Right Understanding and Right Effort:
Scriptural Verses from the Yoga Vasishtha
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I used to think I needed to make right effort to get to right understanding. Verse IV reminds me that right understanding—gained through keeping the company of the Truth in the Heart—is the starting point.
I practiced this understanding while reciting Shri Guru Gita this morning. When I noticed my mind wandering, I remembered, with compassion for myself, that this too is Consciousness. I felt expanded as I remembered that my mind, my thoughts, and my feelings are all forms of awareness. As I returned to this understanding, I was comforted by this verse. I understood that, yes, sadhana requires great effort, and also that right effort comes from love.
I practiced this understanding while reciting Shri Guru Gita this morning. When I noticed my mind wandering, I remembered, with compassion for myself, that this too is Consciousness. I felt expanded as I remembered that my mind, my thoughts, and my feelings are all forms of awareness. As I returned to this understanding, I was comforted by this verse. I understood that, yes, sadhana requires great effort, and also that right effort comes from love.
California, USA
How can I constantly remember and connect to Gurumayi, Baba, and Bade Baba? For me, it is by recalling, understanding, assimilating, and implementing their timeless teachings. When I do this, I surrender to my inner Self, again and again.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for walking with me on this precious Siddha Yoga path. Your company guides me to the Truth within.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for walking with me on this precious Siddha Yoga path. Your company guides me to the Truth within.
Nairobi, Kenya
A few years ago, I followed a heartfelt impulse to reread all of Baba’s and Gurumayi’s books. As I steeped my mind in these modern-day scriptures and the practice of meditation, it was as if every word on every page came alive and spoke to my heart with clarity and understanding. I felt more and more connected with the Self.
This was a powerful experience for me of self-effort flowing from right understanding and drawing the Guru’s grace.
This was a powerful experience for me of self-effort flowing from right understanding and drawing the Guru’s grace.
New Jersey, USA
After reading this verse, I spontaneously connected to my heart and felt a steady stream of calmness and love.
As the mother of a young child, I’m often pulled in multiple directions. I feel I’m being reminded here to take time to breathe and connect with myself so that my self-effort as a mother is in tune with what is best for me and the people around me. The verse inspires me to remember that pausing and consulting my heart will help me to feel more confident, and to create and maintain a loving and caring space for my child and me to be in each other’s company.
As the mother of a young child, I’m often pulled in multiple directions. I feel I’m being reminded here to take time to breathe and connect with myself so that my self-effort as a mother is in tune with what is best for me and the people around me. The verse inspires me to remember that pausing and consulting my heart will help me to feel more confident, and to create and maintain a loving and caring space for my child and me to be in each other’s company.
Basel, Switzerland