![Yoga Vasistha - Part 05 [Pages 36-37] by Ekta Bathija](https://wm-img.halpindev.com/p-briefread_c-10_b-10/urlb/aHR0cDovL2ltZy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbS92aS81RnAtNUdmb0pwZy9tYXhyZXNkZWZhdWx0LmpwZw==.jpg)
TLDR;
This session focuses on understanding key concepts from the Yoga Vasistha scripture, particularly around the nature of the Lord, the illusion of the universe, and the stages of enlightenment. It emphasizes the importance of moving beyond sensory experiences and dualistic thinking to realize the ultimate truth. The discussion also covers the characteristics of a Jeevan Mukta (liberated while living) and a Videha Mukta (liberated after death), highlighting the path to transcending sorrow and achieving cosmic consciousness.
- Understanding the nature of the Lord and the illusion of the universe.
- Exploring the concepts of sentient and non-sentient, knowable and unknowable.
- Detailing the stages of enlightenment, from initial awareness to becoming a Videha Mukta.
- Emphasizing the importance of studying scriptures and seeking the company of holy men.
Lord and the Universe [4:32]
The session begins by defining the Lord as pure intelligence dwelling within the body, distinct from the universe itself. The Lord encompasses the universe, but the universe does not encompass the Lord. It is highlighted that those who equate intelligence with the objective universe misunderstand the true nature of reality. The universe is described as sentient, meaning it is limited by sensory experiences and therefore knowable, but this knowability leads to sorrow because the mind becomes trapped in the Maya (illusion) of the senses.
Sentient vs Unknowable [8:17]
The discussion explores the concept of "sentient," defining it as that which is limited by the experiences of the senses. The universe is sentient and therefore knowable, but this knowability leads to sorrow as the mind becomes stuck in the Maya of sensory experiences. In contrast, the Brahman, or supreme consciousness, is unknowable because it is beyond the reach of the five senses. The Jiva (individual soul) becomes sentient when it is engrossed in the five senses and lost in the Maya of the universe.
Path to the Unknowable [14:43]
The discussion shifts to the path of the Jiva moving away from the universe towards the unknowable. This involves turning attention away from the knowable and focusing on the consciousness or Brahman. The stages toward enlightenment are discussed, including recognizing the mind's attachment to cravings and aversions, becoming established in the unknowable, and ultimately reaching a state of no-mind where the mind is used as a tool rather than being controlled by it. The ultimate goal is to focus on pure intelligence or the Lord, which can only be achieved after being established in the unknowable.
Cessation of the Knowable [25:43]
It's explained that without ceasing to be engrossed in the knowable (the universe and its sensory experiences), one cannot turn away from the Maya of desires and aversions. Mere awareness of being stuck in these attachments is insufficient; one must actively let go of cravings and aversions. The importance of "Prajapati" (saying goodbye to desires) is emphasized, urging practitioners to move beyond just knowing and to actively implement the knowledge by releasing desires.
Description of the Lord [32:13]
The Lord is described as cosmic intelligence (Brahman) in which cosmic consciousness (Purusha) becomes still, no longer lost in the mind, intellect, or ego. The universe, with its subject/object relationships, ceases to exist in this state of Brahman. The Lord can only be realized when one is firmly established in the unreality of the universe. The session goes beyond the concept of non-duality (Advaita), suggesting that even the idea of "one" should be dropped to transcend dualistic thinking and reach the true nature of the Lord.
Realization of the Lord [38:38]
The Lord can be realized only when one is firmly established in the unreality of the universe. Dualism presupposes unity, but the idea of non-duality and the concept of "one" should be dropped. The intellect cannot reach the Lord, who is beyond the concept of one consciousness and non-duality. The creation is known to be utterly non-existent, and the Lord is realized completely.
Ending the Knowable [46:33]
The knowable comes to an end through the company of holy men and the study of scriptures. It is essential to have a master who holds your hand and takes you in the right direction every time you go towards the wrong. The study of scriptures involves deep study, making notes, and discussing the knowledge with others. The wrong notion about this universe being real gets dispelled, and the truth is realized.
Qualities of a Jivan Mukta [53:27]
The characteristics of a Jivan Mukta (one liberated while living) are explored. For a Jeevan Mukta, the whole world is just emptiness, meaning he is not stuck in any people, situations, and things. He is awake as if in deep sleep, equanimous in pleasure and pain, and never awake to the world. His wisdom is unclouded by vasanas (mental conditionings), and he is free from likes, dislikes, fear, ego, and volition. He is dispassionate about action and inaction, fearless, and not feared.
Jivan Mukta and Videha Mukta [1:08:31]
The discussion differentiates between a Jeevan Mukta and a Videha Mukta. A Jeevan Mukta is liberated while living, while a Videha Mukta is liberated after death. The Videha Mukta is not "I" nor "the other" because he has dropped all identifications with the prakruti (nature). He is almost like the Sun that shines, Vishnu that protects, and an impulse. The Videha Mukta drops all eight elements of prakruti (five gross and three subtle), becoming just an impulse or vibration, comparable to Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.
