Stories from the Yoga Vasishtha

by Swami Sivananda

The Yoga Vasishtha contains a system of ancient philosophical thought unique in its kind. This is a valuable heritage from the hoary past of this sacred land known as Bharatavarsha or Aryavarta. The system of thought that is presented in this book is a highly valuable contribution not only to Indian philosophical thought but also to the philosophical thought of the world at large.

Those whose minds are turned from this world, who have become indifferent towards the objects of this world and who are thirsting for liberation, will be really benefited by a study of this precious book. They will find in this book a vast mine of knowledge and practical spiritual instructions for guidance in their daily life. The Yoga Vasishtha first enunciates a doctrine in its various aspects and then makes it very lucid through interesting stories. This is a book for constant study as many times as possible. It must be read and re-read, studied and mastered.

The Yoga Vasishtha deals with the subject of affecting union of the individual soul with the Supreme Soul amidst all the trials and tribulations of life. It prescribes various directions for the union of the Jivatma and Paramatma.

Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• Hastamalaka Stotra
• Para Puja
• Essence of Yoga Vasishtha
• Prologue
• Vairagya Prakarana (On Dispassion) 
• The Story of Sukadeva
• Mumukshu Prakarana (On Longing for Liberation)
• Utpatti Prakarana (On Creation)
• The Story of Karkati
• The Story of Indra and Ahalya
• A Tale for a Bala
• The Story of a Siddha
• Sthiti Prakarana (On Existence)
• The Story of Sukra
• The Story of Bhima, Bhasa and Dridha
• Upasanti Prakarana (On Dissolution)
• The Story of King Janaka
• The Story of Gadhi
• The Story of Uddalaka
• The Story of Bhasa and Vilasa
• The Story of Veetahavya
• Nirvana Prakarana (On Liberation)
• The Story of the Bilva Fruit 
• The Story of Sikhidhwaja 
• The Story of Ikshwaku
• Appendix
• Sri Satya Narayana Vrata 
• Realisation of the Ultimate Reality 
• Prayers and Songs
• The Universal Prayer
• Invocatory Prayer
• Maha Mantra
• Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
• Kirtans
• Song of Instructions
• Song of Eighteen “Ities” 
• Song of Ethics
• Yoga of Synthesis
• Essence of Vedanta
• Song of Moderation
• Saints of India
• Saints of the World.

About the Author:

Sri Swami Sivananda , born on the 8th September, 1887, in the illustrious family of Sage Appayya Dikshita and several other renowned saints and savants, Sri swami Sivananda had a natural flair for a life devoted to the study and practice of Vedanta.

He was an inborn eagerness to serve all and an innate feeling of unity with all mankind. He is the author of over 300 volumes and has disciples all over the world, belonging to all nationalities, religions and creeds. To read his works is to drink at the Fountain of Wisdom Supreme. On 14th July, 163 he entered Mahasamadhi.