Aṣṭāvakra Saṃhitā
A Dialogue on Self-realization
Chapter 18, Verse 93
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Ashtavakra Gita 18.93 -
आत्मविश्रान्तितृप्तेन निराशेन गतार्तिना ।
अन्तर्यदनुभूयेत तत्कथं कस्य कथ्यते
ātma-viśrānti-tṛptena nirāśena gatārtinā .
antar-yad-anubhūyeta tat-kathaṃ kasya kathyate .. 18-93..
How to relate and to whom, what one experiences inside him, when he is content with quietitude by resting on the Self, due to the absence of desire and extinction of torment?
Commentary by Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha
Mind of the ordinary people knows only to desire and strive to gratify it, to experience the resulting satisfaction. But instantly rises another desire. The cycle goes on ceaselessly. So, is it desire-fulfilment and satisfaction or prevalence of more desires and greater dissatisfaction that transpire every time?
Various emotional urges also cause torment to the mind. Thus, grief and torment are the sole gifts of the mind. Can the discreet bring about a basic change in mind’s behaviour? A very pertinent question before the intelligent!
The answer is conclusive. We know clearly that nothing exists outside as gross, solid and various. All experiences and responses are resting on mind alone, which is not physical. The existences we comprehend are inner, subtle and notional. Is there any object then to be desired, all being mind’s own imprints, inner?
To desire is an internal act. To feel the desired object as gained, is also inner. Consequent satisfaction too is mental. Desire when fulfilled, becomes extinct. So, desire-extinction in the mind is the outcome of desire fulfilment. Why then desire at all? Cherish non-desiring and have constant satisfaction. Imagine the fulfilment you will have by this inner process of treating desires. This is the secret of the Knower’s Self-poised quietitude, where desires get dissolved and torments dispelled. All desires crop up in the mind only to subside there itself!
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