Ashtavakra Gita

Ashtavakra means He who is deformed in eight places, stated to be so due to a curse uttered by his father when Ashtavakra was still in the maatru garbha. Ashtavakra Gita, also known as the Ashtavakra Samhita, is a teaching between the fully realized 12-year old master Ashtavakra and the King of Mithila, the Janaka Maha Raja who approached to Ashtavakra to beg for his adyaatma jnana, after having recognized in him the presence provided wisdom and enlightenment and the Advaita Vedanta.

Section One on Self Realization

King Janaka asked Ashtavakra as to how indeed the adhyatmika jnaana be acqurired for mukti / liberation and how to achieve renunciation . That knowledge be as to how to realize the identity of the individual self and the Supreme Self by way of Renunciation of detachment of pleasures and pains derived from the impermanent life and even the kaalamaana. Then Ashtavakra replied:

Muktimicchasi chettaat vishayaan vishavatyaja,kshamaarjavadayaatoshasatyam peeyusha vadbhaja

Ahtaavakra replied: ‘ If you were to seek liberation, then the vishaya vaanchaas be rejected as the attachments be poisonous. Be sincere in your speech and mind. Virtue and truthfulness are the rudimentary possessions of any aspirant and cultivation  of virtue implies self control and purification of senses besides the enhancement of the positivity of  the manastava. Ashtaavakra continued addressing King janaka: you are neither prithivi nor aapas-tejas-vaayu-aakaasha. These five elements would constitute the body-mind and the prapancha while the Self as the witness be the eternally distinctive as the Consciousness which be a mute spectator merely.

Yadi deham pruthakrutya chiti vishramya tishthasi, adhuneva sukhee shaanto bandha mukto bhavishyasi 

If you could detach your self from the bodily impulses and rest in Consciousness, you should be able to identify the path of annanda and be freed from  oppression of bodily limitations of bondage like birth, vriddhapya, diseases and the consequential miseries life long.

Tadejati tannaijati taddoore tad vadantike, tad antarasya sarvasya tadyu sarvasyaisya baahyatah/

Both the Supreme and the Inner Self are stable yet on the move, near yet faroff, right within yet outside

In reference to Self as the entity,  it moves or does not move; it is quite near and yer very far off; it is : Tat antah or right inside the body, organs and senses or  Sarvasyah or it is omnipresent and all pervading. Both the Realities are unified and the one too many, none denying the reality of  the other as the one is eternal while others are manifestations, being figments of the mind which is different from the sense of the other’s eternal background! Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (III.iv.1) explains: ‘Eshaa ta aatmaa sarvantarah yah pranena praaniti sa atma sarvantarah, katamaah Yajnyavalkya, sarvantarah/ yah praanena praaniti, sa ta aatmaa sarvantarah,  ya udaanena udaaneeti sa aatmaa sarvaantarah’/ or the Self is within all; that which breathes through praana or the life force is within all; that which moves downwards through the Apana is the Self that is within all; that which pervades through the ‘vyaana’ is the Self that is within all; that which goes out through the Udaana is the Self is within all; Samana is the balancer or equalizer of the Air is within the Self. Now, Brihadaranyaka Upanishad also asserts vide: IV.iv.13: Yasyaanuvittaah pratibuddha aatmaasin samdehye gahane prathishthaah, Sa Vishvakrit, sa ha sarasya kartaa tasya bhavanti, athetare duhkham evaapiyanti/ or the one who has realised the Innermost Self that had entered the most dangerous and inaccessible maze of body, its organs and its impulses that Paramatma himself made and that Paramatma is none other than the Self present in the bodies of all the Beings in the Creation! In other words, there needs to be introspection about the Self which Paramatma is all about! Indeed that is the Truth!

Navatvam vipraadiko varno naashramee naakshagocharah asamgosi niraakaaro vishva saashee sukheebhava/

You or a braahmanaa or taditara varna or of chaturaashramaas be not perceived by their senses of the exterior body parts but be happy by realizing one’s own nature as of unattached and as a formless witness.

Dharmadharmou sukham duhkham maanasaani na te vibho, nakartaasi na bhoktaasi mukta evaasi sarvadaa/

Be it virtue or vice, pleasure or pain be of one’s own mind , yet not you since you are neither the karta nor the kriya, since virtue or vice, pleasure or pain are of the mind, yet not you as of the mental states and you as the antaratma be neither the doer, nor enjoyer and much less of  being the sufferer!

Eko drishtaasa sarvasya muktapraayosi sarvadaa, ayameva hi te bandho drishtaaram pashyaseetaram/ Aham karteyahamaanamahaakrishnaahimdadhantih, naaham karteti vishvaashaammritam peetvaa sukheebhava/ Eko vishuddvabodhohamiti nishchaya vahninaa, pajjaalyaajnaanagahanam veetashokah sukheebhava/ Yatra vishvamidam bhaari kalpitam rajjusarpavat, anandaparamaananah sa bodhatvam sukham chara/ Muktaabhimaanee muktohi baddho baddhaabhimaanyapi, kim vadanteeha satyeeyam yaa matih saa gatirbhaveta/

Raja! do seek to burn off the forest of agjnaana or the ignorance with the agni jvaalaas of sincerity  and  conviction that  ‘ Aham Brahmaasmi’ – I am the Singular Self as of the Pure Consciousness and Self- effulgent of Purity. Beware, that you be not bitten by the black poisonous serpent of egoism and self centeredness of ‘aham karta’ but yes with the nectar of  resuscitation. This be so as You be the Consciousness over which the snake and rope analogy be applicable. Similarly the universe be of a ‘midhya’ and You King Janaka be the Reality. Consciousness which is the substratum  of the universe as would be remaining externally pure and transparent. That person who could consider as free be certainly free and liberated while that person who be feeling as of bound be under bondage as thinking would make so.

