The Yogic Method: Seven States Of Yoga
"The Yoga Vastistha was believed to have been written sometime around 4 CE. It is a unique work of Indian philosophy and is highly respected for its practical mysticism. The study of this great scripture alone can surely help one to attain to God-consciousness" ...Swami Muktananda
Below I have quoted from "Vasistha's Yoga" and used bolded parenthesis to refer to the similarities with the Mystic 7 Principles. Unbolded parenthesis refer to information included in other paragraphs in Vasistha's Yoga not included in this quote.... Dawn
The Yogic Method; Seven States Of Yoga
“Vasistha’s Yoga” pg 478-480
by Swami Venkantesananda
"By the diligent practice of this yogic method, by resorting to the company of the holy ones (awakened ones) and the avoidance of evil company (delusional ones), the truth is clearly revealed. When thus one realises the supreme which is the only essence or truth beyond this ocean of samsara (suffering from the delusion), he realises “I am not the doer but god alone is the doer (1. The Source); not even in the past did I do anything (2. Eternity).” He abandons vain and meaningless words and remains inwardly and mentally silent (Samadhi). This is superior non-attachment or freedom. He has abandoned all dependency, above and below, within and without, tangible and intangible, sentient and insentient. He shines like supportless and limitless space itself (3. Infinity). This is superior freedom. In it he enjoys peace and contentment, virtue and purity, wisdom and self-enquiry.
He who engages himself in righteous actions (non-attachment) and avoids evil (delusions) is adorable (worthy of adoration). This adorable holiness is in a seed state in the first state of yoga (1.dedication to crossing the ocean of samsara: delusions), it sprouts in the second state of yoga (2.vicara = self-inquiry & direct experience) and attains fruition in the third state of yoga (3.non-attachment or freedom, Truth).
In the fourth state of yoga, the yogis behold the one in all (4. Unity) with a mind that is free from division (non-separation). Division has ceased and unity is steady, and therefore they behold the world as if it were a dream.
In the fifth state of yoga, only the undivided reality (5. Nothingness) remains. Hence it is likened to deep sleep. He who has reached this state, though he is engaged in diverse external activities, rests in himself (knowing the world-appearance is unreal).
After thus proceeding from one state to another, he reaches the sixth state of yoga, which is the turiya (transcendental state). In this he realises, “I am neither real nor unreal, nor even egoless. I am beyond duality and unity. All doubts are at rest.” (Neither/Nor = 6. Neither Affirmation Nor Negation)
He is void within, void without, void like an empty vessel (nothingness, emptiness); at the same time he is full within and full without (everythingness), like a full vessel immersed in the sea. (Both/And = 7. No Essential Nature)
They who reach the seventh state of yoga are known as “the disembodied liberated beings”. Their state is not for words to describe. (Kaivalya = Beyond Enlightenment: no mind, no body, full liberation from illusions)"
