Aṣṭāvakra Saṃhitā
A Dialogue on Self-realization
Chapter 12, Verse 6
Order Now 
Ashtavakra Gita 12.6 -
कर्मानुष्ठानमज्ञानाद्यथैवोपरमस्तथा ।
बुद्ध्वा सम्यगिदं तत्त्वमेवमेवाहमास्थित:
karmānuṣṭhānam-ajñānād-yathaivoparamas-tathā .
buddhvā samyag-idaṃ tattvam-evam-evāham-āsthitaḥ .. 12-6..
Due to basic ignorance alone one takes to performance of action as a means of fulfilment; if he withdraws from it, that too is due to ignorance alone. Knowing clearly this fundamental principle, I am seated stably in my own Self, the universal presence.
Commentary by Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha
See how Janaka excels in the art of rising fully above dvandvas. The process is like peeling an onion, only to find no hub within. Vacuum is impossible. So you reach pure existence-cum-Consciousness, which every one is.
Desire motivates all actions, secular or religious; ignorance initiates desiring – avidyā-kāma-beejam hi sarvam karma. Janaka points that even cessation of action, the seeker aims at, falls within ignorance. In the state of wisdom, the body, senses, mouth and mind do all actions. The ‘I’ does nothing ever. Bhagavad Gita emphasizes (5.8,14 ), the Lord of the universe enjoins no doership or action on anyone, nor links anyone with the result of what is done. Self is free from all activities.
If ignorance is the cause of action as well as its cessation, be not concerned with both. The seeker is after knowledge. Leave ignorance’s products altogether. Live in knowledge alone. Leave all thoughts of action and inaction alike. See how Janaka leads the mind and intelligence to their loftiest level.
For the seeker, it is not activity or its cessation that matters, but knowledge, which is non-dual and hence beyond involvement and dis-involvement. Reflecting thus, one becomes absolutely poised.
Select Chapter and Verse
