Persistence Amid Adversity

The Yoga Vasistha emphasizes the paramount importance of self-realization and the pursuit of higher knowledge as the ultimate goals of human existence. Attaining a human birth is invaluable opportunity, and failing to strive for spiritual liberation is like squandering a precious jewel.

Even after being born as a human, if one does not endeavor to achieve Purushartha - the four aims of human life, especially Moksha (liberation) - one essentially wastes this rare chance. The scriptures poignantly state:

‘Eṣa chedavedīt atha satyamasti na chedihāvedīn mahati vinaṣṭiḥ.’

This verse conveys that if a capable person attains self-knowledge, then human life becomes meaningful and fulfilled. Conversely, if one does not realize the self, it leads to great loss - entrapment in the unending cycles of birth, death, and suffering.

Without the pursuit of higher knowledge and self-realization, life can become insubstantial and fraught with intense suffering. True growth and fulfillment cannot occur without deeper understanding. The realization of truth is timeless and transcends all limitations, assuring that efforts made towards it are never wasted.

The Role of Effort and Discernment

From countless past lives, selfless actions (nishkama karma) accumulate, and through appropriate knowledge as stated in the Vedas, one attains true happiness. Greater effort yields greater results, but discernment is crucial. An expert gem evaluator can recognize the value of a jewel with ease, while others may not obtain a jewel from a mere stone despite significant effort.

Similarly, the outcomes of human endeavor are determined by one's capability and eligibility, known as Adhikara. Just as the capacity of a vessel to hold water depends on its dimensions, the fruit of Purushartha is contingent upon the seeker's readiness. When this eligibility aligns with authentic scriptures, guidance from enlightened saints, and adherence to truth, one naturally attains self-realization - the ultimate fruit inherent to the seeker. Misalignment, however, leads to unfulfillment.

Persistence Amid Adversity

The Yoga Vasistha highlights that the pursuit of sustenance and spiritual fulfillment is a natural inclination, and efforts directed towards it are never futile. Even great individuals like King Harishchandra, who endured immense sorrow and poverty, ultimately achieved liberation through steadfast human effort and unwavering commitment to righteousness (Dharma).

The Path to Inner Wisdom

The teachings underscore the necessity of persevering on the path of self-realization. Every step taken contributes to one's spiritual growth, and the cumulative effect of selfless actions and the pursuit of knowledge across lifetimes culminates in the realization of the self. This realization leads to enduring happiness and liberation from the cycles of suffering.

The Yoga Vasistha invites individuals to look beyond the ephemeral aspects of life and engage in the pursuit of deeper understanding and self-awareness. True fulfillment arises not merely from external achievements but from aligning oneself with eternal truths and cultivating inner wisdom. By embracing these timeless teachings, one enriches not only one's own life but also contributes positively to the broader tapestry of existence.

This alignment with enduring truths enhances one's capability (Adhikara) to attain the fruits of human effort. It affirms that the journey towards self-realization is a worthy endeavor, one that honors the precious opportunity of human birth and leads to the ultimate liberation and fulfillment envisioned by the sages.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi