Discourse on Yoga Vasishtha
Day 196, November 28 2015
Sri Sadgurubhyo namaha
Om Santissantissantissantihi
Jagadutpatti Varnana is the 12th sarga that we are studying. It gives a description how the world emerged, step by step. If the world is a dream, and Paramatma alone exists, why describe how the Universe came into existence? Why not speak only about Paramatma?
This is to answer our internal inquiry about the origin of this Universe which we experience daily. Everyone will ask this question why and how this Creation has come about. We ask about God, no doubt, but we do see and experience this world. Do we not experience God? We do. We spoke about how we do experience Him.
But we have forgotten our Svasvaroopa Jnana, the knowledge of our true Self. If this awareness remains with us, all our difficulties will vanish. This knowledge helps us greatly even while leading our worldly lives.
The highly placed person also is only a son to his mother. He is happy to converse with her on intimate terms rather than to show off his esteemed position in the world. A disciple always sits at the feet of his Guru, no matter what the others may say about him, and his own high status that he holds. He is happy to be himself, knowing his true position. He knows how to behave in the presence of Guru. He is not concerned about the blame and praise heaped upon him by the public.
How to know about the world? First, know about yourself.
Know that ‘I’ am none of these. Keep on deleting all that you perceive. What remains? “Mano buddhyahankaara chittaani naaham.” I am not the mind, intellect, ego, or memory. Why am I limiting myself to this body? Who am I?
Everyone wishes to live comfortably while in the body. What happens to me when I leave this body? Will I be reborn? Why? Where? Why was I born? These questions must arise inside each of us. Who else will learn about us, if we do not learn the truth about ourselves? This question concerns us. Our purpose in life we must find out.
A tree knows that it came from the seed. We, being intelligent, should we not explore our own source? We should. Then the question comes, how did this Creation come about? Even if the world is like a dream world, still, we must know how it has emerged. Otherwise, it will leave a blank, a void in our knowledge. To know ourselves, first, we must realize that we are not any of these that are in existence. I am. I am different from what I experience. This is the common perception. That being so, one must know about the origin of this Universe. We cannot remain unconcerned. Do we say that the earth came from the sky or that the sky has emerged from the earth? The sequence of Creation is there, that it started with Space, and then Air, Fire, Water, and Earth evolved. That system we must learn about.
Mind is there. Ego is the cause of this world. If the ego is removed, all that remains is Brahma. In the Lalita Sahasranama, we have the description, “Svaatmaananda laveebhoota brahmaadyaananda santatihi”.
We imagine Brahmananda to be something supreme, the Supreme Bliss, as we chant, Brahmaanandam parama sukhadam .. (Guru Gita)
It is true. This Supreme Bliss that is described in the Lalita Sahasranama states that, once we know about ourselves, that Svaatmaananda, the happiness in ourselves that we experience, by comparison, makes the happiness that even four-faced Brahma enjoys, be insignificant. We must therefore, know ourselves. Even in our day to day life, we must know our strengths and weaknesses.
Once we realize our limitations, we will make an effort to progress further. We will explore further. Our sadhana will be more effective. All youngsters and adults alike must strive to know about themselves with clarity. In spiritual life also, it is required. That is why the process of Creation is described to us.
That does not change the fact that this world is still untrue.
Sri Rama asked a question and therefore, an answer is given. The sequence of Creation is described.
Adhishthana is the name given to the place where Brahma Jnanis, when they leave their bodies are said to reside in. Brahma Himself is established in the place where the Self-realized persons are interred, where you may now see only their image or statue. That is why we go there to offer our prayers. Once we go there, we should see what we have gone there to see and experience.
In the rope, we see a snake. If there were no rope in the first place, there would be no mistaken notion that it is a snake. Once the rope is recognized, fear of the snake goes away.
So we learn about Parabrahma, who represents the Adhishthana.
Telugu:
See above. Ditto.
This question is asked by everyone. Why not just live and enjoy? Why bother to find out about the world and Creation?
The plant kingdom, the animal kingdom, the edible and the inedible materials are all known to us because of knowledge. It is beneficial to know what is poisonous and what is medicinal.
It has been previously stated that the world is like a dream. What then is the point of knowing about it?
If a person who lives in a hut, has a dream that he owns a big bungalow, would he make an attempt to know about the title deed of that property, when he wakes up? If he goes to the Corporation Office and asks for it, they will send him to a mental hospital.
But this world you consider as real, and not as a dream.
Guru has decided that we must realize that only Brahma is Truth. Because of our merit earned in the past, by our Sadhana, or charities, we have a Guru. By his compassion, we are now accepting in theory that only Brahma is Truth. We are lucky to that extent. It is Guru’s resolve that he should enlighten us, by virtue of our past meritorious. We lack Jnana, but we do not quarrel. We accept that God is omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent. Yet, we argue that this world is real. We even get into fights over the issue. We forget Brahma. Because this happens, we have to learn about this Creation and its evolution.
