Aṣṭāvakra Saṃhitā
A Dialogue on Self-realization
Chapter 3, Verse 1
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Ashtavakra Gita 3.1 -
तृतीयोऽध्याय:
अष्टावक्र उवाच ।
अविनाशिनमात्मानमेकं विज्ञाय तत्त्वत: ।
तवात्मज्ञस्य धीरस्य कथमर्थार्जने रति:
tṛtīyo’dhyāya: –
aṣṭāvakra uvāca ..
avināśinam-ātmānam-ekaṃ vijñāya tattvataḥ .
tavātmajñasya dhīrasya katham-arthārjane ratiḥ .. 3-1..
After having known the Self in its essential nature as indestructible and single, how do you, a Self-knower, greatly wise, foster pleasure in acquiring wealth?
Commentary by Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha
Janaka spoke exuberantly about his Self-realization, describing its joyful effect variously. But the Maharshi disapproves sternly all that the king said. He administers correction to the king, where he goes wrong and what should be done to correct it. The evaluation is of immense importance.
Spirituality consists truly of only experiential wisdom. But it is a sequel to utter dispassion arising from powerful discrimination, revealing the fleeting nature of all the objects the senses display. Eschewing eṣaṇā-trayam – desire for son, wealth and social recognition – is a pre-requisite for spiritual pursuit.
If the joy and fulfilment we seek are available from the fleeting sensory objects, why should one turn to the Self at all? It is a grave contradiction to claim Self-realization and at the same time indulge in objects and whatever they bring.
Moreover, the Sage had clearly exhorted Janaka to shun all visible objects as poison and take to inner embellishments considering them as nectar. Any violation in this fundamental discipline will only undermine the sanctity of spiritual pursuit. Hence the Sage sternly despises the king’s desire for external wealth. What a timely correction!
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