Yoga Vashisht - Lessons for Life

*Yoga Vashist* contains numerous lessons, but here are ten key teachings:

*Illusion Nature of the World*: The world is real but is an illusion(maya), Our sense equipment filters the reality into many hues n tones. So while the world is real but its appearance is an illusion and true understanding comes from realizing this illusion. It is not what it seems. 

*Detachment* : Detachment from worldly points of views, my right vs your wrongs, judgements and attachments to only My POV is a trap. It never fosters harmony and clean exchange of ideas and views. 

*The Mind* : Understanding the nature of the mind and its role in shaping perceptions and experiences is important. It’s the Intel Chip inside all of us and is specifically made for our hardware and software. It’s the most powerful tool known to mankind. It’s a good friend and yet a terrible enemy. Use it wisely. 

*Karma*: Actions (karma) and their consequences play a significant role in one's life. Understanding of Cause and effect theory helps in removing veils of superstition and destiny overloads. Going to the Source of a cause helps mitigate the reaction of the attendant effects. 

*Self-Realization:* It’s not a Spiritual Vaccine per se.  The ultimate goal is self-realization, the understanding of one's true nature beyond the ego(sense equipment). 

*Consciousness* : Exploring the nature of consciousness as the unbridled Awareness or the Ever present Knowing is essential to overcome the struggle to the curiosity of the Who Am I question. 

*Renunciation* : Renunciation of the masks that our society n  friends and our roles give us as 🎁 gifts takes us closer to who we actually are. Not what we think we are. 

*Transcendence* : Transcending dualities and realizing the underlying unity of all existence.

*Guru-Disciple Relationship* : The importance of a Guru or a teacher as a beacon in guiding one along the life’s path.

*Inner Peace* : Peace and Happiness are our two essential Nature. All of us can agree that we all seek these two by way of all our activities.  

I have experimented with kindness, gratitude, surrender and empathy and compassion and have experienced a fair degree of peace and happiness in life. 

I think that has been liberating. 

My study of Yoga Vashisth taught me these lessons. I am sure you will derive your own lessons. 

- Life Coach Ashutosh