Day 38 – 19 February 2025
When and how do the jivas assume an individual identity differentiating them from the all pervading consciousness? It is when a movement starts in the mind inspired by desire, said Sri M on the fourth day of the Yoga Vasistha Retreat. This desire binds them to the time-space conundrum that ties them to a separate existence.
It is only when the desire to be free becomes very strong and dispassion arises in the mind that the jiva realises that it was never bound. Illustrating this from the Yoga Vasistha by the examples of Bali and Prahalada, who were born as asuras but still were able to attain Moksha, Sri M said the road to liberation was open to everyone irrespective of where, when, and in which community they were born.
Besides Vivek and Vairagya, one has to do intensive Sadhana for cessation of the vrittis or thought forms that arise in the mind. Once the mind has been conquered and rests in its true nature that is pure consciousness, one realises they were always free, he said. They can then either continue to live in the world and work from where the inspiration and energy comes from the all pervading consciousness or can just rest in their true nature, he added.
The annadaanam seva saw more than 500 sadhus and pilgrims thronging the little tent for prasadam distributed under the loving gaze of the Master. The Chai Seva in the evening managed to serve more than 300 people.
The bhajans around the Akhand Dhuni on this day fittingly also included Sant Kabir’s nirguna ones in addition to those in praise of all the deities. Late night saw many meditating around the dhuni, while others sat within the satsang hall doing sadhana and still others gathered in groups singing bhajans.
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