The magnificent royal assembly in the city of Ayodhya presented a grand spectacle. Great sages, eminent scholars, and ministers who had arrived from distant realms sat gathered in deep solemnity. A profound stillness pervaded the entire hall, yet within the heart of King Dasharatha, who presided over the gathering, a storm raged. The agonizing thought that his beloved son, Sri Rama, was behaving strangely day by day tore at the father’s soul. This pivotal moment marks the true beginning of the profound spiritual journey known as the Yoga Vasistha.
Silence in the Ayodhya Assembly and a Father’s Anguish
Seated upon his throne, King Dasharatha’s thoughts revolved entirely around his son, Sri Rama. Summoning an attendant who served Sri Rama closely, the king waited as the servant approached the royal presence with hesitant steps. King Dasharatha inquired with deep concern, “Tell me, how is our Rama doing now? What is his state of mind? Has he cast aside his sorrow to regain his natural joy and youthful vigor?” The entire assembly listened intently, waiting for the attendant’s reply.
The Attendant Reveals the Truth with Tears
His voice trembling with sorrow, the attendant spoke: “O King! Ever since returning from his pilgrimage, Sri Rama has changed completely. He behaves as though he belongs to an entirely different realm.” He then described the prince’s daily struggles:
- “O King, unless we plead and hold his feet, he refuses even to rise for his daily bath or take his meals.”
- “Rama, who was once so joyful with us, now refuses to utter even a single word.”
- “He sits alone in a quiet corner, lost in deep, unrelenting contemplation.”
- “His conduct suggests he has completely forgotten that he is a prince.”
- “Joyous tidings do not move him, nor does heart-wrenching news bring any change to his serene countenance.”
- “He displays neither anger nor attachment toward anyone, remaining entirely free from desires.”
- “When we ask, ‘O Ramachandra, why do you remain like this?’, he offers no reply and remains immersed in silence.”
The Profound Philosophical Inquiries of Sri Rama
The attendant further shared the deep reflections Sri Rama often voiced to himself, astonishing even the learned scholars present:
- “‘What true benefit does wealth, jewelry, or material prosperity offer to human existence?'”
- “‘Who among mortals born on this earth is truly free from suffering?'”
- “‘Can towering fortresses, vast kingdoms, or armies of attendants rescue anyone from inevitable death?'”
- “‘Why must one harbor desires? Even if a desire is fulfilled, what lasting greatness does it hold? Is not everything ultimately empty?'”
Sri Rama’s Compassion for the Ignorant World
The attendant described how Sri Rama addressed the women in the palace. Whenever he saw them, Sri Rama questioned, “O mothers! Do you not realize that one day you too shall dissolve into the depths of time? Why adorn a perishable physical frame while neglecting the pursuit of ultimate liberation?”
Alarmed by his words, the attendants attempted to reason with him: “O Ramachandra, you are destined to rule this kingdom tomorrow. Is it fitting for you to speak like an ascetic?” Instead of answering, Sri Rama simply looked at them and smiled softly, remaining absorbed in his own transcendent world despite their appeals.
Verses on the Illusion of Creation
The attendant recounted that Sri Rama constantly chanted verses on spiritual wisdom: “People distinguish between prosperity and adversity, yet are not both mere mental constructs rather than absolute reality?”
Deeply pained by the ignorance of the world, Sri Rama once called the attendant and asked, “Why do people cling to worldly attachments until the day they weep over their ruined lives? Why does true wisdom not awaken in them earlier? Do you know the cause?” The attendant admitted his helplessness before the royal court, unable to answer such profound inquiries.
Sri Rama also displayed complete indifference toward politics and statecraft, giving no weight to discussions of governance.
The attendant shared reflections Sri Rama had written in his texts: “How curious it is that this world visible to our eyes possesses no real existence. Only the gross intellect perceives the ego of ‘I’ and ‘mine’, which is itself an illusion. Whence, then, does all this human suffering arise?” He would spend hours absorbed in this contemplation.
The attendant summarized Sri Rama’s perception:
- He perceives neither relatives nor kin.
