Satsang and Self-Enquiry

Sage Vasishtha

VIROCANA said:

True dispassion does not arise in one by austerity, charity, pilgrimage etc. but only by directly perceiving one's own nature. And, there is no means for direct self-realization except right self-exertion. Hence, one should give up dependence upon a god or fate and by right self-exertion firmly reject the seeking of pleasure. When dispassion matures, the spirit of enquiry arises in oneself. The spirit of enquiry strengthens dispassion. The two are interdependent, even as the ocean and the clouds are. These two and also self-realization are all intimate friends and always exist together.

Hence, first of all, one should abandon all dependence on extraneous factors and grinding one's teeth and with intense right self-exertion, cultivate dispassion. One may, however, earn wealth without violating local traditions and customs and without defying one's relatives etc. One should utilize this wealth to acquire the company of good and holy men endowed with noble qualities. Such company of holy men generates dispassion. Then there arises the spirit of enquiry, knowledge and the study of scriptures. By stages, one reaches the supreme truth.

When you turn completely away from the pursuit of pleasure then you attain to the supreme state thought the means of enquiry. When the self is completely purified, then you will be firmly established in the supreme peace. You will never again fall into the mire of conceptualization which is the case of sorrow.

Though you continue to live, you will remain freed from all hopes and expectations. You are pure! Salutations to you, O embodiment of auspiciousness!

In accordance with the prevailing social tradition, acquire a little wealth; and with that acquire the company of saints, and adore them. By their company you will gain contempt for the the objects of pleasure. And by the right enquiry you will gain self-knowledge.