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Aṣṭāvakra Saṃhitā
A Dialogue on Self-realization
Poojya Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha
Chapter 18, Verse 2
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Ashtavakra Gita 18.2 -

अर्जयित्वाऽखिलानर्थान् भोगानाप्नोति पुष्कलान् ।
न हि सर्वपरित्यागमन्तरेण सुखी भवेत्

arjayitvākhilān-arthān bhogān-āpnoti puṣkalān .
na hi sarva-parityāgam-antareṇa sukhī bhavet .. 18-2..

By amassing all objects, one derives plentiful enjoyments. Yet, without renouncing all, he will not inwardly become peaceful, blissful.

Commentary by Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha

Our whole body is covered by senses, which make the world colourful, alluring and manifold. The temptation to enjoy the objects becomes compulsive. People instantly strive for amassing sensory objects as much as they can. Even if they succeed in the efforts and ample enjoyables are around them, Sage Ashtavakra says, none will be peaceful.

Peace is a property of the mind, not of the objects. Even after a long day of intense activity and enjoyment, what does every one relish? He withdraws from everything, lies alone on his cot and sleeps. In sleep, he is totally dissociated from objects, including his own body. He is drowned in comfortable sleep!

Compare the blessedness of sleep, with the thrilling delights of wakefulness! Even the best of sensory enjoyment corrodes the senses and tires the enjoyer. Whereas sleep does not; instead, it refreshes and invigorates. Is not the peace the sleep bestows, all from inside, transcending everything of wakefulness? If this is so, understand that the way for peace is to leave everything and be away from them.

Self within, which absorbs one in sleep, will enrapture you with abundant peacefulness if you leave everything and turn inward.

Remember the earlier words: Even if the teacher is Lord Shiva, Vishnu or Brahmā, you will not have peace unless you forget all; till sarva-vismaraṇa is had. The stress is on renunciation.

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