Cause of Sorrow and Delight

Sage Vasishtha

Rama, behold the self by the self through pure enquiry, even as the cool moon perceives the entire space. One is tossed around over the waters of this illusory world-appearance like a piece of straw only as long as one does not get into the secure boat of self-enquiry. Even as particles of sand floating in water settle down when the water is absolutely steady, the mind of the man who has gained the knowledge of the truth settles down in total peace. Once this knowledge of the truth is gained, it is not lost: even if a piece of gold has laid in a heap of ashes, the goldsmith finds no problem seeing it. When the truth has not been known, there may be confusion: but once it is known there can be no confusion. Ignorance of the self is the cause of your sorrow; knowledge of the self leads to delight and tranquility.