"The very first step in understanding what this is all about is giving up the concept of an active, volitional 'I' as a separate entity and accepting the passive role of perceiving and functioning as a process." - Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Mind Stilled, Illusion Ceases

Sage Vasishtha

This cosmic illusion (maya) creates great delusion and is of the nature of disequilibrium. It is extremely difficulty to understand it. What comparison is there between a hallucination which lasts for the brief duration of an hour's dream, and a while lifetime as a tribesman with all the varied experiences? Again how can we relate what is seen in that hallucination and what is seen 'in front of our eyes'? Or, what is truly unreal and what has really undergone a factual transformation? Hence, I tell you, O Rama, this maya leads the unwary mind into endless difficulties.

RAMA asked: But, O Holy Sir, how can one restrain this wheel of cosmic illusion which revolves with such tremendous force?

VASISHTHA replied: O Rama, the mind is the hub around which this vicious cycle revolves, creating delusion in the minds of the deluded. It is by firmly restraining that hub through intense self-effort and keen intelligence that the whole wheel is brought to a standstill. When the hub's motion is stopped, the wheel does not revolve: when the mind is stilled, illusion ceases. One who does not know this trick and does not practise it, undergoes endless sorrow; the moment the truth is seen, behold! the sorrow comes to an end.

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सर्वभूताधिवासं यद्भूतेषु च वसत्यपि।
सर्वानुग्राहकत्वेन तद्स्म्यहं वासुदेवः॥

That in whom reside all beings and who resides in all beings,
who is the giver of grace to all, the Supreme Soul of the universe, the limitless being:
I AM THAT. -- Amritabindu Upanishad