In the beginning of the "Yoga-Vasishta," Book of Detachment, a prayer is offered to the true self, which is the source and ultimate destination of all existence. Subsequently, a question is posed: Which is necessary for liberation, action or knowledge? The sage Agastya's answer is clear. Just as a bird flies in the sky with two wings, both knowledge and action are required to reach the highest state.

About the Original Work

The original title is Yogavasiṣtha. It is an Indian philosophical text transmitted in Sanskrit.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Section 1: Worship of God

1

Since all beings appear and remain, Whereby they attain tranquility, to that Truth-Self, I bow. || 1 ||

All beings emerge from there, exist in that place, and ultimately return to that very place, a worship of their true selves.

2

The knower, knowledge, and object of knowledge are the seer, vision, and seen. He is the doer, cause, and action; to that self who knows, I bow. || 2 ||

Those who know, knowledge, things that are known, those who see, the act of seeing, things that are seen, agents, causes, actions – from these, they worship what exists and has essence as recognition.

3

The lightning flashes, illuminating the sky of bliss. To that Brahman, who is pure joy and self, I bow down. || 3 ||

In heaven and on earth, drops of joy emanate from it, being the life of all things. Worship that which is inherently joyful, which is Brahman.

Section 2: The Story of Stikeschuna

4

A sharp-witted Brahmin, with a mind filled with doubts, Went to the hermitage of Agastya and respectfully asked him. || 4 ||

A Brahmin named Stickshuna, drawn by doubts, went to Agasti's hermitage and respectfully asked the sage a question.

5

Sutikshna said: You, who know the essence of dharma and are well-versed in all scriptures, There are many doubts. Please explain them to me. || 5 ||

"O venerable one, you who have known the essence of the Dharma and examined all scriptures. I harbor great doubts. Please answer me with compassion."

6

The cause of liberation is either action or knowledge, or both as a means to achieve liberation. Having determined one or the other, state which is the cause. || 6 ||

The cause of liberation is action, or knowledge that serves as a means to liberation, or both? Please determine which one is the cause and answer.

7

Agastiruvācha. Just as the movement of birds is achieved through both wings, Similarly, the highest state is attained through knowledge and action. || 7 ||

Augusti said.

"Just as a bird's flight in the air is achieved by both wings, so too, the highest realm is reached through knowledge and action."

8

Knowledge alone does not lead to liberation. But both knowledge and action are necessary for liberation. Both are considered means. || 8 ||

"Liberation does not arise from actions alone, nor from knowledge alone. However, liberation arises through both. Both should be understood as the means."