Sunday, March 29, 2015
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As a young prince of Ayodhya, Lord Rama made a tour of the kingdom he is to inherit. He returns utterly disillusioned, having seen samsara in all its many guises. His father, King Dasaratha, worries that Rama will renounce the world and seeks the advice of Sage Vasistha. The sage assures him that Rama’s dispassion (vairagya) is no cause for concern. It a sign the that Rama has begun to understand profound spiritual truths and is ready for spiritual enlightenment.
King Dasaratha summons Rama to his court, where the sage begins a discourse that continues for 21 days. His instruction and the answers to Rama’s questions are the scripture we know as Yoga Vasistha. The sage teaches the prince many spiritual truths, including: “That consciousness which is the witness of the rise and fall of all beings — know that to be the immortal state of supreme bliss.” Vasistha instructs Rama in meditation practices that allow the prince to reach that state of consciousness. Br. Shankara will discuss these practices on Sunday morning.