Atmaa saakshee vibhuh purna eko muktaschdakriyah, asango nispruhah shaanto bhramaat samsaara vaaniva/  Kuutastham bodhamadvaitamaatmaanam paribhaavaya, aabhaasoham bhramam muktvaa bhaavam baahyamathaantaram/ Dehaabimaanena paashena chiram baddhosi putraka, bodhoham jnaanakhadgena tannikritya sukheebhava/ Nissannishkriyosi tvam swaprakaashoniranjanah, ayameva hi te bandhah samaadhmanutushthatsi/

The Self be the manassaakshi, all pervading and ideal devoid of attributes or qualifications of human existence subject to deaths-rebirths ever and ever again. Thus being rid of the extraneous, irrelevant superfluous differences , the Self be meditation worthy on the Paramaatman as of non-dual Consciousness as of dwaita bhaava . Then Ashtaavakra addressed King Janaka thus further: One’s own  ‘dehaabhimaana paasha’ as of a noose around the neck be of one’s own Self Consciousness be nipped off  by the sword of knowledge as could be the dawn of vivekata, vichakshana and vigjnaana. Nissangatva or unttachment, karma sanyaasa which  could lead to freedom from the bondage.

Stanzas 16 onward: Twayaa vyaptamidam vishvam tvayi protam ytaartthatah, shuddha buddha swarupatam maagamah kshudra chittataam/ Nirapeksho nirvikaaro narbharah sheetalaashayah, agaadha buddhirakshubdho bhava chinamaatra vaasanah/ Saakaaramanrutam  viddhi niraakaaram tu nishchlam, etatatvopadeshena na punarbhav a sambhavah/Yathivaadarshamadhaste ruupentah paritastu saha, tathivaasmin shareerentah paratih Parameshvarah/ Ekam sarva gatam  vyoma bahirantartharya -thaa  ghate, nitaym nirantaram Brahma sarvabhuta gane tathaa/

The Self being the Antaraatma be like the pure gold made of golden ornaments as the basick substance of the Universe as the Pure Consciousness like the clay in a pot and as such, Janaka, be not of the hallucination and of fantasy of the Prakriti the Maya as the Paramatma and as such your capability of comprehension would need to be expansive. You, Janaka! Ought to realize that You are unfathomable as being limitless, formless, super intelligent and totally unaffected by superfluous extraneous nor bodily aberrations like the arishad vargaas of kaama krodha lobha moha mada matsaraas. Be realized too that what you know be the mirage while what you not know be the Reality indeed. And by this ‘goodha rahasya’ you could disprove the oft quoted that the antaratma be jumping from one body to another. That which is born is destined to die and this truism is a law of  nature; then why get concerned much about death!  This Atma the Inner Soul is such as could be torn or broken nor burnt by fire, washed by water, dried by air, cut into pieces, but is replete with every thing, and is eternal. Antaratma the Inner Soul is steady, age old, inconceivable by one’s physical parts or mind; nor subject to the changes of time! One has therefore to realize the essence of ‘atma tatva’ and its everlastingness or eternity! Just as a mirror exists within and without the image reflected in it, so be the Paramatma be extraneous and integral  too.Just as the space inside and outside a jar, the Avyaya-Shasvata- Ananta- Aja- Avyaya.

Section Two on the ecstasy of Self Realization 

Janaka uvaacha:

Aho nirajanah shaanto vibodhaham prakrite parah, evaavantamaham kaalam mohonaiva vidambitah/ Yathaa prakaashaamyako dehamevam tathaa jajat, ato mama jajatsarvamathavaa na chakinchana/ Sa shareeramaho vishvam parityaajjya mayaadhunaa, kutaschit koushalaadeva paramamaa vilokyate/ Yathaana toyato bhinnaastarngaah phena budbudaah, aatmano na tthaa bhinna vishvamaatma vinirgatam/ Tantumaatro bhave deva pato yadvichaaritah, aatma tanmaatramevedam tadvishvam vichaaritam/ Yathaivekshurase valuptta tena vyaaptaiva sharkaraa, tathaa vishvam mayi kluptam mayaa vyaaptan nirantaam/ Atmajnaanaajagatbhaati atma jnaanaat bhaasate, rajjvajnaanat bhaasate na hi/

Oh! I am totally blemish-less,  equable, well composed, tranquil and of Pure Consciousness and beyond the Illusions. Am no doubt  with this body with all the imperfections physically and psychologically yet could reveal the universe and there beyond. Having renounced the universe yet with the body, am able to vision the secret as to how the far reaching impact of the Maayashakti seeking to camouflage and smokescreen the Truth that ‘Aham Brahmaasmi.’ As the waves, foam, and bubbles be not segregated to jala pravaahaas, so be the universe that emanates from my own Antaratma as a mirror’s reflection of the Paramatma. As a cloth once analysed be really nothing from a thread and so be the universe by the warp and weft methodology. Yet one be ever falsely imagining that the cloth be different  from that what be woven from the dresses due to the impact of Maya the delusion. Just a sugar generated from the sugar cane juice so be the produced the Universe too yet Janaka  asereded ‘Aham Brahmasmi’  The Univeerese appears to the what it would seem be owing to the ignorance of the Self as a snake and a rope analogy as momentarily might be alike and so be the illusion super imposed hiding the Truth The Universe be produce by one ’s own ignorance. Illusion  be everlasting as long as Maya be superimposed. Maha Maya obstructs the clear vision of Pure Consciousness due to ‘Shad Kanchukas’ or Six Layers / Coverings and ‘Malaas’ or defilements of ‘Aaanava, Maayiya and Karma  nature’, being the inner most, the interior and the outer parts of the husk that cover in three layers before obtaining the pure grain or antaratma with neither desirable nor the  totally free from the stains of the pristine Self! Pancha Bhutas, Panchendriyas and Tri-Tatwas viz. Manas, Buddhi and Ahamkara total up to Prakriti.  Prakriti is the totality of  the  products, each produced from the cause and effect cycle and together Prakriti and Purusha activate the entire universe compose of tatwas!

