38. Vasishtha replied:—Why do you ask this question, Ráma, when you have been repeatedly told that this world is a false creation of the divine mind, and so were the creations of the sage’s mind also (neither of them being anything in reality).
39. The universe which is the creation of the divine intellect, is as unsubstantial as empty air; and so the ideal world of the human mind, being but a delusion, they are both alike.
40. In truth, O Ráma! neither is that world nor is this other any thing in reality; nor have I or thou any essentiality in this nonessential world, which is filled only with the essence of God.
41. The one is as the other at all times, whether past, present or future; all this visible world is the fabric of the mind which is again but an ectype of the Intellect.
42. Such is the whole creation, though appearing as otherwise; it is no other than the transcendental vacuum, although it seems to be as firm as adamant. (Vasishtha resolves every thing to his prime essence and unity of vacuity).
43. It is its ignorance that the mind exhibits itself in the forms of the production, growth and extinction of things; all which are like the rise and swinging and sinking of waves, in the ocean of eternal vacuity.
44. All things are situated in the vacuous sphere of the intellect, and are perceived by its representative of the mind, in the form of the firm and extended cosmos, though it has no extension in reality.
CHAPTER LXXXV.
The sage’s Samádhi or Absorption in the Divine Spirit.
Argument. Lecture on Samádhi Yoga or complete concentration of the Mind in God.[2]
Ráma said:—Now tell me Sir, what became of this sage in his mansion of the cavern; how he lifted his body from it, and what did he accomplish by his austere and intense devotion?