- Friends and foes do not exist in his sight.
- Kingdoms, pleasures, and pains hold no significance for him.
Yet, the attendant assured the assembly that Sri Rama had not lost his sanity. He was neither foolish nor ignorant, but possessed extraordinary intellect. At the same time, he could not be considered fully liberated, for while he lacked any desire to live or strive for worldly ends, total inner peace had not yet settled upon his face.
The Royal Palace Appears as a Deceptive Sorceress
The attendant provided further glimpses into Sri Rama’s intense dispassion: “Rama murmurs to himself, ‘What need have I of wealth, relatives, kingdoms, or this dramatic play of life? I shall simply sit in a quiet corner and let this breath depart.’ Hearing these words breaks our hearts. Instead of rejoicing in this majestic palace and its glittering gems, he gazes upon it with aversion, as though looking upon a cunning sorceress masked in painted illusions.”
He recalled an incident when a servant brought silk garments, pleading, “Prince, please wear these royal robes.” Sri Rama turned to him and asked, “O friend, are these clothes and food so extraordinary? Can you not see that our lifespan dissolves every moment like melting water? Consider the peril we live in. Are we doing anything for the liberation that bestows true bliss? Cast aside these trivial pursuits and reflect upon the true nature of life and this transient body.”
On another occasion, when a beggar approached for alms, Sri Rama gave away all he possessed, advising, “O seeker, take this wealth, but never forget that greed for money is the root of all affliction. Always remain mindful of the flaws inherent in wealth.”
“O King! Sri Rama is peerless in courage and generosity, yet we cannot comprehend his present state,” the attendant pleaded with folded hands. “His calm and steady gaze proves this is no pretension. No external distraction penetrates his mind, yet an unfathomable delusion seems to veil his spirit. Is there anyone who can lift this veil and guide his mind? We pray for your guidance.”
Sage Vishwamitra Rejoices at the Attendant’s Words
While King Dasharatha’s heart sank upon hearing of his son’s condition, Sage Vishwamitra’s eyes shone with immense joy and wonder. Every word spoken by the attendant delighted the great ascetic, for he recognized the classic transformation preceding true self-realization.
Sage Vishwamitra spoke to the attendant: “O attendant, you have spoken with great clarity. Hearing your words fills me with profound joy. Go at once and bring Sri Rama here. Sri Rama will never disobey his father’s command or our wish.” The attendant hurried toward the inner palace.
Turning to the assembly, Sage Vishwamitra said: “Listen, members of this assembly! Do you not see that this transformation in Sri Rama is born of supreme dispassion? This detachment does not stem from loss of wealth, affliction, disease, or unfulfilled desires. It is a sublime dispassion born of pure wisdom and discrimination. That one so young, surrounded by royal luxuries, possesses such profound discernment is a matter of great celebration.”
The Sage Reassures King Dasharatha
Turning to the anxious king, Vishwamitra offered loving reassurance: “O King! Grieve not for Rama. His mind is filled with wisdom and dispassion. Only a subtle doubt regarding his duty and righteous action remains within him. We shall dispel that doubt through spiritual instruction.”
“Once this doubt is resolved, Sri Rama shall abide in supreme peace, resting in liberation just as sages do. Attaining Self-knowledge poses no obstacle to ruling a kingdom; rather, enlightened action flows with absolute equanimity. Our words will awaken the pure Sattva within him, enabling him to understand the true order of existence. In that state of wisdom, he will remain steadfast through joy and sorrow, viewing a blade of grass, a stone, and gold with equal vision.”
The Embodiment of Dispassion, Sri Rama, Enters the Court
At that very moment, the sixteen-year-old Sri Rama entered the assembly hall accompanied by his brothers. Though youthful, his face shone with the serene radiance of a full moon. His presence electrified the assembly, and the gathering erupted in joyous acclaim.
Despite his intense dispassion, Sri Rama observed all royal decorum. He approached the throne and bowed at his father’s feet, then offered reverent salutations to the assembled sages, knowers of Brahman, and childhood preceptors, before acknowledging the assembled kings and officials.