As my jeevan mukti had since be a Reality, affirmed King Janaka as per the pro active assitance of Bhagavan Ashtaavarka, that the spelendeorous celestial vision had since been accomplished and none other than that at all. How wondersome that I feel now! Aho! How the charaachara jagat be conceived  as the Universe be as conceived through agjaana and utter ignorance just as of  a snake in a rope, water flows in a mirage, jug dissolved into a clay, and so on as if the universe be dissolved unto me. How wonderful and thrilling and sensational  do I feel now that ‘Brahmaadistambamba paryantam’- be that as a clump of grass to the layaantara  punahsrishti repetitively! Aho how fantastic and breath taking this be in this ‘sthita pragjnatva’ to have a human body which no doubt be as  the sthoola and sushma or the gross and the subtle one too.

Prakaasho na nijam rupam naatiritomyaham tatah, yadaa prakashate vishvam tadaambhaasa evahi/ Aho vikalpitam vishvamagjnaanaanmayi bhaaasate, ruupyam shaktou phanee rajjo vaari suryakare\yathaa/ Mattho vinirgatam vishvam mayyeva layameshyati mrudi kumbho jalo vocchih kanake katakam yathaa/Aho aham namo mahyam vinaasho yasya naastime , brahmaaditamba paryantam jagannaashopi tishthatah/ 

Luminosity and self radiance are in my nature and what ever be manifested be nothing but of the Self. Aho, this universe be my reflection as conceived through ignorance as of the analogy of a snake and rope due to a mirage. Just as an earthen pot would get dissolved be flows of water or a golden  bracelet by fire into raw gold, so be the  universe at repetitive pralayaas would be dissolved unto me  yet ignorance named Maaya or Prakriti be dominant. Aho, how adorable that I am as being Aham Brahmaasmi indeed. Aho, how how blissful am I as I ought to be blissful as am even able to survive pralayaas of the Universe and surpass the kaala chakra.

 Aho aham namo mahyamekoham dehavaanapi, kaschinna gantaa naagntaa vyaapya vishvam avasthitah/   Aho aham namo mahyame daksho naasteeha matsamah, asamsprushya shareerena yena vishvam chiam dhritam/ Ahoham namo mahyam yasyame naasti kinchana, athavaa yasya me sarvam yad vaangmanasagocharam/ Jnaanam jneyam tathaa jnaataa tritayam naasik vaastavam,agjnaanaanbhaati yatredam sohamasmi niranjanah/ Dwaitamoolamaho duhkham naanya- ttasyaasti bheshajam drishyametanmrushaa sarvam ekoham  cchidrasonmalah. Bodhamaatroh -magjaanaadupaadhiih kalpato mayaa, evam vimushrato nityam nirvikalpe sthutirmama/ Name bandhosti moksho vaa bhraantih shaantaa niraashrayaa, ahomayi sthitam vishvam vasruto na mayi sthiram/ Shareeramidam vishvam na kinchiditi nishchitam, shuddha chinmaatra aatmaa cha tatkasmin kalpanaadhunaa/ Shareeram swarga narakou bandha mokshou bhayam tathaa, kalpanaamaatrenavaitat kim me kaaryam chidaatmanah/

Aho! How wonderful do I experience  and adore myself this gross body with all the sukha duhkhaas and since having assumed the sukshma and subtle body as of  ‘Deho devalaya prokto jivah prokto sanatanah. One’s own he body is a temple. The life enshrined in it is the eternal Paramatma. The temple called the body – it enshrines the power of mantras – must not be defiled by an impurity. There is a difference between the home and the temple. In the home it is not necessary to observe such strict rules of cleanliness as in the temple. Some corner, some place, in the house is meant for the evacuation of bodily impurities.

Aho! How adorable am I none be as capable as the Universe be super imposed on Myself as being with  of the Supreme Self as axis of Brahmanda  ‘Purusha’, the Primeval Force of Creation possesses countless heads, eyes and feet pervading the entire Universe, far beyond the minuscule level of human comprehension as the Omni-present, omniscient and omni-potent as being  immortal, intangible, and inexpressible.

Aho!How wonderful am I as the gorgeous and delectable Self am I as of nothing elseness except the self, because all else is the subtsratum  or a layer of something lying under another layer, as of the Maya Prakriti. Then the husk and bran of the grain of the my erstwhile form has no further re-germination and no further ‘aanava- maayiya and karma’ tarnishing and defilement and thus attain a state of pure consciousness.  Once the gems of Supreme Vision are collected in the treasure house of  my own mystic heart, which indeed is akin to that of Paramatma, then in that state of ecstasy, the Self would tend to announce that : ’I am all and everything’! Liberation from the revelation of Maha Shakti that is basically embedded on one’s own true Self is Moksha which severs the knots of ignorance. Agjnana or fantasy of ‘moha’ or the perfect knot. This is what needs to be untied and then discover ‘atma swaatantra lakshama’ or the true feature of freedom of the Self.

