Ashtavakra Gita 1.17 - Teachings on Self-Realization and Liberation

Ashtavakra Maharshi is explaining how to apply the knowledge of the Self and make interactional life spiritual and joyful.

First, rise above all expectations. Dismiss the idea that you are a physical personality. Body is only an instrument the mind wields to conduct various activities. It is like the dress put on the body. Dress is not the body. It only makes the body conventional.

Feel more and more that the inner presence, which functions as the mind, intelligence, etc. is unboundedly full. It is not like the substance held in a container. Self interpenetrates everything around. Its fullness is not related. It is unbounded like the sky.

Always remain cool and composed. Coolness and composure relate to the mind. They can be inculcated with attention.

Understand that your intelligence is not a fragment. It is Consciousness in a functional note. Intelligence is but a functional name, not an entity name. The substance involved is Consciousness, all-pervading. How can it be agitated or stifled? Drop all sense of disturbance.

Live, move and interact, but knowing well that all this will not dislodge you from where and what you are. Is the wind affected by blowing, or water by flowing? You too will not be affected by mentating and intelligencing.

Desire, if at all, Consciousness, which alone is. Desire is redundant, for you already are Consciousness. Feel free, be poised.