Aṣṭāvakra Saṃhitā
A Dialogue on Self-realization
Chapter 3, Verse 7
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Ashtavakra Gita 3.7 -
उद्भूतं ज्ञानदुर्मित्रमवधार्यातिदुर्बल: ।
आश्चर्यं काममाकाङ्क्षेत् कालमन्तमनुश्रित:
udbhūtaṃ jñāna-durmitram-avadhāryātidurbalaḥ .
āścaryaṃ kāmam-ākāṅkṣet kālam-antam-anuśritaḥ .. 3-7..
It is utterly disappointing that knowing passion to be a stark enemy of spiritual wisdom, one having become emaciated, and approaching as he does the last days of life, still longs for sensual joy.
Commentary by Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha
All seekers know it well that spiritual wisdom has the sole aim of unearthing the overwhelming delight of the Self within. And the thrills which sensory objects bring, if at all, are extremely fleeting to the core. Moreover, as Nachiketas tells the God of Death, in Kathopanishad, all sensory interactions but corrode the senses. The seeker has to be discreet right from the beginning as to where should his focus be. The more is one’s viveka and vairāgya, the faster he moves to his goal.
This being so, Sage Ashtavakra feels utterly bad that passion holds its sway over seeker’s mind. In spite of advancing age and the body becoming weaker every day, the hold of passion does not loosen its grip. The deluded continues to crave for sensual delights. What a pity to remain enslaved by the senses even in the last days of life!
Intelligence is the only agency that can act upon the mind and its whims. The sage is exhorting the intelligence to be sharp and persistent to ensure that the mind is not overpowered by its whims. Viveka and vairāgya, together, have great force to lead the seeker safely to his goal and realize the blissful fullness of the Self.
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