‘Jnanam jneyam and Jnaata’  the threesome  of the Knowledge, the Knowable, and the Knower are basically non existent really as for the Inner Self are just the same.Knowledge is anchored to what depends on the subject-object awareness and the Supreme Knowledge surpasses one’s consciousness. Indeed one when enters the screen of darkness or ‘Avidya’ and perform rites without the purport or objective of what are the rites intended for, then that act is of no value, especially without faith. That kind of Avidya begets further Avidya and might even be retrograde! In other words, Vidya and Karma are to worshiped being hand in hand; that kind of darkness is characterised as blindness while those in knowledge are normally prone to karma accompanied by worship and meditation; complimentarity is certain in respect of Vidya and Karma! those who practice Avidya or ignorance enter into the dark portals of rites, rituals and sacrifices, or those who blindly get involved  in ‘karma kaanda’ or performing rituals without basic understanding and enlightenment of the Supreme tend to distance from the Reality and near the zone of Falsity !Oh, the the root of one’s own misery be the sense of dwaita bhaava or of  duality as Mine and Thine and there could be no solution thereof except the realization of the objects of experiences are unreal When one talks of worshiping two entities of Purusha and Prakriti, the former is unmanifest and the worshiper is ushered into blindness and darkness, while worshiping the Pakriti the manifested is equally misleading since both these are the constituents and as such the worship needs to be unified and combined!

‘Thus Janaka asserts to Ashtavakra that He was Pure Consciousness and Blissful.

‘I am Pure Consciousness and through ignorance I had imposed limitations like egoism, mind and of physical nature as of self imposed and once that duality feeling of physique be vanished then I could abide by the Absolute. This Self that dwells inside each and every Being is indeed the Supreme Itself and therefore should be guarded against by evil forces and material allurements arising therefrom. Utmost vigilance is therefore called for by extreme detachment and renunciation by stoic endurance and steadfast adherence to scrupulously hold fast to the norms of Virtue and Justice and never yield to the pulls and pressures of the transient and meaningless possessions of wealth and physical joys!

I as the Antaratma be of any kind of  bondage since the impact of Maya the Illusion be ceased of pulls and pressures. One would invariably feel the sense of liberation as basically am ever liberated yet be unaware of that indeed. How do the worlds of Devils get involved by blinding human beings in deep darkness! Indeed this is due to the ignorance caused by the severe play of body adjuncts of Pancha Karmendriyas of eyes, ears, skin, nose, and reproductive organs and the Pancha Jnaanendriyas viz. vision, hearing, touch, breathing and generation acts- all guided by the ‘Manas’ or Mind! These demonic and wicked influences tend to the hide the Reality of the Self and till such time the Panchendriyas are present in the body or till its termination! The nature of the Self is such that its consciousness is literally imprisoned from the sway of the Maya or hallucination or false sense of perception of the True Reality. Death and the pursuant trans -migration of the Self  provide another opportunity for the enlightenment but alas, the influence of the Panchendriyas  might in all probability would continue in the subsequent birth too! This being so, one would like to define what all this Self about any way! The experience of this ‘Antaratma’ or the Self and its self declared  superiority asserts that it is free from decay, disease and death!)

Shareeram under the bondage of swarga narakaas, bondage and freedom as of mere imagination. As long as the ignorance be lasting the nature of the Pure consciousness be ever evasive.In there words, so long as ignorance would prevail, one would consider that the shareera, swarga, narkaas be the reality and well keeping that feeling be lasting the nature of the Self as being the Pure Consciousness be hidden of the Reality.

Aho jana sammoohepi na dwaitam pashyato mama, aranyamiva samvittam kka ratim karavaanyaham/ Naaham deho name deho jeevo naahamaham hi chit, ayameva hi me bandha aaseed yaa jeevito spruhaa/ Aho bhuvanakallolaivichitrairvichitrairdaak samusthitam, mayyananta mahaanbhodou chittavate samudyate/ Madhyaannanatamahaambodhou chittavaate  prahaamyapi, abhaagyaajjeevavanijo jagatpoto vinasvarah/ Madhyaanantamahaavaashchaya jeeva veechayah, udyanti ghnaati khelanti pravishanti swabhaavatah/

Aho! Am now purged and liberated from the sense of duality of kaarya kaarana, kartrutva and karmaacharana,  attachments and detachments, wilderness and openness, but now there be nothing of Reality beside me. As there is ‘tadaadmya’ or absolute Identity, the Self and the Supreme ought to be the same, irrespective of the play of senses and thoughts that the body carries!  In the vision of that person whose realization that all the Beings are of the very Self, then where is the sorrow and where is the fantasy or flight of imagination! Once there is ‘tadaatmya’ or the Unity of the Self and the Supreme, then such an enlightened person  attains the same position as Paramatma even if he moves about in his current existence, since I have  no barriers of movement nor of features!

Then Janaka reassures  that he be not in his deha, nor have the body, but the Jeevatma, the Pure Consciousness, as having been liberated as of Pure Consciousness with no bondage of hunger and thirst. Body be explained as the of the Matter. As there is ‘tadaadmya’ or absolute Identity, the Self and the Supreme ought to be the same, irrespective of the play of senses and thoughts that the body carries!In the vision of that person whose realisation that all the Beings are the very Self, then where is the sorrow and where is the fantasy or flight of imagination!  Once there is ‘tadaatmya’ or the Unity of the Self and the Supreme, then such an enlightened person  attains the same position as Paramatma even if he moves about in his current existence, since  that person has no barriers of movement nor of features. Body as the Matter while the Self as jeeva be of the Pure Consciousness yet of the finite self while bondage refers to the cessation of a Being!

