Aṣṭāvakra Saṃhitā
A Dialogue on Self-realization
Chapter 18, Verse 82
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Ashtavakra Gita 18.82 -
न शान्तं स्तौति निष्कामो न दुष्टमपि निन्दति ।
समदु:खसुखस्तृप्त: किञ्चित्कृत्यं न पश्यति
na śāntaṃ stauti niṣkāmo na duṣṭam-api nindati .
sama-duḥkha-sukhas-tṛptaḥ kiñcit-kṛtyaṃ na paśyati..18.82
The one free from desire and greed does not praise the peaceful, nor condemn the wicked. Equal in happiness and unhappiness, and hence contented beyond measure, he finds no special duty to perform.
Commentary by Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha
Of the many qualities that grace the wise one, sama-duḥkha-sukhatva is paramount. Whenever even one of our five senses contacts its object, instantly follows sukha or duḥkha – a point repeatedly taught to spiritual seekers. Our life is a ceaseless interaction between the senses on our body and world objects. 17-18 hours of wakeful state begin with the sleeper opening his eyes and beginning to see objects.
The interaction continues till he withdraws from it and lies asleep. All along he gets only sukha-duḥkha alternates, nothing else. These transpire without any effort. They cannot be increased, decreased or eliminated. Each follows and brings the other. In treating both alike, the wise one transcends the entire world effects, getting established in his immutable Self. Such a one also transcends all dvandvas at one stroke.
He does not indulge in praising or blaming anyone. Nor does he welcome or despise anything. His mind is Self-seated, uniform. Contented and fulfilled to the core, for what or whose sake will he think of a duty? Duty-free, heart-full, joy-full he lives and moves freely, naturally. Everything for him follows like the shadow of one walking in the sun. He moves as an embodiment of spiritual excellence. His uniqueness is ineffable.
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