Aṣṭāvakra Saṃhitā
A Dialogue on Self-realization
Chapter 18, Verse 61
Order Now 
Ashtavakra Gita 18.61 -
निवृत्तिरपि मूढस्य प्रवृत्तिरुपजायते ।
प्रवृत्तिरपि धीरस्य निवृत्तिफलभागिनी
निवृत्तिरपि मूढस्य प्रवृत्तिरुपजायते ।
प्रवृत्तिरपि धीरस्य निवृत्तिफलभागिनी
For the ignorant and deluded even withdrawal from action verily becomes full action. For the wise one, even active involvement brings the fruition of withdrawal, nivṛttiḥ.
Commentary by Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha
Pravṛtti denotes involvement in and nivṛtti means withdrawal from activity. Pravṛtti brings bondage and nivṛtti redemption.
Even if the ignorant takes to withdrawal from activity, it is only a forced physical measure. Mentally he will be dwelling upon the activities he left and suffering as a consequence. The outcome is the opposite of what he intends to gain.
Krishna in his dialogue with Arjuna explains vividly that whoever restraining forcefully his karmendriyas, action organs, remains inactive, but thinks intensely of whatever he has left, is a hypocrite. On the other hand, whoever with the mind disciplining the senses, engages in actions, dropping his delusional clinging, verily excels as a yogi (Gita 3.6,7 ). Physically restraining the senses and keeping objects away will only have adverse effect.
On the other hand, the Knower, who, with freedom and lightness, remains active, bestows rare benefits to the people around. His primary aim will, however, be to enlighten the people about the imperishable, blissful Self in every one, and exhort them to turn their attention inward.
In addition, he may also take up benevolent activities to help and strengthen the society at large. With selfishness dissolved, he will have universal love and concern. He will be interested in the welfare of all, sarva-bhūta-hite rataḥ, as Gita puts it (5.25, 12.4 ).
Select Chapter and Verse
