vast and empty although filled with things. They had never seen such places before. Saraswati has seen it before, but she has not seen these in the company of Leela Devi. Leela Devi was a queen and yet had not seen these before. Many earths were there. Scientists are still searching for more earths. They do their work. They keep contradicting their own theories and discoveries. The benefits of scientific exploration will be disclosed in course of time. What its benefit is, we cannot say now.
Seers have seen already through their enlightened vision and have told us. They have told us about the nine planets. They completed their investigations. Scientists of course continue their explorations. The benefit is that some new things will be invented to make worldly life easier for us. Scientists travel billions of miles and give us new discoveries. But spiritually, it is of no benefit to know how many orbs are there in the cosmos. How many stars are there? Do not ask Guru such questions. Some number will be given. Of what use is it? Are there more spheres in space? These are not the types of questions one should ask Sadguru. Testing guru’s knowledge comes out of arrogance. The people who ask like this are doing it to impress the audience of their cleverness and boldness. It is wrong to ask Sadguru such questions. One should stay within limits. How deep is the ocean? How high is the sky? Count the stars and tell me how many there are. What is the use? There are innumerable stars. Children look up at the night sky and start counting the stars. The number goes into thousands. Do not do childish pranks being an adult. Rasis/zodiac signs, and planets are there and their influence is upon us. But do not go into extremes over your obsession with the influence of planets. In spirituality, there is no benefit in pursuing such topics. You may ask Sadguru about the reason for your birth, about difficulties suffered in your family, and solutions to those.
The Mumukshu Vyavahara Prakarana has described how two rams fight, fortune and self-effort. Effort is most important. That ram which you feed better will certainly win. Graha Santi, or appeasing the planets is only a part of self-effort to gain success. One should not get foolishly obsessive in following auspicious times and so forth.
Man who gets a job, does not join duty because astrologically the time is not auspicious. That is wrong. He will lose the job. Today they say that Mars is okay to live on. Our seers have said that Mars, Kuja is the son of the Earth. He has all the qualities of the earth. He is called Bhouma. The name itself describes his status. What more proof do you need to prove the greatness of our sages? We forget the power and vision of our nation’s culture and the wisdom of our seers. We must proclaim proudly to the world how great our ancient wisdom is. Why have they named Mars as Kuja? It is because he was born from the earth. This is just a small example. We must proudly declare the greatness of our sages. Now they say that rivers have flowed there. Mountains are there and crops can be grown.
Guru is a huge planet. That is why the seers called him Guru, which means huge. Jupiter’s qualities were clearly described by the sages. He is called Brihaspati. Never insult the knowledge revealed by the sages. The clarity of their vision is proven. We must recognize and acknowledge their greatness. They could close their eyes and know the facts, without any need for telescopes. It is people who cannot see with their inner vision who need to use telescopes. Such is the power and capability of our ancient seers. Their words come true. If you don’t understand their power, then admit it, but do not insult them and their declarations. The facts are obvious. Their power and wisdom are proven. The words of great souls are extremely powerful. Swamiji casually says, it will be so. And it certainly will be so. When and how, he need not explain. That is not his job. You wait for twenty years and find that his words have proven to be true. He returned and expressed his surprise. A very poor woman came. Swamiji predicted that she will one day become a millionaire. Everyone laughed. Her husband did not even hold a job. Soon the woman and her family lost all that they had. People, the non-believers who surrounded them, wondered about Swamiji’s words. But the lands the family kept. Now that land is worth millions. Even when people come with huge offers, the family does not want to sell now. They are millionaires now. One has to be patient. One must remember Guru’s words. His prediction came true after twenty years. One must be patient to see the words come true. Just because Guru said, did they expect the bank to come and drop twenty crores of rupees in their lap right away? Now, the people who laughed then, acknowledge the truth of Guru’s words. Now the woman does not wish to sell. She wants to give away the land to Swamiji. She has developed a philanthropic attitude and wants to give charity and renounce. Swamiji has told her to retain the property for now. See how Guru’s word changes fortunes and personal attitudes! The ladies are seeing many earths all around. There were many mountains on them containing precious gems. The golden glow of the Meru was glittering and dazzling like the flagrant flames of an inferno. The ladies traveled and saw many wonders. Rajataadri – meaning silver mountain, Mount Kailas was glowing like gold at sunrise. From near Manasarovar, it appears as if White complexioned Siva had a gold crown placed on his head, as pictured in Kasi. This was a personal experience I had at Mt. Kailas. It is strange that the rays of the rising sun surround the entire mountain. How the whole mountain gets lit up, is indeed a wonder, whereas normally, on the side where the sun is, there is bright light, and on the other side, one only sees a silhouette. This is a great wonder associated with Kailas and Manasarovar. Any time the mind is drawn towards such sacred places, one is already present there in a subtle form. Once, when Swamiji was asked if he wishes to visit Manasarovar again, he said, my mind always dwells there. There is no need to go there physically. Manasa Sarovara is a place where you go in your mind. You also can make the pilgrimage mentally. You watch on television or read books about it. You can now imagine in your own minds, by developing on the known facts and elaborating with your imagination. If you wish, you can visualize more than what is actually there. How can the sun’s glow appear all around the mountain? Mentally one can always travel to Manasarovar. It is in our hearts. You only read some details in books. You can imagine even more in your own minds. May you all experience Manasarovar in your minds. That is my prayer for you.
Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Guru Datta
Om Santissantissantihi