02.07.08
Vasistha’s Yoga II.19
II.19 “Non recognition of the existence of Supreme peace in the heart and assumption of the reality of imaginary factors, are both born of imperfect knowledge and the consequence of perverted logic.”
In this verse, what is referred to as the heart is the essence of one’s being. It is the eternal spirit that is the foundation for all that is experienced in the world and the enlivening power of all life. Recognition of the Supreme peace within the heart requires one to keep awareness centered in the clear stillness of the spirit while functioning in the world. To not do so, fragments consciousness and leads one to mistake transient experiences for reality.
Reality (something that exists independently of all other things and from which all other things derive) is the essence of one’s being. Much like when one dreams, everything within the dream is the dreamer and also the product of the imagination of the dreamer, the objects of perception in the world are products of the imagination of one’s true self.
To entertain the notion that the products of one’s imagination is real results in ignorance of one’s true self and is the cause of misunderstanding about the nature of reality. The more attention given to the transient things of the world the less attention is given to the eternal changeless nature of one’s own spirit, resulting in less peace and more attachment to things that cannot last, further blurring the clarity needed to remain fully awake to what is real.
Knowing that the world of experience is ultimately imaginary does not require a denial of the world. The objects of perception are to be related to appropriately as they are experienced. The purpose of acquiring flawless knowledge about what is and what is not real is to enable one to participate in the game of life without losing the perspective that it is a play of consciousness in the field of nature.
Remaining stable in the understanding of one’s true nature requires training. Realizing one’s enlightenment has a rich history of training opportunities. The study of authentic enlightenment scripture by writers of clear awareness provides ample reading material to study. From thousands of years past to the present enlightened sages have taught, those ready and willing to receive, soul liberating knowledge. Techniques to control the mind and return attention to one’s spiritual essence have been devised for all temperaments.
The way is always open for those committed to walking it. To be express one’s enlightenment requires learning from credible sources and applying what is learned. Then through direct experience the truth is revealed.
