The Yoga-Vasishtha Maharamayana of Valmiki, Vol. 2 (of 4), Part 2 (of 2)Valmiki
Religion
The Yoga-Vasishtha Maharamayana of Valmiki, Vol. 2 (of 4), Part 2 (of 2)
Valmiki
Hinduism -- Doctrines -- Early works to 1800; Religious life -- Hinduism -- Early works to 1800
10. What faith can I rely in this world which has nothing substantial
nor pleasant, nor grand nor real in it; and yet I know not why my mind
is deluded by it.
11. What is far from me (_i.e._ the object of sense), appears to be
near me by my sensation of the same; and that which is nearest to me
(_i.e._ my inmost soul), appears to be farthest from me (by my want of
its perception). Knowing this I must abandon the outward (sensible
objects), in order to see the inward soul.
12. This hurry of men in their pursuits, is as impetuous and transient
as the torrent of a whirlpool. It precipitates them to the depth of
their dangers, and is not worth the pain it gives to the spirit.
13. The years, months, days and minutes, are revolving with succession
of our pains and pleasures; but these are swallowed up, by the repeated
trains of our misery (rather than that of happiness).
14. I have well considered everything, and found them all perishable
and nothing durable or lasting; there is nothing to be found here
worthy of the reliance of the wise.
15. Those standing at the head of great men to-day, are reduced low in
the course of a few days; what worth is there in giddy and thoughtless
greatness, which is deserving of our estimation.
16. I am bound to the earth without a rope, and am soiled herein
without any dirt (in my person); I am fallen though sitting in this
edifice. O my soul! how art thou destroyed while thou art living.
17. Whence has this causeless ignorance over-powered my intelligent
soul, and whence has this shadow overspread its lustre, as a dark cloud
overshades the disk of the sun?
18. Of what avail are these large possessions and numerous relations to
me, when my soul is desponding in despair, like children under the fear
of ghosts and evil spirits.
19. How shall I rest any reliance in my sensual enjoyments which are
the harbingers of death and disease, and what dependence is there on my
possessions, which are fraught only with anxieties and cares?
20. It matters not whether these friends, the feeders on my fortune,
may last or leave me at once; my prosperity is but a bubble and a false
appearance before me.
21. Men of greatest opulence and many good and great men and our best
friends and kindest relatives, that have gone by, now live in our
remembrance only.
22. Where are the riches of the monarchs of the earth, and where the
former creations of Brahmá. The past have given way to the present, and
these are to be followed by future ones; hence there is no reliance in
anything.
23. Many Indras have been swallowed up like bubbles in the ocean of
eternity; hence the like expectation of my longevity, is ridiculous to
the wise.
24. Millions of Brahmás have passed away, and their productions have
disappeared under endless successions; the kings of earth have fled
like their ashes and are reduced to dust; what is the confidence then
in my life and stability?
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