Channel: Nonprofits & Activism
Uploaded: December 31, 1969 at 11:59 pm
Author: Gurugillies
Length: 09:12
Rating: N/A
Views: 23
The Yoga Vasistha, the yoga of self-enquiry arose from within a Hindu context. Whatever context it arose within there were bound to be mitigating factors within that context against self-enquiry. Within Hinduism there are the practices of traditional yoga and devotion to the deity. It's quite possible that such practices could actually obstruct self-enquiry.Vishnu is described as the self of all. He is identified with Brahman here. Adoration of Lord Vishnu is said to lead to self-realisation. However, this is only possible if the relationship with the god is changed. The god must be understood as the absolute Brahman and realised directly as the essence of one's being.Rama is encouraged to practise ceaseless enquiry like Prahlada to reach the supreme state. We continue to live in a state of delusion unless the fruits of self-enquiry have been realised. Grace is also mentioned. Rama asks about the role of grace and self-effort. Vasistha assures Rama that Prahlada's rewards were due to self-effort but that self is none other than Vishnu the Absolute!Is devotion to Vishnu a valid manifestation of self-effort?Vasistha states that devotion to Vishnu does not lead to realisation without the wisdom of self-knowledge. Self-enquiry is the only way to the other shore. Vishnu lambasts the view that guru or god can bestow self-knowledge and rams home the point that it can only be achieved through self-effort. Realise the self by the self. Worship is regarded as useless without mastery of the senses.