Yoga Vasishta - Vairagya Prakaranam - Slokas 1.1.11 To 1.1.20 Translation

1.1.11 - Karunya remained a skeptic at home, reluctant and impassive to do anything. When his father Agnivesya saw his son so slack in his duties, he upbraided him for his good

1.1.12 - Agnivesya said, "My son, why do you not discharge your duties? Why are you not observing the daily rituals and the injunctions of the holy scriptures? 

1.1.13 - Tell me how can you succeed in anything if you remain inactive? How can you attain salvation? Tell me why are you not doing anything?"

1.1.14 - Karunya replied, "The offering of daily oblations and the performance of morning & evening devotions during life, are inculcated in the Veda and law as active duties. 

1.1.15 - But it is neither by acts or riches, nor by means of children that one obtains his liberation. It is solely by self-denial that the great souls taste the ambrosia (of emancipation)

1.1.16 - Tell me my father! Which of these rules am I to observe? Doubtful of this I have become indifferent to acts"

1.1.17 - Agnivesya said, "Hear me, my son". After saying so Karunya held his silence, His father seeing him quiet, continued speaking 

1.1.18 - "My son, let me tell you a story. When you have fully considered its meaning, you may do as you like" Agnivesya speaking

1.1.19 & 20 - There was a lady named Suruchi, who was seated on the mountain peak of Himalaya, surrounded by peacocks. She saw a messenger of Indra making his way through the sky

Reference: Vihari Lala Mitra Book