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The Supreme Yoga: A New Translation Of The Yoga Vasistha
The Yoga Vasistha is a unique work of Indian philosophy and is highly respected for its practical mysticism. These teachings of Sage Vasistha imparted to Lord Rama, contain the true understanding about the creation of the world. The Supreme Yoga, with Romanised text, is a translation into English of this complete work and is accompanied by brief expositions by Swami Venkatesananda. This book brings this store house of wisdom to our world and makes the philosophy comprehensible to scholars and common people alike.
The Yoga Vasistha has been a favourite book of spiritual seekers in India these several centuries. Its special appeal lies in its thoroughly rational approach. and in its presentation of Vedanta as a philosophy which dares, like the The Bhagavad Gita, to bridge the gulf between the secular and the sacred action and contemplation. in human life. through a comprehensive and lofty spirituality. The reader will come across passages such as the verse entry for 31 st January. highlighting the importance of reason:
"The remark of even a child is to be accepted, if it is in accordance with reason: but the remark of even Brahma Himself; the creator of the world, is to be rejected like a piece of straw, if it does not accord with reason."
It is this philosophy of a comprehensive spirituality. rational and practical. that man in the modern age needs to rescue himself from his stagnation of worldliness and put him on the high road of creative living and fulfilment.
The text abounds in repetitions which are, however, not repetitious. If you do not like (or need) repetition, then readjust this one verse: "This world appearance is a confusion: even as the blueness of the sky is an optical illusion. I think it is better not to let the mind dwell on it, but to ignore it. "(I - 3/2) "
This verse occurs several times in the scripture and it sems to be the very essence of the teaching. If that is not quite clear to you now, read the scripture. The numerous ways in which this truth IS revealed will help open your mind.
An oft recurring expression in this scripture is 'kakataliya' - a crow alights on the coconut palm tree and at that very moment a ripe coconut falls. The two unrelated events thus seem to be related in time and space, though there is no causal relationship.
Such is life. Such is 'creation'. But the mind caught up in its' own trap of logic questions why, invents a 'why' and a 'wherefore' to satisfy itself, conveniently ignoring the inconvenient questions that still haunt an intelligent mind.
The Yoga Vasistha has been a favourite book of spiritual seekers in India these several centuries. Its special appeal lies in its thoroughly rational approach. and in its presentation of Vedanta as a philosophy which dares, like the The Bhagavad Gita, to bridge the gulf between the secular and the sacred action and contemplation. in human life. through a comprehensive and lofty spirituality. The reader will come across passages such as the verse entry for 31 st January. highlighting the importance of reason:
"The remark of even a child is to be accepted, if it is in accordance with reason: but the remark of even Brahma Himself; the creator of the world, is to be rejected like a piece of straw, if it does not accord with reason."
It is this philosophy of a comprehensive spirituality. rational and practical. that man in the modern age needs to rescue himself from his stagnation of worldliness and put him on the high road of creative living and fulfilment.
The text abounds in repetitions which are, however, not repetitious. If you do not like (or need) repetition, then readjust this one verse: "This world appearance is a confusion: even as the blueness of the sky is an optical illusion. I think it is better not to let the mind dwell on it, but to ignore it. "(I - 3/2) "
This verse occurs several times in the scripture and it sems to be the very essence of the teaching. If that is not quite clear to you now, read the scripture. The numerous ways in which this truth IS revealed will help open your mind.
An oft recurring expression in this scripture is 'kakataliya' - a crow alights on the coconut palm tree and at that very moment a ripe coconut falls. The two unrelated events thus seem to be related in time and space, though there is no causal relationship.
Such is life. Such is 'creation'. But the mind caught up in its' own trap of logic questions why, invents a 'why' and a 'wherefore' to satisfy itself, conveniently ignoring the inconvenient questions that still haunt an intelligent mind.
761 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2003
54 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
About the author
Venkatesananda
68 books53 followersSwami Venkatesananda (Parthsarathy as he was known then) was born in Tanjore on December 29th, 1921, to a South Indian Brahmin family. He learned Sanskrit at an early age from his uncle and grandfather, and used to love to take part in religious observances. He was not only scholarly but full of fun (a trait which endeared him in later life when, as a Swami, he travelled in the West, illustrating the everyday concepts we live by with his humorous stories.)
