From the Archives of Swami Jyotirmayananda
We often believe our “Ego” is a solid, unchangeable entity. But in the vision of Vedanta, the ego is merely a reflection of the Absolute Self, distorted by ignorance. When this ignorance prevails, we are not guided by our true Self, but by a “monkey on our neck”—a distracted, restless energy that we mistake for our own identity.
This energy is driven by Sankalpa (Will or Intention). In this profound lecture from the Yoga Vasistha, Sri Swami Jyotirmayananda, the last direct disciple of Swami Sivananda, guides us through the story of Sage Dasura to reveal how we can master Sankalpa and find true liberation.
Swamiji begins with a striking image: the ego as a monkey. In a state of ignorance, our Sankalpa (will) is Tamasic or Rajasic—chaotic and passionate. We follow its whims, leading us into trouble. Yet, Swamiji offers hope: “The same monkey can become Hanuman.” When the will is directed toward the Divine, that same energy becomes the vehicle for liberation.
The Story of Dasura: A Spiritual Hero
The lecture explores the allegory of Sage Dasura. His name itself is a code for spiritual virtue:
- Da (Dama): Control of senses.
- Da (Dana): Charity.
- Da (Daya): Compassion.
Dasura represents the aspirant who has cultivated these virtues and seeks a place to meditate.
Finding the “Space” Within
Dasura looks for a quiet place in the world but finds none free of distraction. This is a crucial lesson for all seekers: the perfect external environment does not exist. We must discover the “psychic space” within ourselves. Through meditation, we create an internal sanctuary that “devours all distractions.”
The Parable of King Kotha: The Cosmic Mind
Swamiji introduces the mystic figure of King Kotha, representing the Cosmic Mind (Hiranyagarbha). Just as the sun creates countless reflections in buckets of water, the Cosmic Mind projects countless egos and personalities. Our individual story is but a reflection of this vast, cosmic play.
The Monkey and the Split Log
The lecture concludes with the humorous, yet warning, tale of the monkey who meddled with a wedge in a split log, only to have his tail caught. This illustrates how a distracted mind, driven by idle curiosity and lack of focus (Vikalpa), creates its own misery.
Scholar’s Corner: Scriptural Citations
- Taittiriya Upanishad: Swamiji references the peace chant: “I am the uprooter of the world tree (Bhavavriksa). My glory is above the mountain top.” This declares the state of the realized soul who has transcended the world process.
- Yoga Vasistha (Sthiti Prakaraṇa, Section 48): The primary source text for the story of Dasura and King Kotha.
Glossary of Terms
- Sankalpa: Will, intention, or creative imagination. The formative power of the mind.
- Bhavavriksa: The “World Tree,” a metaphor for the universe which has its roots in Brahman but branches into the world of names and forms.
- Akasha: Space or Ether. Swamiji distinguishes between Physical Space, Mental Space, and Chidakasha (Space of Consciousness).
- Khoktha (Kotha): An allegorical name for the Cosmic Mind acting through the void of space.
Watch the full lecture here: https://youtu.be/Rnlqa7dISD0
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