The Sixth Section of Laghu Yoga Vasistha: A Journey Towards Liberation The Yoga Vasistha, a monumental scripture comprising 23,734 verses spread over six prakaranas (sections), has long been a beacon for spiritual aspirants in the Indian philosophical tradition. Among its many summarized adaptations, the Laghu Yoga Vasistha, attributed to the 9th-century sage Abhinanda, holds a special place in spiritual literature for its clarity and concise presentation of profound metaphysical truths. Particularly, the sixth section, known as Nirvana Prakarana, encapsulates the essence of liberation (moksha) and offers a detailed exposition on the nature of the liberated soul. This section, composed of 18 chapters and 1859 verses, continues to inspire seekers even in modern times by emphasizing the importance of self-effort and the cultivation of pure intellect. Understanding Nirvana Prakarana Nirvana Prakarana, the sixth section of the Laghu Yoga Vasistha, is dedicated entirely to the theme of libe...

Exploring the Fifth Section of the Laghu Yoga Vasistha: The Art of Quieten the Mind The Yoga Vasistha, a voluminous work consisting of 23,734 verses spread across six sections (prakaranas), has long been revered as a seminal text on Advaita Vedanta and the nature of reality. Among its various summaries and abridged versions, the Laghu Yoga Vasistha—attributed to the 9th-century sage Abhinanda—stands out for its clarity and conciseness. In this abridged text, the fifth section, known as the Upasama Prakarana, contains ten chapters and 1124 verses. It is dedicated to the profound art of calming the restless mind and guiding it toward its dissolution—a process central to attaining direct awareness of the true Self (atman). Historical and Philosophical Context The original Yoga Vasistha, with its expansive narrative, provides a detailed exploration of the nature of existence, the illusion of individuality, and the journey towards self-realization. The Laghu Yoga Vasistha, by condensing the...

The Fourth Section of Laghu Yoga Vasistha: Sthiti Prakarana – The Sustenance of Reality and the Path to Liberation The Yoga Vasistha, an ancient spiritual classic of 23,734 verses divided into six prakaranas, has long captivated seekers of truth with its profound insights into the nature of reality, the mind, and liberation. Among the various summaries that have distilled its essence, the Laghu Yoga Vasistha, attributed to Abhinanda of the 9th century CE, holds a unique position. This condensed work encapsulates the wisdom of the original text while making its teachings accessible to a broader audience. The fourth section of this work, known as the Sthiti Prakarana, spans five chapters and 541 verses, offering a rich exploration of the theme that even the sustenance or “sthiti” of the world is, like its creation (utpatti), an imaginative construct of the mind. The Concept of Sthiti: Reality as Imagination At the heart of the Sthiti Prakarana lies a radical yet liberating insight: the v...

  Third Section of Laghu Yoga Vasistha: An In-Depth Exploration The Yoga Vasistha is a monumental work of spiritual literature, composed of 23,734 verses spread across six prakaranas (sections). Over the centuries, scholars and spiritual practitioners have found immense value in its profound teachings. Among the many summaries and commentaries on this text, the Laghu Yoga Vasistha —attributed to the 9th-century sage Abhinanda—stands out for its concise yet impactful rendering of the original work. Within this summary, the third section, known as the Utpatti Prakarana , holds a unique position due to its rich exposition of the Advaitic (non-dual) philosophy. In this article, we explore the structure, themes, and enduring relevance of the Utpatti Prakarana, delving into its doctrinal insights, the illustrative upakhyanas (narrative stories), and the gradual unfolding of spiritual knowledge through the Saptabhumikas—the seven stages of enlightenment. We will also examine how these anc...

The Second Section of Laghu Yoga Vasistha: Conquering Vasanas for Liberation The ancient wisdom contained in the Yoga Vasistha has inspired seekers for centuries, and among its many summaries, the Laghu Yoga Vasistha holds a special place. Attributed to the 9th-century sage Abhinanda, this abridged version encapsulates profound spiritual teachings in a concise form. In particular, the second section—known as the  Mumukshuvyavahara Prakarana (Mumukshu Vyavahara  Prakarana)   — offers a deep exploration of the conquest of vasanas, or the latent impressions accumulated from past experiences and lives, and provides a roadmap for overcoming these influences on the path to liberation. Historical and Philosophical Context Yoga Vasistha is an immense work comprising 23,734 verses, traditionally divided into six prakaranas (sections). The Laghu Yoga Vasistha, however, is a much more accessible condensation of these vast teachings. The second section of this work, composed of 110 v...

  The Profound Wisdom of the First Section of Laghu Yoga Vasistha The Yoga Vasistha, also known as the Yoga Vasistha Ramayana, stands as one of the most influential treatises in the realm of Advaita Vedanta. This ancient scripture, renowned for its uncompromising non-dualistic philosophy, originally comprises 23,734 verses distributed across six prakaranas (sections). Over the centuries, numerous scholars have sought to distill its vast teachings into more accessible forms. One of the most esteemed of these condensed works is the Laghu Yoga Vasistha , attributed to Abhinanda—a Brahmana from 9th-century Kashmir. With 5,000 verses divided into six sections, this abridged version has played a vital role in disseminating the profound insights of the original text. In this article, we delve into the first section of the Laghu Yoga Vasistha , known as the Vairagya Prakarana. Consisting of three chapters and 359 verses, this section introduces us to the core philosophy of detachment (vair...