At the age of fourteen he discovered a book by Swami Sivananda in a bookshop. He was so impressed that he wrote to Swami Sivananda asking if he could join him in his ashram. Swami Sivananda told him to finish his education and then come to Rishikesh.
On leaving school, he studied shorthand and typing, coming first in the examination. After working for the Madras Corporation, he obtained the position of Private Secretary to the Minister of War in Calcutta; most suitably, as a member of the diplomatic core. In this capacity one day he was asked to escort some V.I.P.s to Haridwar and Rishikesh. He visited Sivananda Ashram and was told that Swami Sivananda was resting and he wouldn't be able to meet him. Shortly after, Sivananda unexpectedly came out. He looked at Parthasarathy and said, "So. You have come," and asked him to stay at the ashram.
So after fulfilling his work commitments for a year, he returned to Rishikes to stay. Sivananda put him to work in various departments of the ashram's kitchen, temple, office, and typing, the press etc. After that he became the private secretary to Swami Sivananda, typing his books, answering letters and generally helping in his day to day activities. Later he travelled the world to spread the message of his master, Swami Sivananda.
At the age of fourteen he discovered a book by Swami Sivananda in a bookshop. He was so impressed that he wrote to Swami Sivananda asking if he could join him in his ashram. Swami Sivananda told him to finish his education and then come to Rishikesh.
On leaving school, he studied shorthand and typing, coming first in the examination. After working for the Madras Corporation, he obtained the position of Private Secretary to the Minister of War in Calcutta; most suitably, as a member of the diplomatic core. In this capacity one day he was asked to escort some V.I.P.s to Haridwar and Rishikesh. He visited Sivananda Ashram and was told that Swami Sivananda was resting and he wouldn't be able to meet him. Shortly after, Sivananda unexpectedly came out. He looked at Parthasarathy and said, "So. You have come," and asked him to stay at the ashram.
So after fulfilling his work commitments for a year, he returned to Rishikes to stay. Sivananda put him to work in various departments of the ashram's kitchen, temple, office, and typing, the press etc. After that he became the private secretary to Swami Sivananda, typing his books, answering letters and generally helping in his day to day activities. Later he travelled the world to spread the message of his master, Swami Sivananda.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 5, 2008
The Yoga Vashishtha is without doubt one of the greatest spiritual treatises of Bharat, the land of the Truth seeker, beyond boundaries of time and place. The most profound metaphysical Truths are conveyed through stories and allegories. Contained in this are the spiritual teachings that Sri Rama received in his early youth from his guru, the eternal sage Vashishtha. The focus of the teachings is that the manifest world is the dream of the soul and we must awaken to the unchanging eternal Reality. Sri Valmiki, to whom the authorship is accredited states, "This world appearance is a confusion, even as the blueness of the sky is an optical illusion. I think it is better not to let the mind dwell on it, but to ignore it." This, is the simple essence of the teachings, difficult indeed to practice, and yet, the practice thereof is the path to enlightenment.
The Supreme Yoga is a translation and exposition of this well-known Vedanta treatise by Swami Venkatesananda. In this edition, the two volumes of the earlier edition have been compiled conveniently into one volume with a few omissions and modifications. Well presented, each page gives a verse from the chapter in transliteration along with a translation. A summary and exposition of the selected portion flows naturally. It has been compiled as a daily rosary - certainly there is enough to contemplate on when read like this. It is also marked out according to its six chapters. The scriptures are always at different levels, as a simple story and embedded within it, the deeper spiritual significance.
The first chapter, Vairagya Prakarana is about dispassion, which alone brings clarity of vision and transformation of the mind. The story begins in Ayodhya, ruled by King Dasharatha, when peace and prosperity prevailed amongst the people. The sons of King Dasharatha returned home from their gurukul. Sri Rama, accompanied by his brothers Lakshmana and Shatrughna, go on an extended teerth yatra or pilgrimage. Sri Rama is overcome by vairagya, a necessary pre-requiasite on the spiritual path. To remain established in vairagya, wisdom and samyam or balance and equipoise are the twin pillars. As Sri Valmiki says, "He is qualified to study this scripture who feels, I am bound, I should be liberated.".
