Aṣṭāvakra Saṃhitā
A Dialogue on Self-realization
Chapter 4
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Ashtavakra Gita Chapter 4 – The Inner Freedom of the Self-Realized
Ashtavakra Gita Chapter 4 – Commentary by Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha
In this chapter, the sage says that for the Self-knower everything becomes a mere play. Such a being remains poised amidst all events and outcomes. The Yogi’s inner spiritual fulfilment is so complete that he no longer hankers even for delight. Rising above dualities, he transcends pleasure and sorrow, virtue and sin.
The enlightened one is not limited by social conventions or scriptural injunctions in acting for the welfare of the world. Free from desire and dislike, he acts without fear or inner conflict. His freedom arises from complete detachment and inner clarity.
Established beyond duty and obligation, the Knower’s thoughts, words and actions become spontaneous expressions of his being. Whatever he does naturally benefits society. Living in transcendental freedom, the Knower becomes a model human whose life itself is a benediction to the society.
Complete List of Verses in Ashtavakra Samhita Chapter 4
Ashtavakra Samhita 4.1 Life Is a Play for the Self-realized
चतुर्थोऽध्याय:
अष्टावक्र उवाच ।
हन्तात्मज्ञस्य धीरस्य खेलतो भोगलीलया ।
न हि संसारवाहीकैर्मूढै: सह समानता
caturtho’dhyāyaḥ –
aṣṭāvakra uvāca ..
hantātmajñasya dhīrasya khelato bhoga-līlayā .
na hi saṃsāra-vāhīkair-mūḍhaiḥ saha samānatā .. 4-1..
Ashtavakra said: Ah, for the wise, who has known the Self, who plays with the usual sensory delights, has no comparison with the fools, irreligious sect of the society.
Ashtavakra Samhita 4.2 Inner Joy Surpasses All Wealth and Pleasure
यत्पदं प्रेप्सवो दीना: शक्राद्या: सर्वदेवता: ।
अहो तत्र स्थितो योगी न हर्षमुपगच्छति
yat-padaṃ prepsavo dīnāḥ śakrādyāḥ sarva-devatāḥ .
aho tatra sthito yogī na harṣam-upagacchati .. 4-2..
Intending to achieve which abode Indra and all other gods become miserable, abiding there gallantly the yogi feels no exultation.
Ashtavakra Samhita 4.3 The Self Is Untouched by All Actions and Experiences
तज्ज्ञस्य पुण्यपापाभ्यां स्पर्शो ह्यन्तर्न जायते ।
न ह्याकाशस्य धूमेन दृश्यमानापि सङ्गति:
taj-jñasya puṇya-pāpābhyāṃ sparśo hy-antarna jāyate .
na hy-ākāśasya dhūmena dṛśyamānāpi saṅgatiḥ .. 4-3..
He who knows the supreme Truth is not touched by virtue and sin. Though smoke is seen to be spreading over it, the sky has no connection with it.
Ashtavakra Samhita 4.4 The Self-realized live freely and serve the world
आत्मैवेदं जगत्सर्वं ज्ञातं येन महात्मना ।
यदृच्छया वर्तमानं तं निषेद्धुं क्षमेत क:
ātmaivedaṃ jagat-sarvaṃ jñātaṃ yena mahātmanā .
yadṛcchayā vartamānaṃ taṃ niṣeddhuṃ kṣameta kaḥ .. 4-4..
Who can contradict or prevent the great soul, who has known the whole world to be the Self alone, and has a life led by Chance?
Ashtavakra Samhita 4.5 The Enlightened Alone Transcend Desire and Dislike
आब्रह्मस्तम्बपर्यन्ते भूतग्रामे चतुर्विधे ।
विज्ञस्यैव हि सामर्थ्यमिच्छानिच्छाविवर्जने
ābrahma-stamba-paryante bhūta-grāme catur-vidhe .
vijñasyaiva hi sāmarthyam-icchānicchā-vivarjane .. 4-5..
Among the four kinds of beings from Brahmā down to a clump of grass, the enlightened one alone has the ability to renounce desire and dislike from his mind.
Ashtavakra Samhita 4.6 The Self-Realized Act Without Fear
आत्मानमद्वयं कश्चिज्जानाति जगदीश्वरम् ।
यद्वेत्ति तत्स कुरुते न भयं तस्य कुत्रचित्
ātmānam-advayaṃ kaścijjānāti jagad-īśvaram .
yad-vetti tat-sa kurute na bhayaṃ tasya kutracit .. 4-6..
Whoever knows the non-dual Self as the Lord of the Universe, does whatever he feels like, with no fear from anywhere.
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