Aho! In this Reality in me be the limitless oceans on the risings of the mind and there be diverse waves of the worlds. In Reality, there be nothing else but the Self. It is only be the name and form as superimposed on the Self that would give the Reality to the world yet that appearance would vanish by the atma jnaana .

With the speed and fervor of the winds and of the mind too in the infinite ocean of myself be intensified, as the ark of the universe of myself as the  jeevatma could vanish. How amazing that in me, the shoreless ocean of samsaara the waves of individual selves, as per their karmaachaarana of the jeevaas be finally collapsed. Hence the Bhagavad Gita asserts vide Karma Yoga:  Stanza 13:  Dehosmin yathaa dehe koumaaram youvanam jaraa, tathaa  dehantara poraaptih dheeras -tatra na muhyati/ As the body witnesses childhood-youth- old age, to do the changes accordingly and gets terminated. So does the body changing from one life to another again and again. These changes are merely ‘Deha Dharmas’ but not ‘Atma Dharmas’ or as related to the body but not to the Soul. Thus births-growths- and deaths attract neither elation nor heart rending disappointments. Jnaanis thus get neutral and the depth of that awareness impacts them within themselves of inner consciousness.

Section Three on the Agjnaanata of Manushyaas and Test of Self  Realization

Avinaashanaatmaanmekam vigjnaaya tatvatah,tavaatmagjnasya dhorasya kathamarthaarjane ratih/   Atmaagjnaanaa dahi preetirvishayabhrama gochare,shuktyeragjnaanato lobho yathaa rajata vibhrame/Vishvam sphurati yatredam taranjaa eva saagare, sohamasmeeti vigjnaaya kim deena iva dhaavasi/ Shrutvaapi shuddha chaitanyamaatmaanmadhigacchhati/ Sarvabhuteshu chaatmaanam sarv bhiutaan chaatman, munerjaanat aashrayam mamatvamanuvartate/Aasthitha paramaadwaitam mokshaarthepi vyavasthitah, aascharyam kaamavashago vikalah kelishiksahyaa/ Udbhutamjnaanadur -mitramavadhaaryaatidurbalah, aashcharyam kaamam aakaagkshe kaalamantamanushritah/ Ihaamunna viraktasya nityaanityavivekinah, Aascharyam moksha kaamasya mokshaadeva vibheeshikaa/ Dheerastu bhojyamaanopi peedyamaanopi sarvataa, atmaanam kevalam pashyan na tushyati na kushyati/ Cheshta maanam shareeram swam pashyatyaanya shareeravat, samstave chaapi nindaayaam katham kshubhyet mahaashayah/Maayaamaatraamidam vishvaam pashyan vigatakoutkah, api sannihite mrtyo katham trasyati dheeradheeh/ Niuspruham maanasam asya nairaashyepi mahaatmanah, tasyaatmajnaana triptasya tulanaa kena jaayate/ Swabhaavaadev a jaanaano drishyamenna kinchan, idam graahyamidam tyaajyam sakm pashyati dheeradheeh/Antassaktakashaayasya nirdandvisya niraashishah, ydrkcchhagato bhogo na dhukhaaya na tushtye/

Guru Ashtaavakra  queried Janaka that the latter having realized the Truly Indestructible Self of Tranquility, how would he be feeling  detached without wealth, kingship and the varna-aashrama dharmaas. The precise status of Self Realization  be of little conditionality of the Universe besides the awareness of body, mind and the arishad vargaas of kama krodhaadis since superimposed. The person under reference viz. Janaka as being sufet with the Atma Jnaana or the Self Knowledge be the Jeevan mukta with self consciousness, mobility and as of normal self. The Universe be indeed nothing but be superimposed unto Him while  the acts of mind and senses being normal yet in a supreme state. He could be in a body  and what ever be doing as a normality and the difference between ignorance and enlightenment be distinctive. In the case of a person of Atma Jnaana, the difference of consciousness be not easily perceivable by  the mundane beings.

