Aṣṭāvakra Saṃhitā
A Dialogue on Self-realization
Chapter 1, Verse 16
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Ashtavakra Gita 1.16 - Teachings on Self-Realization and Liberation
त्वया व्याप्तमिदं विश्वं त्वयि प्रोतं यथार्थत: ।
शुद्धबुद्धस्वरूपस्त्वं मा गम: क्षुद्रचित्तताम्
tvayā vyāptam-idaṃ viśvaṃ tvayi protaṃ yathārthataḥ .
śuddha-buddha-svarūpas-tvaṃ mā gamaḥ kṣudra-cittatām .. 1-16..
This universe is permeated by you. Nay, in truth, it is woven in you, it exists in you. Your nature itself is pure, luminous. Be not given to small-mindedness.
Commentary by Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha
Ashtavakra so far spoke about the Self as separate from all else, pointing it is but the ‘witness’ of all. Here he describes the Self as permeating, all-pervading. The world is woven into the Self.
The inner presence is not separate from everything, but is extensive, interpenetrating everything and all that exist. This is a new dimension.
The Sage adds that the endless universe with all its variety, grossness and solidity, is interwoven with the Self, like waves and ripples in the sea. Whole world is floating in the sea of the Self. True, all objects are not physical hovering outside. Some are inner, subtle imprints the mind makes in itself. Everything is a display, manifestation in the sentience.
Self is then larger than the world, which is within the Self expanse. You are thus impersonal, permeating and all-inclusive. Drop the idea that your mind, intelligence and ego are limited. Be imbued with unlimited expanse and impersonality.
Seeker has to think that he is not the circumscribed body. Body, like other objects, floats as a bubble in the inner mind.
Mind and Self have far greater magnitude. “Be not trifling in your thoughts and assessment”, exhorts the Sage. Every bit of sādhanā is to generate inner expansion and greater knowledge.
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