The second chapter, Mumuksu Prakaranam, focuses on the behaviour and character of the seeker who becomes a source of inspiration for others. By spontaneously manifesting those attributes of perfection and truth that a human being can associate with, he becomes a source of light for humanity to follow. Sri Rama is the adarsh purush, ideal man. Naturally he is the exemplary spiritual aspirant whose life is an inspiration to seekers. He defines and determines expected behaviour.
The third chapter, Utpatti Prakaranam, explains the origin of the world, how we become involved in the creation of the mind and identify with it. There are several stories in the re-telling of which we are taught to discriminate between the real and the unreal. Possibly best known is the story of King Padma and Queen Lila, who are indeed Vashishth-ji, revered among the Sapt Rishis, with his eternal consort, Arundhati-ji. The goddess Saraswati herself is the witness through whom this is revealed.
In the fourth chapter, Sthiti Prakaranam, having attained that understanding, Sri Rama remains absorbed in the Self, in Brahman. Vashishtha says, "Rama, mind alone is all this: and when that is healed the jugglery of world-appearance is also healed." Only when firmly established in self-control and tranquility, is the truth of 'All is Brahman' revealed.
The fifth chapter, Upasama Prakaranam, deals with dissolution, the inevitable process determined by creation and existence, which are the subject matter of the two preceding chapters. As Raja Janak reflects to himself, "It is in equanimity that you will experience peace, bliss and the truth."
The sixth chapter, Nirvana Prakaranam, is the final liberation. Vashishtha says, "They call it Yoga, which is the method by which this cycle of birth and death ceases." The lofty goals of yoga and its practices are discussed. It must be remembered that yoga is not about mere techniques, but about Atman Bodh or self-realisation. The ancient scriptures have elucidated the techniques in such a way, that they are grasped at different levels according to the spiritual aspirant.
The wisdom Vashishtha shares with his beloved pupil, to remind him who he is, is the divine play through which we mortals are reminded of the Supreme Yoga, the Eternal Truths. Through the medium of the guru-disciple relationship which is one of shaddha and vishwas or faith and belief, the highest spiritual aspirant is able to move from intellectual understanding and intuitive knowledge to the truth and wisdom born of direct experience. Through the revelations of the life and experiences of the sages and great masters, in the Yoga Vashishtha, this truth is brought to us through the dialogues of Sri Rama and his guru Vashishtha.
There are many translations and expositions of this great treatise, as there are of other ancient Vedanta scriptures. What makes this particular book worth reading is that it is not a mere academic study reflecting skill of translation and knowledge of the subject, but is indeed the sadhana of Swami Venkateshananda, and this is amply reflected in the simplicity, beauty, purity and joy of expression.
The only deterrent is that the text size is small; an irritant one is obliged to overlook.
The Supreme Yoga is a translation and exposition of this well-known Vedanta treatise by Swami Venkatesananda. In this edition, the two volumes of the earlier edition have been compiled conveniently into one volume with a few omissions and modifications. Well presented, each page gives a verse from the chapter in transliteration along with a translation. A summary and exposition of the selected portion flows naturally. It has been compiled as a daily rosary - certainly there is enough to contemplate on when read like this. It is also marked out according to its six chapters. The scriptures are always at different levels, as a simple story and embedded within it, the deeper spiritual significance.
The first chapter, Vairagya Prakarana is about dispassion, which alone brings clarity of vision and transformation of the mind. The story begins in Ayodhya, ruled by King Dasharatha, when peace and prosperity prevailed amongst the people. The sons of King Dasharatha returned home from their gurukul. Sri Rama, accompanied by his brothers Lakshmana and Shatrughna, go on an extended teerth yatra or pilgrimage. Sri Rama is overcome by vairagya, a necessary pre-requiasite on the spiritual path. To remain established in vairagya, wisdom and samyam or balance and equipoise are the twin pillars. As Sri Valmiki says, "He is qualified to study this scripture who feels, I am bound, I should be liberated.".