Aho, as the avariciousness from the illusion of silver of by ignorance of the mother of pearl, even so arises attachment to the objects of illusory sensitivity from lack of knowledge of the Self. Thus reacted Ashavarka who sought to test Janaka that his attachment to the worldly attractions as of ignorance of their true nature of illusive senses such as Tapatriayas or t of three kinds of difficulties that all human beings are subjected to as also the means of realizing the Paramartha Swarupa. The Tapatriayas originate due to Adhyatmika, Aadhi Daavika and Adhi Bhoutika reasons. Adhyatmika are either due to ‘Shaaririka’(physical) ailments or ‘Manasika’ (psychological) imbalances. Shaaririka Tapaas include diseases related to head, digestive, heart, breathing, vision, limbs, skin, fevers and so on; related are the various physiological problems of blood-urinary-pelvic nature. Manasika Tapaas are related to Kama, Krodha, Bhaya, Dwesha, lobha, Moha, Vishada, Shoka, Asuya, Apamana, Irshya, Matsara etc. Adhi Bhoutika Tapaas are due to the difficulties attributed to  animals, birds, Pishachaas, Serpents, Rakshasaas and poisonous related creatures like scorpions. The troubles on account of Adhidaivika nature are due to cold, heat, air, rains, drought, water, earthquakes, cyclones and so on. Additionally, the troubles are related to birth, childhood, youth, old age, ignorance, Avidya, loneliness, smell, lack of resources, poverty, immaturity, inexperience, lack of opportunity, fear of death, death itself and multiple kinds of experiences of Naraka. Further  there are problems of excessive of opulence, excellent health, excessive youth,  and such other excesses and some times ignorance is bliss. More so there could be Tapaas due to discrimination of sex, age, social status, experience, opportunity, family background; origin of birth viz. religion, Varnashrama and age. Disappointments in life, more specifically relating to money and fame, including their earnings, preservation and  its  destruction happen to be yet source of Tapatriya.  Besides there be  Ishana Traya as  of ‘Praaneshana’-the bond of Life, ‘Dareshana’ or the bond of wife, ‘Putreshana’ or the bond of progeny,’ Dhaneshana’ or the bond of wealth, ‘Sukheshana’ or the love of happiness and contentment and ‘Dharmeshana’ or the quest of Virtue; but the first three bonds of life above are the strongest ie the Ishanatrayas. But, Ashtaavakra wanted to ensure that Janaka be devoid of such human weaknesses. Indeed, when the Self be truly realized then the weaknesses and sense objects would cease, as of the greed for silver could cease when the Mother of Pearl be realized.

Vishvam sphurati yatredam tarangaa iva saagare, sohaasmeeti vigjnaaya kim deenaiva dhaavasi/

Ashtaavarka continued to interview King Janaka to be upgraded then stated : ‘That in which the Universe would appear like the waves of an ocean, then why all be of  apprehensions as of the waves of an Ocean be and why would the humans crave and be crazy about at all! Be this realized that one’s fears, miseries, helplesness be proceeded from their very conception, so the  universe be nothing except self consciousness and  attainment of such knowledge be prevalent in the Universe.

After realizing that Pure Consciousness be of Parmaananda and be of Soundarya, how could one be foolish and be  crazy for any thing of base and mean level sensual objects stooping down under!  But once the maximization the Supreme awareness and knowledge, the Self would become tranquil, fearless and self contained. Deep and concentrated inward vision ought to terminate that all the Beings in the Universe – be they the ‘charaachara praanis’ inclusive of human beings of all the varnas, ages, and stages- possess similar features and instincts- are possessive of the similar inner consciousness individually and that Self indeed is the Supreme Unknown and be of the same. The Self knowledge and lust for sensual objects be never coexistent and the lust covering the body be clouding spiritual awareness.

Sarvabhuteshu chaatmaanam sarv bhiutaan chaatman, munerjaanat aashrayam mamatvamanuvartate/  

Would this not be strange that the sense of duality be coexistent as one be of the body of senses and of  the inner awareness too! Anyone who looks within has seen Him as he is one’s mirror image! He is free of movement, speech, thought, vision, hearing and touch. The concept of duality is totally misplaced. This is so but for the interaction of the Jnanendriyas and karmendriyas or the body parts and the sensory organs.Mortality is for the body and never ever for the Soul and indeed that is the Eternal Truth .             

Aasthitha paramaadwaitam mokshaarthepi vyavasthitah, aascharyam kaamavashago vikalah kelishiksahyaa/

Be this not strange that one standing for the Supreme non duality and the sense of emancipation be subject to hunger for covetiousness be possible. Being aware that lust and avarice be the enemies for Atma Jnaana, how a person could readily be eager to sensual enjoyment! Struggle to surmount all kinds of impediments is fraught with innumerable means of material desires and practices on one hand and sharpen the edge of spiritual bent of mind with tenacity, dedication and extraordinary faith on one’s own ability on the other hand.This is some thing that calls for a revolutionary transformation in one’s daily routine and psyche. It demands sufferance, self-negation, and total abstinence to the point of break down by way of extreme self denial. Control of mind and detachment by the severe possible hold and command of organs and senses of chakshu-shravana-naasika-manasika-twak media. One’s own ‘Antaratma’ or the Innermost Consciouness needs to be churned out by persistent practice as detailed in the above stanza, by way of struggle, friction and persistence just as oil is extracted from sesamum seeds, butter from cream of milk, water by digging deep from dried earth, and as Agni by friction of ‘aarani’ or wood sticks! In the constant and even tiring efforts of truthfulness and extreme austerities, the Individual of total commitment might thus be able to discover the Final Truth finally; Constant churning of  a clean and transparent mind is the quintessence of the exploration, just as of ghee in milk which again is obtained after constant churning!

Ihaamunna viraktasya nityaanityavivekinah, Aascharyam moksha kaamasya mokshaadeva vibheeshikaa/               

In this world it would be strange that one be unattached to the wordly desires in this and next births to the objects repetitively and who be honestly discriminate the eternal and the transcient and indeed who would care for emancipation till the dissolution of the body. This be all of the lip sympathy and false bravado as the pull and pressure be far far overwhelming as the saying asserts that one knows indeed there be a deep trench ahead- oh there be a ditch too close, but the blind be falling and all the rest of blind persons follow too like wise. Realization of the Self results in triple effect impact: to severe the chains of Samsaara, secondly of riddance of  joys and sorrows being the typical bodily experiences and finally the destruction of the  inevitability of the ever revolving cycle of births and deaths. Yet, intense meditation the Self  yields yet another triple effect  the final dissolution of human body and the adjoining pleasures and pains and ‘Kaivalya’, the final bliss being the merger into the Truth!

Dheerastu bhojyamaanopi peedyamaanopi sarvataa, atmaanam kevalam pashyan na tushyati na kushyati/ Cheshta maanam shareeram swam pashyatyaanya shareeravat, samstave chaapi nindaayaam katham kshubhyet mahaashayah/

Dheera Manushyas whose mental equilibrium be stable with neither agitation nor anxiety owing to their grip of self control be able to vision  the Absolute Self.  That kind of serenity be possible by dhridha sankalpa or determined ‘Will’  to be fine-tuned in a an effort to seek Brahman! Sturdy Self Belief, Will Power, Application of Mind to situations demanding dynamism of thought and action should make realization possible. Having made the Sankalpa or a firm decision, then the perseverance and staying power of what has been resolved would be the sustenance that needs to be followed up; the chitta or the intelligence to hold despite obstacles is thus superior to the will. As one deserves and desires, he wills, decides and ascertains as how to give a practial shape to the realisation of the goal; in the process he resorts to think, propel the organ of speech to utter mantras and perform the rites. It is possible that there might be shortcomings and the application of intelligence would need to be supplemented from other sources; in other words, one needs to meditate on the thought process and wherever felt necessary make amendments as rigidities should be softened. Indeed, all possible omissions and commissions in the approach be incorporated  and the modus operandi  be revised as felt needed on a dynamic graph. The proverb states that most of the sections of the Society never even launch a project as they are basically diffident and know of their limitations; some handful of these do launch the project but as several hindrances crop up somewhere on way give up as tension overtakes their strong- enough will; but those very very few in millions face all the obstacles and finally reach the goal dropping many on the sideways! All these actions of perseverance emerge from thought and practical application of intelligence! Thus he who may be literally solitary to seek Brahman ought to contemplate and reflect deeply on intelligence in the form of Will Power to attain the absolute and unqualified world of Brahman as far as Will Power prevails! Meditation and Contemplation are superior to Will Power that is dhyanam. ‘Dhyaanam’ or meditation is more effective than the consideration of Will Power sinc after all the Self Determination has to pave way for Meditation. The process of meditation to Brahman is not a simple task! Primarily, one has to conquer the material world centering the Earth. Then the contemplation needs to surmount ‘Dyauh’ or the Intermediate Space. It is not an east task to overcome the pulls and pressures of the Swarga by ‘dhyana’. Then meditation of the glory of water and the high mountains needs to be prevailed upon.Then comes yet another intensity of humanity and divinity which has such a strong pull that is simply unimaginable and that complexity of that tough intensity is a near impossibility! Those among human beings who had already scaled the dizzy elevations and summits of glory in the pursuit of Brahman are not only few and far between but even of the stature of Maharshis slip down the valleys of failures out of jealousies and pettiness. Such situations abound when meditation becomes warranted against pinnacles of meditation! It is stated that he who meditates on Meditation, he who is identified with what Meditation is all about, he attains freedom of movement of thought, action and deed; and he who is identified with meditation is indeed the Reality of Meditation itself! The follows Vijnaanam or Enlightenment as facilitated by the fund of knowledge takes a further step forward to realize Brahman. Indeed, dhyanam or contemplation is possible on the strength of knowledge and enlightenment! Knowledge is amassing huge funds of empirical information and facts, while Vijnanam is the capacity for assimilation and understanding which is the bottom of Critical Analysis! Now, he who meditates on such deep and close assessment of Brahman, might be able to understand the range and depth of Brahman!  He who meditates Brahman might have a hope on the understanding of what kind of Truth that he is!

Maayaamaatraamidam vishvaam pashyan vigatakoutkah, api sannihite mrtyo katham trasyati dheeradheeh/ Niuspruham maanasam asya nairaashyepi mahaatmanah, tasyaatmajnaana triptasya tulanaa kena jaayate/ Swabhaavaadev a jaanaano drishyamenna kinchan, idam graahyamidam tyaajyam sakm pashyati dheeradheeh/Antassaktakashaayasya nirdandvisya niraashishah, ydrkcchhagato bhogo na dhukhaaya na tushtye/

By realizing that this Prapancha be an illusion, one would not be interested in inquisitiveness  as of  to know that one does not know but desire to know the  Maya Shakti seeking even Deva samuhas, let alone manushyas could shroud  the nature and implications of  Brahma Vidya and the awareness of  the Unkown at the cosmic and Individual Levels much less  the scope of Accomplishment. Then how indeed could one be of steady  mindedness and the fear of death of the Self being rid of the awareness of janma-punarjanma swabhava! Nispruha Maanasa be never free from the cycle of hope against hope yet be never able to cross the barriers of samsaara  With whom could one be able to compare that Bliss of Self Knowledge and would yearn and crave for liberation, and desirelessness. Why and how one’s own Swabhaava siddha drishya maana prapancha- agjaana due to Maha Maya obstructing the clear vision of Pure Consciousness due to ‘Shad Kanchukas’ or Six Layers / Coverings and ‘Malaas’ or defilements of Aaanava, Maayiya and Karma  nature, being the inner most, the interior and the outer parts of the husk that cover in three layers before obtaining the pure grain or antaratma with neither desirable nor the  totally free from the stains of the pristine Self! He who could  discard the worldly attachments from his mindset,  could weigh the pros and cons  the pluses and minuses by the reason of existence and the purpose of Life by detachment and self control  while deeply contemplating  the amorphous and unknown substance of Brahman like be the dhanya maanava indeed.

