Aṣṭāvakra Saṃhitā
A Dialogue on Self-realization
Chapter 11, Verse 4
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Ashtavakra Gita 11.4 -
सुखदु:खे जन्ममृत्यू दैवादेवेति निश्चयी ।
साध्यादर्शी निरायास: कुर्वन्नपि न लिप्यते
sukha-duḥkhe janma-mṛtyū daivād-eveti niścayī .
sādhyādarśī nirāyāsaḥ kurvann-api na lipyate .. 11-4..
Realizing that sukha and duḥkha as well as birth and death transpire at the behest of Providence, the Knower finds nothing to be striven for. Yet he does effortlessly whatever comes to be done and does not get stained.
Commentary by Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha
The world as we look at is imposing in every way. The substances it holds, their assorted properties, the orderliness it exhibits, the smaller and bigger cycles it hosts, all are so heterogeneous but complementary to each other, that they remain incomprehensible. Everything from endless space to the smallest particle or wave, points to a masterly intelligence in its design and function. That is why we regard it as divine, diṣṭa!
Birth and death transpire relentlessly all around. Earth on which we live and move is itself born of the sun. And sun too must have had its birth. It will also become extinct one day.
The Sage says that birth and death of the body, and sukha and duḥkha of the mind are a handiwork of Providence. If everything in the world, and world as a whole, are a display of diṣṭa, Providence, why unduly run about for anything that has or will come? It is like running inside a boat, to reach the destination faster! Leave all such concerns.
Have no goal or objective. Do not exert for any gain. Yet be active and vibrant, as propelled by Nature’s gunas – sattva, rajas and tamas. By doing so, you will have no sin or stain. It will be more a delightful harmony with Nature than any conflict. Be happy, relaxed and fulfilled.
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