The second chapter, Mumuksu Prakaranam, focuses on the behaviour and character of the seeker who becomes a source of inspiration for others. By spontaneously manifesting those attributes of perfection and truth that a human being can associate with, he becomes a source of light for humanity to follow. Sri Rama is the adarsh purush, ideal man. Naturally he is the exemplary spiritual aspirant whose life is an inspiration to seekers. He defines and determines expected behaviour.
The third chapter, Utpatti Prakaranam, explains the origin of the world, how we become involved in the creation of the mind and identify with it. There are several stories in the re-telling of which we are taught to discriminate between the real and the unreal. Possibly best known is the story of King Padma and Queen Lila, who are indeed Vashishth-ji, revered among the Sapt Rishis, with his eternal consort, Arundhati-ji. The goddess Saraswati herself is the witness through whom this is revealed.
In the fourth chapter, Sthiti Prakaranam, having attained that understanding, Sri Rama remains absorbed in the Self, in Brahman. Vashishtha says, "Rama, mind alone is all this: and when that is healed the jugglery of world-appearance is also healed." Only when firmly established in self-control and tranquility, is the truth of 'All is Brahman' revealed.
The fifth chapter, Upasama Prakaranam, deals with dissolution, the inevitable process determined by creation and existence, which are the subject matter of the two preceding chapters. As Raja Janak reflects to himself, "It is in equanimity that you will experience peace, bliss and the truth."
The sixth chapter, Nirvana Prakaranam, is the final liberation. Vashishtha says, "They call it Yoga, which is the method by which this cycle of birth and death ceases." The lofty goals of yoga and its practices are discussed. It must be remembered that yoga is not about mere techniques, but about Atman Bodh or self-realisation. The ancient scriptures have elucidated the techniques in such a way, that they are grasped at different levels according to the spiritual aspirant.
The wisdom Vashishtha shares with his beloved pupil, to remind him who he is, is the divine play through which we mortals are reminded of the Supreme Yoga, the Eternal Truths. Through the medium of the guru-disciple relationship which is one of shaddha and vishwas or faith and belief, the highest spiritual aspirant is able to move from intellectual understanding and intuitive knowledge to the truth and wisdom born of direct experience. Through the revelations of the life and experiences of the sages and great masters, in the Yoga Vashishtha, this truth is brought to us through the dialogues of Sri Rama and his guru Vashishtha.
There are many translations and expositions of this great treatise, as there are of other ancient Vedanta scriptures. What makes this particular book worth reading is that it is not a mere academic study reflecting skill of translation and knowledge of the subject, but is indeed the sadhana of Swami Venkateshananda, and this is amply reflected in the simplicity, beauty, purity and joy of expression.
The only deterrent is that the text size is small; an irritant one is obliged to overlook.
May 28, 2012
The `Yoga Vasistha` is one of the greatest ancient spiritual books produced in India. It is a long read, in two volumes, but not a single word is useless in it. It depicts the entire journey of a spiritual seeker, from start to destination, in the form of dialogs between Master and Disciple.
I would rank this, along with the `Tripura Rahasya`, in my top five spiritual books of the world.
Along with deep insight on the nature of reality, sometimes you are met with puzzling descriptions of the cosmos: parallel universes, with different time and space; alien life-forms different than on our own planet; matter as a manifestation of mind etc. I think this is an interesting book for a quantum physicist, not just for a spiritual seeker, and to think that this was written in such ancient times is mind-boggling.
Read it!
I would rank this, along with the `Tripura Rahasya`, in my top five spiritual books of the world.
Along with deep insight on the nature of reality, sometimes you are met with puzzling descriptions of the cosmos: parallel universes, with different time and space; alien life-forms different than on our own planet; matter as a manifestation of mind etc. I think this is an interesting book for a quantum physicist, not just for a spiritual seeker, and to think that this was written in such ancient times is mind-boggling.
