Yoga Vasistha Bern: Advaita Vedanta &
Yoga Teacher Training Switzerland

Yoga Vasistha Bern: Advaita Vedanta & Yoga Teacher Training Switzerland

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The Yoga Vasistha is an ancient text of Sanatana Dharma, considered one of the most important texts in the Indian spiritual tradition. The text is attributed to the sage Vasistha, who is said to have been the guru of Lord Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana. It is believed to have been written in the form of a dialogue between Sage Vasistha and Lord Rama, in which Sage Vasistha imparts spiritual wisdom and knowledge to Lord Rama. The Yoga Vasistha is regarded as a treatise on the Advaita Vedanta tradition and is believed to have been written in the form of sutras, containing a total of 32,000 verses. At Yogveda Yoga in Bern, you can explore the profound teachings of the Yoga Vasistha under the guidance of Shahid Khan, an expert in Vedic philosophy, and deepen your practice through our Yoga Teacher Training in Bern and Switzerland.

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Structure and Content
The text is divided into six chapters, each addressing a different topic related to the path of spiritual enlightenment. The goal of the text is to lead the reader to the realization of the ultimate reality, which is the unity of the individual self and the ultimate self, or Brahman.

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Adhyatma Vimarshana (Chapter 1)
The first chapter, known as Adhyatma Vimarshana, deals with the nature of the self and the attainment of self-realization. In this chapter, Sage Vasistha explains that the individual self, or Jiva, is not separate from the ultimate self, or Brahman. He states: “The Jiva and the Brahman are not different from one another, just as the sun and its rays are not different.” (Chapter 1, Sutra 3) He also explains that the ultimate goal of human life is to realize the oneness of the individual self and the ultimate self, and that this realization brings an end to all suffering. “The ultimate goal of human life is to realize the oneness of the individual self and the ultimate self, and this realization brings an end to all suffering.” (Chapter 1, Sutra 7)

• “The Jiva is nothing but the reflection of the Brahman, just as the moon is nothing but the reflection of the sun.” (Chapter 1, Sutra 4)

• “The realization of the oneness of the Jiva and the Brahman is the ultimate goal of human life.” (Chapter 1, Sutra 8)

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Vichara Vimarshana (Chapter 2)
The second chapter, known as Vichara Vimarshana, deals with the nature of the mind and the attainment of mental control. Sage Vasistha explains that the mind is the source of all our suffering and that by controlling the mind, we can attain peace and happiness. He states: “The mind is the source of all our sorrows and sufferings, and by controlling the mind, we can attain peace and happiness.” (Chapter 2, Sutra 2) He also explains that the mind can be controlled through the practice of meditation and that this leads to the attainment of a state of inner peace. “The mind can be controlled through the practice of meditation, and this leads to the attainment of a state of inner peace.” (Chapter 2, Sutra 6)

• “The mind is the cause of all our happiness and sorrow, and it is by mastering the mind that we can attain freedom.” (Chapter 2, Sutra 3)

• “By the practice of meditation, the mind becomes purified and attains the state of inner peace.” (Chapter 2, Sutra 7)

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Karmajnana Vimarshana (Chapter 3)
The third chapter, known as Karmajnana Vimarshana, deals with the nature of action and the attainment of right action. Sage Vasistha explains that all our actions are ultimately determined by our past Karma and that by understanding this, we can attain freedom from the cycle of rebirth. He states: “All our actions are determined by our past Karma, and by understanding this, we can attain freedom from the cycle of rebirth.” (Chapter 3, Sutra 3) He also explains that the only way to attain freedom from Karma is to detach oneself from the fruits of one’s actions and to act in a selfless manner. “The only way to attain freedom from Karma is to detach oneself from the fruits of one’s actions and to act in a selfless manner.” (Chapter 3, Sutra 7)

• “Karma is the cause of the cycle of birth and death, and by understanding Karma, we can attain freedom from it.” (Chapter 3, Sutra 4)

• “The only way to attain freedom from Karma is to detach oneself from the fruits of one’s actions and to act in a selfless manner.” (Chapter 3, Sutra 7)

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Jivan Mukti Vimarshana (Chapter 4)
The fourth chapter, known as Jivan Mukti Vimarshana, deals with the nature of liberation and the attainment of liberation. Sage Vasistha explains that liberation can be attained in this lifetime and that it is the ultimate goal of human life. He states: “Liberation is the ultimate goal of human life, and it can be attained in this lifetime.” (Chapter 4, Sutra 2) He also explains that the path to liberation involves the cultivation of the qualities of non-attachment, equanimity, and discrimination. “The path to liberation involves the cultivation of the qualities of non-attachment, equanimity, and discrimination.” (Chapter 4, Sutra 6)

• “Liberation is not something that can be attained in the future, but it is present here and now.” (Chapter 4, Sutra 3)

• “The path to liberation involves the cultivation of non-attachment, equanimity, and discrimination.” (Chapter 4, Sutra 6)

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Yoga Vimarshana (Chapter 5)
The fifth chapter, known as Yoga Vimarshana, deals with the nature of Yoga and the attainment of Yoga. Sage Vasistha explains that the practice of Yoga involves the control of the mind and the body through the use of various techniques such as posture, breath control, and meditation. He also explains that the ultimate goal of Yoga is to attain a state of inner peace and to realize the oneness of the individual self and the ultimate self.

• “Yoga is the union of the individual self and the ultimate self.” (Chapter 5, Sutra 3)

• “Yoga is the path to liberation and it involves the control of the mind and the body.” (Chapter 5, Sutra 2)

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Sannyasa Vimarshana (Chapter 6)
The sixth chapter, known as Sannyasa Vimarshana, deals with the nature of renunciation and the attainment of renunciation. Sage Vasistha explains that the path to liberation involves the renunciation of all desires and attachments. He states: “Renunciation is necessary for attaining liberation and it involves the renunciation of all desires and attachments.” (Chapter 6, Sutra 2) He also explains that true renunciation is not just a physical act, but also a state of mind, and that it can be attained through the cultivation of the right understanding and the right attitude.

• “True renunciation is not just about renouncing external possessions, but also about renouncing the attachment to the ego and the mind.” (Chapter 6, Sutra 3)

• “True renunciation is the state of mind where one is free from all desires and attachments.” (Chapter 6, Sutra 6)

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Yoga Vasistha in Yoga Teacher Training
Would you like to not only understand the profound teachings of the Yoga Vasistha but also integrate and share them in your practice? Our Yoga Teacher Training in Bern and Switzerland at Yogveda Yoga offers the opportunity to study the principles of the Advaita Vedanta tradition under Shahid Khan’s guidance. With his expertise in Vedic philosophy and modern anatomy, Shahid Khan guides you through the concepts of self-realization, mental control, Karma, liberation, Yoga, and renunciation as outlined in the Yoga Vasistha, deepening your practice and understanding. Learn more about Yoga and Vedic philosophies with Shahid Khan at Yogveda Yoga in the workshops and Yoga Teacher Trainings.

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Conclusion
The Yoga Vasistha is a timeless spiritual text that offers profound insights into the Advaita Vedanta tradition. Through Sage Vasistha’s teachings on self-realization, mind control, Karma, liberation, Yoga, and renunciation, the text provides a clear path to realizing the unity of Jiva and Brahman. Explore this wisdom at Yogveda Yoga in Bern and let Shahid Khan guide you on your spiritual journey.