Aṣṭāvakra Saṃhitā
A Dialogue on Self-realization
Chapter 18, Verse 18
Order Now 
Ashtavakra Gita 18.18 -
धीरो लोकविपर्यस्तो वर्तमानोऽपि लोकवत् ।
न समाधिं न विक्षेपं न लेपं स्वस्य पश्यति
dhīro loka-viparyasto vartamāno’pi lokavat .
na samādhiṃ na vikṣepaṃ na lepaṃ svasya paśyati .. 18-18..
Though he lives like an ordinary person, he is quite contrary to the world. He does not see anything like samadhi, distraction or affectation in himself.
Commentary by Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha
The Sage wants to make sure that the students as well as seekers of spiritual enlightenment know well how one becomes a Knower and how the Knower lives and moves in the world in which all the others also do. People as a rule are exposed to the transitory world objects, senses reveal. As senses cannot access the inner horizon, they know nothing about the inner spiritual treasure.
The Knower is a wholesome human. The difference in him is that he has known what reigns within the body and what are the resources mind and intelligence hold. He has uncovered the Self and the inestimable glory it has. He is thus indifferent to the objects the senses interact with. For him the inner Self is everything – the strength, glory, splendour and fulfilment!
The Knower, however, lives in the same world, nourished by the same food as others. He uses the same language and words, but dwells in the Self and its imperishable sovereignty every time.
Dvandvas tending to squeeze and exhaust others, do not affect him. Their attractions and repulsions subside. No thought, word, deed or object taints him the least.
In the inundation of the Self, there is neither distraction nor samadhi for him. Nor any torment, doubt or confusion. He is himself always, the sovereign Self, comprehensive and full in every way! The Knower’s life, if at all, is for the benefit of others.
Select Chapter and Verse