The Prince Sits on the Bare Floor, Forsaking the Throne
Seeing his beloved son, Dasharatha’s spirits revived. With deep affection, he called out, “Come, dear Rama! Come and sit upon the prince’s throne prepared for you.” But Sri Rama disregarded the invitation. Having renounced all taste for royal grandeur, he walked to the center of the hall and seated himself calmly upon the bare floor. Seeing this, an attendant quickly rushed forward and spread a simple woolen blanket beneath him, upon which Sri Rama sat in complete tranquility.
A Father’s Heart Overflowing with Concern
The sight of his son seated on the floor grieved Dasharatha deeply. He admonished him gently: “My son, you have been educated under Sage Vasistha and possess great learning. You are destined to rule this kingdom. Why do you behave like a bewildered soul? What sorrow has brought you to this state? It is your duty to gladden your mind rather than torment yourself with distressing thoughts. Wise individuals always tread the path set by elders and preceptors. Performing one’s designated duty brings merit and welfare. What purpose is served by afflicting your own mind?”
Vishwamitra Affectionately Addresses Sri Rama
While Dasharatha spoke out of parental attachment, Sage Vishwamitra approached Sri Rama with immense warmth, blessing him: “May all auspiciousness be yours, O Ramachandra!” He then gently invited the prince to unburden his mind:
- “Reveal to us without hesitation the sorrow that resides within your heart.”
- “What is the underlying cause of this deep detachment?”
- “What thoughts disturb your inner tranquility?”
“We are here for you,” Vishwamitra encouraged. “Speak your mind freely. We shall resolve all your doubts and remove every trace of grief. Human suffering arises solely from the lack of right inquiry and discernment. Allow us to understand what passes through your mind.”
Sri Rama Prepares to Speak
Sri Rama listened attentively to Sage Vishwamitra’s affectionate words. Breaking his silence, he surveyed the assembly of revered sages and scholars, feeling deep gratitude in his heart: “How auspicious is this day! Surrounded by these great masters and enlightened souls, all my doubts shall surely find their true resolution.”
Confident that he had found the rightful preceptors, the embodiment of dispassion prepared to answer Vishwamitra’s questions and express the philosophical inquiry that had consumed his soul. Right from this auspicious threshold begins the sublime spiritual discourse between Sage Vasistha and Sri Rama in the Yoga Vasistha.
Sri Rama – Frequently Asked Questions
What did King Dasharatha ask the attendant regarding Sri Rama?
Dasharatha anxiously inquired whether Sri Rama had regained his normal enthusiasm after his pilgrimage or if he remained lost in deep sorrow.
What did the attendant reveal about Sri Rama’s behavioral changes?
The attendant tearfully explained that Sri Rama neglected food and bathing, avoided speaking, sat in isolated contemplation, and questioned the ultimate value of wealth, palaces, and kingdoms.
How did Sri Rama question the palace women?
Sri Rama challenged them by asking why they adorned perishable physical bodies that would eventually dissolve into time, instead of striving for eternal liberation.
What did Sri Rama say when offered royal garments?
Sri Rama reminded the attendant that life ebbs away like melting water, urging him to contemplate the impermanence of the body and seek the bliss of liberation rather than valuing clothes and food.
What did Sri Rama teach and give to the beggar?
Sri Rama gave away all his possessions to the beggar while cautioning him that the pursuit of money is the root of all worldly affliction.
Why did Sage Vishwamitra rejoice at Sri Rama’s transformation?
Vishwamitra rejoiced because he recognized that Sri Rama’s detachment was not born of grief, illness, or frustration, but was a noble dispassion arising from genuine wisdom and spiritual discrimination.
How did King Dasharatha counsel his son?
Dasharatha advised Sri Rama that as an educated future ruler, he should not behave like an ascetic, but must follow the guidance of elders and perform his royal duties cheerfully.
How did Sri Rama enter the assembly and where did he sit?
After reverently bowing to his father and the assembled sages, Sri Rama declined the royal throne and peacefully sat upon a simple blanket on the bare floor.