The scientists explore. They make discoveries. That is why today we are traveling to faraway places. Our great sages knew those things. They tell us that during the day we do not see them, but there are stars in the sky that are brighter than the sun. It is beneficial to know the facts and causes about this Creation. Children and adults alike ask about this Creation.
When Brahma alone is Truth, what is the purpose of knowing about this dream-like world?
We do not see this world as a dream. That is why we need to know, to gain that conviction and perception that this world is only like a dream. The knowledge we have about Creation is incomplete. We do not explore till the end. We leave the question unanswered. But why leave it?
We ask whether the seed came first or the tree? The egg came first or the chicken? The answers do not satisfy us. There must be an answer. Upanishads do not let it go without finding the ultimate answer. Vedas have the final answer. They have unlocked the secret of Creation.
There is a Sastra, a science about dreams also. It explains why people dream about tigers, snakes and other fearsome creatures, and why some have very pleasant dreams about visiting beautiful gardens. Strangers appear in dreams, and so do people we are fond of. There are mantras and procedures to prevent nightmares, and to induce good dreams. Had we not explored into the science of dreams, we never would have found the remedies for troublesome dreams.
We need to learn also about this world. Because Rama asked, Guru Vasishtha is explaining about the emergence of the world. It is a Guru’s responsibility to give a comprehensive answer to clear a doubt that has been expressed.
Sastras give some information.
We think, based on what we have heard that from a miniscule particle, this world has come into being. Does that minute particle consist of energy or matter? If it is inert, it cannot create. If it is consciousness, then how can something gross, and inert emerge out of it? Such questions arise.
Only Mother Veda has the capacity to answer this question. Veda is Parabrahma. It has emerged from Omkara, or Pranava. That alone can explain it.
Parabrahma is most sacred, peaceful, and is Consciousness. Parama Anu, the subatomic, tiniest particle is inert. Only when the particle becomes conscious it can move. Energy makes it move. What makes energy move? Parasakti we speak about. Devi Bhagavatam which is studied by the worshipers of Mother Goddess, speaks about it. Here, Sakti, or energy is Atma Sakti, the power of Paramatma. Atma Chaitanya has movement, it is said. But that again raises issues.
Deep Sleep gives the highest happiness. When there is incessant movement, there is no peace. For Creation, constant movement is required. We tell restless persons to sit still for a moment and take deep breaths to calm down.
In the Dhyana state what the yogis experience, and what we experience in deep sleep, that is the state of Parabrahma. When there is movement, even of thoughts, it will not permit us to have perfect peace.
Paramatma has no thought processes such as Sankalpas and Vikalpas, positive or negative thoughts, or the comings and goings of thoughts. He cannot create when He is still. Then how did this Creation begin?
A Jeeva had to be created first. Through this Jeeva, the entire Creation had to expand. We think that because of the five elements we exist. It is not true. It is the other way around. From us, the five elements have come. If we are not there, who is there to experience the five elements, which are all inert, Jada? They have no experiences. Only if you exist, the five elements can exist.
Realize your own full potential and power. You think you are very small and insignificant. Upanishads dispel this wrong notion from us and they fill us with immense energy and power.
Therefore, the emergence of the Jeeva must be explained. Who is Jeeva? Why was he created?
Does Paramatma Himself have Avidya? Is He ignorant? Did the Jeeva get created after Paramatma became veiled with ignorance? Such questions arise. Some people propound this theory.
Some people declare that the Jeeva is without any beginning and he has always existed, just as ignorance has always existed.
Both have to be accepted. Deep sleep is where we have left off the mind, etc. Only we remain. Unless that happens, there is no joy in sleep. Unless attributes are all given up, there is no bliss.
What is Anaadi, without a beginning?
There are Jeevas who realize the Truth about themselves and merge into Paramatma, and become one with Him. They have no rebirth. Those who fail to grasp this truth, get reborn into this Samsara. Samsara is not spouse and children. Samsara is the cycle of births and deaths.
Let us learn about Creation exactly as it has been taught in the book. Instead of following the Slokas, we will read the summary.
Some part of Paramatma acquired the feeling of an Ego and turned into Mind. That is the beginning of Creation.
After Pralaya, this has happened. Pralaya is not the natural calamities which we witness, that we see and fear as earthquakes and floods where cars and homes get washed away. These devastations only concern the earth.
Maha Pralaya is the Ultimate Dissolution where everything has merged, not just the five elements, but even the subtle perceptions which they represent. They have all gone. That is the Kalpaanta, the end of the Kalpa (a certain time dimension).
