Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

by Vihari-Lala Mitra | 1891 | 1,121,132 words | ISBN-10: 8171101519

The English translation of the Yoga-vasistha: a Hindu philosophical and spiritual text written by sage Valmiki from an Advaita-vedanta perspective. The book contains epic narratives similar to puranas and chronologically precedes the Ramayana. The Yoga-vasistha is believed by some Hindus to answer all the questions that arise in the human mind, an...

Chapter VII - On attainment of divine knowledge

Argument. Attainment of knowledge by Intuition, compared to the falling of a fruit from heaven.

Vasishtha continued:—

1. [Sanskrit available]
I have told you Rama, the usual way to knowledge for mankind in general; I will now tell you of another method distinct from the other.

2. [Sanskrit available]
Now Rama! we have two ways which are best calculated for the salvation of souls, born in human bodies on earth: the one is by their attainment of heavenly bliss, and the other by that of their final beatitude (apavarga).

3. [Sanskrit available]
And there are two methods of gaining these objects; the one being the observance of the instructions of the preceptor, which gradually leads one to his perfection in the course of one or reiterated births.

4. [Sanskrit available]
The second is the attainment of knowledge by intuition, or by self culture of a partly intelligent being; and this is as the obtaining of a fruit falling from heaven.

5. [Sanskrit available]
Hear now of the attainment of intuitive knowledge, as that of getting a fruit fallen from the sky, from the old tale which I will now recite to you.

6. [Sanskrit available]
Hear the happy and holy story, which removes the fetters of our good and evil deeds, and which the last born men (now living), must taste with a zest for their enlightenment, as others relish a fruit fallen from heaven for their entertainment.

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