Ashtavakra Gita 4.1 -

There is no illustration for the Self. Space is totally inert. Inner spiritual presence alone cognizes body, mind intelligence, and ego. Every one refers to it as ‘I’, but cares not to know it. All are concerned with the rest, not with their Self. What a travesty!

Sage Ashtavakra elucidates the subject further. For the Self-knower, world and life are a sport, exciting indeed, like games played on the ground. One country defeats another, but only on the playground. Their status does not change with the play or its outcome.

Likewise for the Self-knower everything is a mere play. He is poised over all events and outcomes. All arise, subside and become extinct within his body alone. Thus he is able to act freely, feeling light about all he does and meets. Others are aggrieved and destabilized.

All have the body, but do not know its value or what it represents. Blissful and resplendent inner spiritual presence animates and activates it. Self alone is eternal, body and all else are transitory.

The goal of human life is to realize the Self. By neglecting the Self, every one is suffering colossal loss. All are like donkeys carrying bags of gold on their back, not knowing their value. What a pity!