Read it!
December 11, 2008
If I'd have to drop all books in the world but one, I'd keep this one.
March 18, 2013
Anyone on the path of spirituality should read this book.
This book is beyond religion.
This book is beyond religion.
September 28, 2014
This book is simply brilliant. I can read it again and again and everytime it amazes with the sheer amount of knowledge (ahaa!! moments) concealed in its words.
October 20, 2020
The Supreme Yoga has it all.
November 21, 2011
Nothing like this when it comes to explain parables and uplift one spiritually. It is extremely efficient in driving home the various points which, if anything, are brilliantly elevating! All doubts cut asunder by a barrage of stories and twists. Reading one page at a time is impossible for the thirsty soul, who will surely lose track of time when immersed in the ocean of its wisdom. Surely, it matches it claim - "It is the best work of Advaita written under the sun". No more to say except I-You-All are Existence-Consciousness-Bliss!
Currently reading
October 21, 2009I can not read more than one page per day . I need to digest this page :)
February 4, 2021
The book can be summarized in a paragraph, or none at all. Simply outstanding, its canvas is bigger than the universe and smaller than the atom! Answered many of my questions regarding existence and purpose of life that have troubled me for more than 30 years.
March 10, 2018
"Contentment is the supreme gain. Satsanga is the best companion to the destination. The spirit of inquiry itself is the greatest wisdom. And self-control is supreme happiness."
A quote from the book I love and try to follow.
A quote from the book I love and try to follow.
March 9, 2014
best book ever i had read
April 5, 2015
Great book of wisdom, also talks about non reality of time & space and the concept of past, present and future existing at the same time.
October 3, 2018
If you have some questions, here are ALL the answers! Best scripture!
Want to read
June 27, 2019This is must have for all on path of yog
January 19, 2024
The most transformational book available.
"Only on those days on which the light of self-knowledge shines brightly in one's heart does one live truly. All one's actions are full of bliss on those days. They alone are friends, scriptures and days that generate in one's heart true dispassion and also self-knowledge" (Yoga Vasiṣṭha, 5.64).
To make every day blissful, the content of Yoga Vasiṣṭha has been arranged in this book in such a way as to convert it into a rosary of daily thoughts throughout two years (one year per volume). Yoga Vasiṣṭha can be completed once every two years by reading one page daily.
Yoga Vasiṣṭha is an inspiring philosophical work pregnant with lofty spiritual thinking. This book has the potential to completely transform anyone. It will make one question her or his most basic assumptions.
Swami Krishnananda wrote: "The method of teaching employed in the Yoga-Vasishtha is in answer to the needs of the human mind. Generally, the doctrine is stated in the beginning, and is illustrated by a story which instils the philosophy into the mind, effectively. A constant study of this book stimulates the mind of the reader into a steady state of knowledge of Reality. It is one of the greatest philosophical theses that has been ever presented under the Sun" (Short History of Religious and Philosophic Thought, Page 93).
"Only on those days on which the light of self-knowledge shines brightly in one's heart does one live truly. All one's actions are full of bliss on those days. They alone are friends, scriptures and days that generate in one's heart true dispassion and also self-knowledge" (Yoga Vasiṣṭha, 5.64).
To make every day blissful, the content of Yoga Vasiṣṭha has been arranged in this book in such a way as to convert it into a rosary of daily thoughts throughout two years (one year per volume). Yoga Vasiṣṭha can be completed once every two years by reading one page daily.
Yoga Vasiṣṭha is an inspiring philosophical work pregnant with lofty spiritual thinking. This book has the potential to completely transform anyone. It will make one question her or his most basic assumptions.
Swami Krishnananda wrote: "The method of teaching employed in the Yoga-Vasishtha is in answer to the needs of the human mind. Generally, the doctrine is stated in the beginning, and is illustrated by a story which instils the philosophy into the mind, effectively. A constant study of this book stimulates the mind of the reader into a steady state of knowledge of Reality. It is one of the greatest philosophical theses that has been ever presented under the Sun" (Short History of Religious and Philosophic Thought, Page 93).
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews