Teaching of Bali

Sri Vasista

1. Thinking thus, the mighty Bali contemplated sage Sukra, who was settled in his celestial abode.

2. While Bali thus contemplated, Sukra realized with his Divine vision about the disciple who was praying for him.

3. Then Sukra, who was the consciousness - Self of that Infinite, descended with body into the bejewelled window of Bali's room.

4. Bali shined bright with the efflulgence from the great Sukra. It was like a lotus blosoming when the morning rays touch the petals.

5. -6 Bali greeted his guru with all due formalities and made him sit on a diamond - studded throne - like chair. He then addressed Sukra thus.

Bali

7. -9 O, Bhagawan, all my genins and intelligence are due to your grace. Your presence provokes me to say the following words. Is it not that the very appearance of sun motivates poeple to work? I am now greatly interested in acquiring the essential knowledge. O lord, what are the limits to these pleasures? Who am I and who are you? What is this world? Please give me the answers to these.

Sukra

10. -16 . O Lord of all danavas, I am now in a hurry, So there is no time for many words. I shall tell you in brief what you wanted to know. This world is a form of consciousness. Since all phenomena are dependent on consciousness, all that you see is also consciousness. Since everything is presided by consciousness, all is consciousness and transcendental. You and I are transcendental beings. All these worlds are consciousness alone, This is the essence of all knowledge. With discrimination and determination you can achieve everything. If you are not so, anything that is said will be useless. 'The apprehension of relative existence and sensuous things is bondage. To be free from such apprehension is liberation - this is the essence of all teachings. With such an understanding, if you persevere in your effort, you shall gain the Absolute. I am now on my celestial journey. The seven sages are also with me. We are travelling on a celestial mission. O king, as long as one is with body, even Jivanmuktas can not abandon the works that come to them.

17. Saying this, sage Sukra flew back to the sky.