Path to Enlightenment
The entire universe is pure consciousness
Gate-keeper to Liberation
Contentment, satsang (company of wise men), the spirit of enquiry, and self-control, are the four surest means by which they who are drowning in this ocean of samsāra (repetitive history) can be saved.
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Contentment is the supreme gain. Satsang is the best companion to the destination. The spirit of enquiry itself is the greatest wisdom. And, self-control is supreme happiness. If you are unable to resort to all these four, then practise one: by diligent practise of one of these, the others will also be found in you. The highest wisdom will seek you of its own accord. Strive by all means to cultivate these noble qualities.
– Yoga Vāsiṣṭha
Creation
I shall now narrate to you how this creation appears to have emerged from the one pure undivided cosmic being, even as dreams appear in the consciousness of the sleeping person.
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This universe is in fact the eternal effulgent infinite consciousness which generates within itself the knowable (which would be known as that which is to be) with an idea concerning its form (which is space), and with an enquiry concerning itself. Thus is space brought into being.
When after a considerable time the consciousness of creation becomes strong in the infinite being, the future jiva (living cosmic soul – also known as Hiranyagarbha) arises within it: and the infinite abandons, as it were, its supreme state, to limit itself as the jiva. However, even the Brahman remains the infinite, and there is no real transformation into any of these.
In space, the faculty of sound manifests itself. Then comes into being egotism which is vital to further creation of the universe, and, at the same time, the factor known as time. All this happens merely by creative-thought inherent in the cosmic being, not as real transformation of the infinite.
By the similar exercise of the creative-thought, air is created. Consciousness which is surrounded by all these is called the jiva which gives rise to all the different elements in this world. Even so, when consciousness thought: ‘I am light’, sources of light like the sun, etc., were instantly created. Similarly water and earth were created.
– Yoga Vāsiṣṭha
Wisdom Body
In deep meditation, or nirvikalpa samādhi, one rises above body-consciousness and attains the wisdom-body. One can then travel millions of miles in space, while still being in the same “room”, but on another plane of consciousness.
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Until the consciousness of duality is completely dispelled, one cannot act in the infinite consciousness; one cannot even comprehend it.
When one thinks, “I am a king, I am strong, I am happy, etc.” one slips deeper into the snare of worldliness. From the spiritual standpoint, the whole universe is experienced in samādhi, but from the physical point of view, millions of miles separate the planes.
In the infinite consciousness, in every atom of it, universes come and go like particles of dust in a beam of sunlight shining through a hole in the roof. They arise and dissolve like ripples on the ocean.
– Yoga Vāsiṣṭha
Hands & Eyes of Consciousness
What is that atom in which the entire universe rest like a seed during the cosmic dissolution?
Within the atomic space of consciousness there exist all the experiences, even as within a drop off honey there are the subtle essence of flowers, leaves and fruits.
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From that consciousness all experiences expand, for the experiencing is the sole experiencer (which is consciousness). Indeed, all this infinite consciousness alone is all this: and all the hands and eyes are its own, though being extremely subtle, it has no limbs.
– Yoga Vāsiṣṭha
Freedom from Bondage
Pure movement in consciousness is karma or action without an independent doer, when it pursues the fruition of such action it is known as karma (action). When it entertains the notion 'I have seen this before' in relation to something either seen or unseen, it is known as memory.
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When the effects of past enjoyments continue to remain in the field of consciousness though the effects are unseen, it is known as latent tendency (or potentiality). When it is conscious of the truth that the vision of division is the product of ignorance, it is known as knowledge. On the other hand when it moves in the wrong direction towards greater self-forgetfulness and deeper involvement in false fancies, it is known as impurity. When it entertains the indweller with sensations, it is known as the senses (indriya). When it remains unmanifest in the cosmic being, it is known as nature. When it creates confusion between reality and appearance, it is known as Māyā (illusion). When it dissolves in the infinite there is liberation. When it thinks ‘I am bound’ there is bondage; when it thinks ‘I am free’ there is freedom.
– Yoga Vāsiṣṭha
Beyond Time
Do not take your stand on concepts and percepts of the mind, which are subtle and sharp: the mind has been put together by time and it has gained great strength in course of time. Bring it under control by wisdom, before time fells this creeper known as the body. By devoutly contemplating my words you will attain supreme bliss.
- Yoga Vāsiṣṭha
"O mind, you are neither the doer nor the experiencer. You have been used as a channel of instruction by the wise ones in their communication with the ignorant. "
– Yoga Vāsiṣṭha
From Insight to Realisation