That peaceful state of Paramatma is where everything has merged. Even the original minutest cell has vanished. It is that state that you should visualize. This is Dhyana. In that state, you should not see any differentiations. You should be in that state where there is nothing and there is no possibility of seeing any differences.
But we see differences as, I, you, this, mine, yours, and that. How to get rid of this perception of differences?
If you let hatred go, then, you will not see differences.
If your way is accepted, you are happy. If your way is rejected, then you are unhappy. If these feelings can be dismissed from the mind, then peace will prevail.
Dharma is there to protect non-violence. Do not force by violence another person to change his way. To be cruel in the name of Dharma is the greatest Adharma. All Dharmas (philosophies) teach non-violence. How can you enforce Dharma using force and violence? Tell them only gently to change their ways to lead a peaceful and beneficial life.
With children we suggest, and teach them because it is our responsibility to do so. After age 16, treat even children as friends. Never use force or compulsion. If Raga and Dvesha leave, if both like and dislike are removed from the mind, the perception of differences will cease.
Excessive love and hate will prevent us from even following God and Guru.
When we have a phone, like a child that we are very fond of, disturbing our focus, we cannot even concentrate on the words of Sadguru, when it rings, while it is on our lap or in our purse or pocket. If while we are on our way here, someone interrupts and says something negative to us, our minds become occupied with their words and the negative feelings generated by them. We end up not paying attention to the words of Guru. Both are detrimental. But hatred is worse than love. Both like and dislike are disturbances. But hatred raises Blood Pressure, and leads to diseases. Prema Bhakti is okay, if you can convert love into unselfish devotion.
Paramatma, as Pure Consciousness, undergoes no changes. Ego does not disturb Him. But because some reason must be given, it is said that Ego, like a false vibration emanates from Him, gets separated, and turns into Mind. But even that statement is not correct. Speaking of such a separation also creates confusion.
This creation is without a beginning. This earth, this galaxy may have a certain date of emergence, but not so, this entire original Creation. Galaxies are innumerable. When was each one of them born? We have no answers. This transcends Time. Science gives us some calculations about how many billions of years ago this earth was created, and so on. But if one goes beyond and speaks of the different galaxies, no time calculation of their origin can be given. This transcends the concept of Time.
It is all Maya Sakti. The power of illusion. Sri Krishna said, “You will cross over the bounds of Illusion if you grasp me.” You cannot know Maya but you can elude it or cross over it. How is it possible? It happens. You may inadvertently step over a snake and then realize what had happened. Such things occur. It is good to recognize what is Maya. Then you can avoid it. Know what illusion is. Then you will avoid succumbing to it. “Those who grasp me will cross over Maya”.
Do not keep questioning about when this began or when that began. Do not ask, was this there before Vaikuntha and Swarga? No such questions. When did we get the notion of ‘I’? Can anyone answer? We do not know. Ever since that time, this Creation has existed.
Would one say, I did not exist in my past life? I am here only now. Whenever the ‘I’ has emerged, then Creation began. It is not the other way around. That ‘I’ is ego. Is ‘I’ a part of Paramatma or is it separate from Paramatma? You will not find an answer. Know that only Paramatma is Truth. Nothing else exists. The question itself will then vanish. Do not seek what does not exist. Ego somehow got separated from Paramatma and this Creation began. But ego is illusory, it does not have an existence.
A child is born. Ask questions about the child. When did this life begin? When it entered the mother’s womb? When it became the father’s sperm? Was the child in the food that the father ate? Was it in the rain that was the cause for the food to grow? Was the child first in the ray of the Sun that nourished the plant? Was the child in the water that nurtured the plant? Where did the life force of the individual begin? How could the child magically sprout out of the mother’s womb? If the child first existed in the sun’s ray of light, where was it before that? Ask these questions about yourself and your own origin. You cannot reach that source by such an exploration through Creation.
You can unlock the secret about yourself, but not the secret about Creation, Swamiji says.
If you keep exploring, you will eventually arrive at the place where your awareness began. Your own perception is the cause for the Creation. When you began to perceive, that is when Creation began. Perception here does not refer to seeing with the physical eyes. Do not misinterpret my words. Perception means experience.
Are you understanding these words? May be gradually you will grasp the subject. Only a few words you may follow at this time. No strain is involved here. No physical tension. Slowly think about it. Do not feel any tension or complication. You do not need to lift any weights here. No confusion should be created. This is not a running race.
Gently indulge in an exploration about yourself. This is Jnana Sadhana.
Mind is what we are. It has no form or shape. Where is the mind located? Can you tell me where your mind is situated? What do you think? There is no answer. During surgery has the doctor taken it out? Has he put it back and sewn it up, during the bypass surgery? Tell me. Where is your mind now according to you? You don’t know. Wherever your thoughts are, that is where your mind is. Your mind is engaged in listening to my words. Now that your mind has shifted its thoughts to your home, that is where your mind is now, at your home. Your mind itself has turned into your home. The home is not the mind. The mind became the home.
