Vasishtha, or Rishi Vasishtha, is one of the revered Saptarishi, or Seven Sages, in Hindu mythology and Vedic literature. He is considered one of the most prominent and respected sages in Indian tradition.
Vasishtha is mentioned in various ancient texts, including the Rigveda, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Yoga Vasistha. He is depicted as a great sage, renowned for his wisdom, spiritual knowledge, and mastery of Vedic scriptures. Vasishtha is often portrayed as a spiritual advisor and preceptor to many prominent figures, including kings and gods.
Vasishtha is also known for his deep understanding of Vedic rituals and is associated with the Rigvedic family of hymns; he is believed to have composed several hymns found in the Rigveda. In the Ramayana, Vasishtha is the spiritual teacher of Lord Rama, the hero of the epic. He guides and imparts spiritual wisdom to Rama throughout his journey.
The philosophy associated with Sage Vasishtha is primarily expounded in the ancient text known as the Yoga Vasistha. This text, also called the Vasistha Ramayana, presents a dialogue between Sage Vasishtha and Prince Rama, exploring profound philosophical and spiritual concepts. The philosophy of Vasishtha, as depicted in the Yoga Vasistha, can be summarised as follows:
Non-Duality (Advaita): Vasishtha's philosophy emphasises the non-dual nature of reality. He teaches that there is only one ultimate reality, known as Brahman, which is the substratum of everything. The phenomenal world, with its multiplicity and diversity, is considered illusory (maya) and a product of ignorance. The ultimate goal is to realise the non-dual nature of self (Atman) and Brahman.
Illusory Nature of the World: Vasishtha argues that the world we perceive is a projection of the mind and is inherently transient and impermanent. He emphasises the illusory nature of worldly experiences and encourages seekers to go beyond the world of appearances and seek the eternal truth.
Mind and Consciousness: Vasishtha emphasises the power of the mind and its role in shaping our experiences. He explores the nature of consciousness and the workings of the mind, highlighting the need to transcend the limitations of the mind to realise the true Self.
Liberation (Moksha): Vasishtha teaches that liberation (moksha) is the ultimate aim of human life. It is the freedom from the cycle of birth and death and the realisation of one's true nature as pure consciousness. Liberation is attained through self-knowledge (jnana) and the dissolution of ignorance.
Paths to Liberation: Vasishtha describes various paths or disciplines that can lead to liberation. These include the path of knowledge (jnana yoga), devotion (bhakti yoga), meditation (dhyana yoga), and selfless action (karma yoga). He emphasises that these paths are not mutually exclusive but can be practised in combination according to one's temperament and inclination.
The philosophy of Vasishtha, as presented in the Yoga Vasistha, provides profound insights into the nature of reality, the workings of the mind, and the path to spiritual liberation. It has influenced various schools of Indian philosophy, particularly Advaita Vedanta, which advocates non-dualism and self-realisation as the ultimate goal. The 8th Century Vedic scholar and teacher, Adi Shankara, called Vasishtha the first sage of the Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy.
Overall, Vasishtha is venerated as a paragon of knowledge, spirituality, and righteousness. His teachings and stories continue to inspire and guide spiritual seekers and devotees in their quest for higher truths and liberation in Hindu philosophy and tradition.
