13Consciousness is the creator of all elements. She creates everything according to her model, hence creator and creation are one and the same. 14 As the backward and forward whirling motion of water makes a deep swell, and as a fairy appears in a dream, so all these nothings are in reality. 15This entity with its change is nothing. In whatever manner we look at an object, it will appear in the same manner.16The rule of the false dream is not to reproduce because the production is not in the world, but owing to ignorance, it appears so. [BOOKVI.1.61.13-16]      |   33 We have the dreaming man presented to us from the very beginning of creation in the person of Viraj. This being is situated in open air with its aerial body in the shape of the dreamer and dream mixed up together. 34The word “dream” that I have used and presented to you is an example to explain the nature of the phenomenal world. It is to be understood as neither a reality nor an unreality, but only "BRAHMAN" himself. [BOOKVI.2.62.33-34]

HONEST EFFORT REQUIRED FOR SELF KNOWLEDGE – YVIII.6.1-6

Published July 7, 2015 | By Yoga Vasishta

It is by the knowledge of this transcendent Supreme Spirit and God of gods that one may become an adept, and not by the rigor of religious austerities and practices. 2 Here nothing else is needed than the culture and practice of divine knowledge, and thereby the truth being known, one views the errors of the world like a satisfied traveler looks at a mirage in a clear light.

3 God is not far from or too near us. He is not obtainable by what He is not (such as adoration of images and ritual acts). He is the image of light and joy and is perceivable in ourselves. 4 Here austerities and charities, religious vows and observances are of no good whatever. It is only the calm peacefulness of one’s own nature that is of value fort a person to serve God.

5 The best means to attain divine knowledge are fondness for the society of the righteous and devotion to the study of good books. Ritual services and practices serve only to strengthen the trap of our inborn delusions, which only true knowledge can sever. 6 As soon as one knows one’s own inner light to be God, one gets rid of his miseries and becomes liberated in his living state.


– YVIII.6.1-6

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