Think of something. Where is your mind? What has the mind turned into? The mind itself becomes us. That is why it is so important. From it, Creation has emerged. It has no form.
That is why we pray for purification of the mind. People pray a lot about the mind. If all the troubles are resolved, still, if the mind is restless, there is no peace of mind. When there is peace of mind, one is happy despite loss or gain. Without peace of mind, one is unhappy regardless of what he has or does not have. We are the mind.
Paramatma has turned into mind for some reason.
It goes back to the beginning. Those who have become Self-realized have merged in Paramatma. Only those who remain as unrealized souls, are reborn. When their lifespan finishes, they are forced to exit. After Maha Pralaya, when Creation re-emerges, they come out again.
If you are forever bound to the feet of Sadguru, you will ever remain with Him. Even when chased out, some devotees still remain with Guru.
This Universe is infinitely radiant and is of the nature of Paramatma. It is up to you how you perceive this world. When you see the Universe as the physical world consisting of the five elements, you are unhappy and you suffer from difficulties. If you see it as Brahma, then you are happy. Satta means ‘being’. The individual must make the choice. All other paths except the path of Truth will take you towards unhappiness.
See only the rope. Do not see the non-existing snake in it.
Even in the worldly life, keep your body, home and surroundings clean. Then you will feel clean. If you become negligent, the consequences will be negative. Just as we are told that everything should be kept clean, similarly, see Brahma alone everywhere. That will give you Supreme Peace.
Paramatma is subtler than the sky. He is flawless. He is Knowledge. In deep sleep we become Knowledge. Dream is knowing. We experience happiness when we merge with Knowledge. We are happy as Knowledge. Once knowing begins, unhappiness begins. Any doubt in it? Tell me.
Knowing is endless. How much can you know? Learning is never ending. It goes on non-stop. Because you become knowledge itself, you are able to return to complete awareness of all details upon waking up.
Coma, sleep from intoxication and drugs, and natural sleep are different. Unnaturally induced sleep is forbidden by Sastra, such as sleep from intoxication. It does not grant the natural state of Knowledge. Health gets disturbed. During deep sleep you remain as Knowledge. Knowledge is bliss. Knowing starts Creation. Deep sleep is Knowledge. Dream is the knowing stage. Waking up is ego. During sleep all knowledge is there. Ego is remembered when you wake up. Even if you remain with your eyes closed, your ego tells you all that is happening around you. You are fully aware.
With other existing samskaras, and with the mind the ego associates, upon waking up and all other small details flood the memory. It is strange. With ego, mind, and samskaras our life in the outside world returns.
It is this same phenomenon that causes our birth. Why am I born here? Why am I born into this kind of a life? People ask. When facing troubles people blame God and Guru. They blame them for their birth. But they never offer thanks for their desirable birth and situations when they are thus blessed.
Every individual is born because of his own past samskaras. It is wrong to blame God or Guru for it.
Parents of disabled children suffer torment, and blame themselves for giving birth to such a child. But it is the Samskara of the child that plays a major role, although the Samskara of the parents also plays a minor role. It cannot be denied. The Individual is born like that to expend some past bad karma. The parents and others have to lend him a helping hand, since he cannot lead an independent life. When we render assistance to such people, Sadguru’s compassion will be directed towards us. Instead of blaming or criticizing such persons who are born with deficiencies, we should help them. If we do, we will also benefit. Our Samskaras will then get revealed, based on how we respond to such situations.
The parents often go into depression. I tell them that they should not succumb to excessive grief. Two children will be there. One is not normal. The parents sometimes focus all their attention on the child that is disabled, to the degree that they neglect the normal child. When that happens, both children suffer. It is natural to feel bad that such a situation exists in one’s home. But one should turn the grief into positive action and treat both children as required and appropriate. Otherwise, extend a helping hand to other disabled or mentally slow children. That expression of good Samskara will help these children at home to overcome their hurdles. When you help such persons outside, your own family members and your future will be better. The Science of Devotion, Bhakti Sastra says that God administers such tests to devotees to see how they react to the circumstances. As much as you help others, you are helped. What you sow, you reap. If you had developed a bad Samskara in a previous life, you have to pay the price now.
I have deviated from the main subject, because the topic has come up.
During Pralaya, everything is merged. But the individual Jeeva who has not perfected himself enough to get merged in God, is picked up again and brought back to be reborn and Creation takes place once again for him.
Mind, ego, and the individual soul begin the journey again. Mind is the root cause of Creation. No other answer can satisfactorily explain the cause of this Creation. A more complete answer is not available anywhere else. Only the Upanishads give the answer.
We will continue tomorrow.
Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Guru Datta
Om Santissantissantihi