Aṣṭāvakra Saṃhitā
A Dialogue on Self-realization
Chapter 18, Verse 59
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Ashtavakra Gita 18.59 -
सुखमास्ते सुखं शेते सुखमायाति याति च ।
सुखं वक्ति सुखं भुङ्क्ते व्यवहारेऽपि शान्तधी:
sukhamāste sukhaṃ śete sukhamāyāti yāti ca .
sukhaṃ vakti sukhaṃ bhuṅkte vyavahāre’pi śāntadhīḥ..18-59..
The enlightened one of placid intelligence, though given to activity, sits comfortably, sleeps comfortably, moves about comfortably. He speaks pleasantly and eats also pleasantly.
Commentary by Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha
Do not the least think spiritual pursuit and attainment are marked by withdrawal from the world and activity. Life consists of activity and interaction. Of the 24 hours of the day, except for the hours of sleep, every one remains active or interactive. This is the law of nature, also our culture and habit. There is no need to interfere with this course in the name of spirituality.
Krishna clarifies in his Kurukshetra dialogue that by refraining from getting involved in activity or by sternly renouncing activities, one cannot attain spiritual perfection (Gita 3.2 ). So, shunning activity is out of question. The right course will be to reform and refine oneself by spiritual wisdom, while pursuing normal activities. This is possible. Why then force oneself to a different path?
Purification and enlightenment are for mind and intelligence. Both are inside the body. We can access them only through thoughts, attitudes, values and perceptions. By truthful introspection all this enrichment can be brought. Introspection has the power to infuse any quality to oneself. No external factor can impede introspection. All the Sage states bear upon mind and intelligence alone.
The Knower will be given to the usual activities like sitting, sleeping, speaking, eating, etc., enabling people to know him well and seek guidance from him. This is the most desirable part of a Knower’s life, called loka-saṅgraha, enlightening people, bringing the society back to its moral and ethical moorings.
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