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Teachings On Meditation On The Self - Hinduism Teaching From Yoga Vasishta

I, the pure, stainless and infinite Consciousness beyond Maya, look upon this body in action like the body of another.

The mind, the intellect, the senses, etc. are all the play of Consciousness. They are unreal and seem to exist only due to lack of insight.

Unmoved by adversity, a friend of all the world in prosperity, without ideas of existence and non-existence, I live free from misery.

Inactive am I, desireless, clear as the sky, free from hankering, tranquil, formless, everlasting and unmoving.

I have now clearly understood that the five elements, the three worlds and I myself are pure Consciousness.

I am above everything : I am present everywhere ; I am like space ; I am that which (really) exists ; I am unable to say anything beyond this.

Let imaginary waves of universe rise or fall in me who am the ocean of infinite Consciousness ; there is no increase or decrease in me.

How wonderful that in me, the infinite ocean of Consciousness, waves of jivas (individual souls) rise, sport for a while and disappear according to their nature.

 The world which has come into existence on account of my ignorance has dissolved likewise in me. I now directly experience the world as supreme bliss of Consciousness.

I prostrate to myself who am within all beings, the ever-free Self abiding as inner Consciousness.

Source – Yoga Vasishta Sara - The Essence Of Yoga Vasistha by Swami Suresananda published in the Mountain Path Magazine April 1970 Issue.

Further explanation:

Here is an expanded, rewritten explanation of the profound teaching from the Yoga Vasistha Sara that incorporates its importance, meaning, symbolism, universal relevance, and applications in modern life.


Infinite Consciousness and the Waves of Life

In the ancient Hindu scripture Yoga Vasistha Sara, the teaching that "In the infinite ocean of Consciousness, waves of individual souls rise, sport for a while, and disappear" reveals a profound understanding of the nature of existence and reality. The world, which appears due to ignorance (avidya), dissolves back into Consciousness when true knowledge (jnana) dawns. The individual no longer perceives the world as separate and dualistic but experiences it as the blissful manifestation of pure Consciousness.

This teaching conveys the essence of Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism) — that there is only one reality, Brahman, or infinite Consciousness. Everything we experience is an expression or appearance within this Consciousness.


Deep Symbolism and Meaning

  1. Ocean and Waves Metaphor:

    • The ocean represents Brahman, the infinite, eternal, and formless Consciousness.
    • Waves symbolize jivas (individual souls) and their transient experiences.
    • Just as waves rise and fall back into the ocean, individual experiences, lives, and manifestations arise and dissolve back into Consciousness.
  2. Ignorance and Knowledge:

    • The world as we perceive it exists due to ignorance (maya), which veils the underlying unity.
    • When ignorance dissolves, one perceives everything as an extension of the same Consciousness, resulting in liberation (moksha).
  3. Supreme Bliss:

    • The direct realization of this truth transforms the perception of the world into one of supreme bliss, where dualities such as pain and pleasure lose their grip.

Universal Relevance

  • Timeless Wisdom:
    • This teaching transcends time, being as relevant today as it was millennia ago. It addresses the eternal human quest for meaning, identity, and liberation.
  • Connection to Modern Physics:
    • The concept aligns with ideas in quantum physics, which suggests that the universe is a unified field where distinctions like "matter" and "consciousness" are illusions created by perception.

Simpler Explanation with Examples

Imagine the sky full of clouds:

  • The sky is infinite Consciousness, vast and unchanging.
  • The clouds represent the temporary forms and experiences of life.
  • Just as clouds form and dissolve without altering the sky, our experiences come and go, leaving Consciousness untouched.

A movie on a screen is another analogy:

  • The screen symbolizes the unchanging Consciousness.
  • The images and stories on the screen are like the world we experience — they appear real but depend on the screen for their existence.

Modern-Day Relevance

  1. Overcoming Stress and Anxiety:

    • Recognizing life’s temporary nature, like waves on an ocean, can help us detach from unnecessary worries.
    • Meditation and mindfulness practices rooted in this philosophy enable people to transcend momentary challenges.
  2. Addressing Existential Questions:

    • In a world searching for identity and purpose, this teaching reminds us that our true nature is not limited to our body, mind, or roles but is infinite Consciousness itself.
  3. Promoting Unity:

    • The idea that all beings arise from the same Consciousness fosters a sense of universal brotherhood, compassion, and inclusivity.

Practical Applications

  1. Meditative Practices:

    • Contemplating this teaching during meditation helps develop detachment and inner peace.
    • Techniques like self-inquiry (Who am I?) lead to the direct experience of the infinite Self.
  2. Mindset Shift:

    • When faced with difficulties, this perspective reminds us that everything is transient and will pass, just as waves dissolve back into the ocean.
  3. Daily Life:

    • Embrace simplicity and gratitude, seeing even mundane activities as expressions of Consciousness.

Supporting Quotes and Stories from Hindu Scriptures

  1. Bhagavad Gita (2.20):

    • "The Self is never born, nor does it die; it is eternal, unborn, and undying."
    • This echoes the idea of waves rising and dissolving, while the ocean (the Self) remains constant.
  2. Chandogya Upanishad (6.8.7):

    • "Tat Tvam Asi" (That Thou Art): The individual soul (jiva) is ultimately not separate from Brahman.
  3. Story of King Janaka (Yoga Vasistha):

    • King Janaka asked Sage Vasistha how to live in the world after attaining enlightenment. The sage explained that the enlightened one sees the world as unreal yet engages in it joyfully, just as a person dreams while knowing it is a dream.

Lesser-Known Facts

  1. The Yoga Vasistha was a favorite text of Swami Vivekananda, who often referred to its teachings during his discourses.
  2. The metaphor of the ocean and waves has parallels in other mystical traditions, such as Sufism and Zen Buddhism, highlighting its universal appeal.

Modern Influence

  • Philosophy in Action: Modern thinkers like Jiddu Krishnamurti and Ramana Maharshi have drawn on similar principles to guide individuals toward self-realization.
  • Therapeutic Tools: Psychologists and spiritual teachers integrate these teachings into mindfulness and cognitive therapies, helping people overcome depression, anxiety, and grief.


The verse from the Yoga Vasistha Sara encapsulates the essence of Hindu spirituality, emphasizing that we are not limited by the transient experiences of life but are the infinite Consciousness itself. By realizing this truth, we can live with greater freedom, joy, and equanimity, transcending the illusions of the world while embracing its beauty.