Section  Four on Atma Jnaana Sthithi

Hantaatmajnaasasya dheerasya khelato bhoga keelayaa, nahi samsaaravaaheekairmoodhaih saha samaanataa/

Janaka stated that it might be possible that those normal manushyaas as of beasts of burden be deluded on to the game of life within the vicious circle of passing  joys and sorrows   the yet those with playful games,be unaffected and be detached.

Yatpadam protsavo deenaah Shakraadyaah sarva devataah,aho tatra asthito yogee na harshamupagacchati/

Tatva Jnaani Yogis be of the manas tatva of their being in their natural  state even Indra and Devas might perhaps not be even as that of their existence, knowledge  and blissfulness as indeed be that might really be or not to so. They be not elated and get excited as abided in the state of sthita pragjnasya.

Tajjagnasya punya paapaabhyam sparsho hyaantarna jaayate, na hyaakaashaasya dhuumena drishyamaanaapi sangatih/

Certainly  one’s own heart and mental awareness be untouched and felt  by the Self Consciousness as a mute spectator on the analogy of a chariot driven by the mind with the five horses of panchendriyaas and their tanmaatraas that be aware of the deeds of virtue and vice, jusy as the sky be untouched by the smoke!

Atmaivedam jagatsarvam jnaatam yena mahaatmanaa yadyacchhayaa vartamaanam tam nished kshamet kah/

Who indeed could prevent the Supreme Realization as being beyond the Scriptural  command. That Unknown be above such formulations for ignorant mindsets not however being moral disorder.That person be surely not victimised as of moral turpitude and all the same stoop to evil misdeeds . Indeed an exper dancer be never take to wrong bhangimaas and steps.

Aabrahmastamba paryante bhutagraame chaturvidhe, vigjnasyaiva hisaamyartham icchhaanichhavivarjane/’

Of the four types of ‘jaraayuja’ or born of wombs’- ‘andaja’ or born of eggs-‘swedaja’  or generated by the sweat and ‘udbhuja’ or sprouted up the earth, the entire srishti kaarya would comprise of Devas and other subtle beings. As long as a human being ignorant of one’s own nature and of prakriti would be hence having likes and dislikes. Bur once there be the awareness of the Supreme then only the happenings be human life and its possibility of the Unknown be at all possible. Then be the lingering hope and attachments and detachments be possible despite plays of Prakriti.

Atmaanamadvayam kaschinnaatmaanaaati jagadeeshvaram, yadvaiti tat sa kurute va bhayam tasya krucchit/

Rare being that human being who could realize that the Self on the body be the Supreme of the Universe.That person of Self Awareness be fearless from any quarter under the momentum of actions either of the sanchita or praarabhdha nature. As that person be free and the actions too be spontaneous. This Absolute Power is seen by none as it is not a sense object and as such, it is its own evidence since it is the ability of vision by itself; similarly  it is never heard as it is not an object of hearing by itself; it is never the thought  as it is not the object of thinking, but is the Unique Thinker and personification of thought. Thus, finally it is this existence that is the subtle essence and all that merges into That or The Self! And that indeed is the Self: Tatwam Asi or This be Truly The Truth that the Self and Thou Art Thou.

Section Five on ‘drishya maana jagat’s asatayta’ and  ‘chaturvidha maargaas’ to dissolve the ‘asatyata’

Ashtaavakra uvaacha: Na te sangosti keenaapi kim shuddhasyaktumicchhasi,sanghaatvilayam kurvenneva layam vraja/

Ashraavakra addressed King Janaka: You by now be devoid of any ‘bandhanaas’ or constraints whatsoever and hence  be pure as you are and what what do you seek to raounce! Now, you may destroy th body complex as of the comprehensive and aggregate of the body-complex, mind, egoism and senses. The Inner Self is indeed unattached and ignorance be extinguishable as identification would prevent the ultimate step of Self Realization. The moment the body be destroyed the identification, then be consequential and the meger be total in entirety. This be  so since  shaareerika tapatrayaas, ishana rayaas, trigunaas, trividha kaankshaas, chaturvidha purushaardhaas, chaturvsha deha paashaas,  and panchendriyas be all vanished by one stroke of the deha thyaaga.

Udeti bhavato vishvam vaaridheriva budbudah, iti jnatyaikamaatmameva lalam traja/

The Universe rises like the bubbles and the foam of the maha saagara as of the drishya maana midhya jagat and as the body once collapsed and the Self or Antaratma a reflection of Paramatma be the substance behind the Universe as the mere superimposition and that be the singular manner of Atma Mahatmya vigjnaana and thus you, Janaka! be finally accomplish Mukti.

Pratyakshamapya vastutvaadvishyam naastyamalestwayi, rajju sarpa iva vyaktameva layam vraja/

Manifestation of the Universe be as of that of the hallucination of futility or Unreality against the Reality. To get rid of this delusion one do not need more actions, but only to make an enquiry, directly facing the ‘snake’ (the world of experience). Then it vanishes altogether. Rajju and Sarpa Bhraanti be aware only by the practice of satkaraacharana indeed!

Final stanza of the section Five

Sama dhuhka sukhah purn akaashaanairaashyayoh samah, sama jeevitamrityuh sannevameva layam vraja/

The Self be of unique equanimity, composure and ‘sama drishti’ either in misery or happiness as of a poorna swarupa, and of a jeevan mrityu. The moment there be the situation of total dissolution of the body then there be Atmakyata unto the Paramatma the -avyaya-shaashvata-ananta-aja Niraakaara.

Section Six on Supreme Knowledge and Tadaadaatmya

Janaka uvaacha: Akaashavadanantam ghatavat praakritam jagat, iti jnaanam tathitasya na thyaago na graho layah/

King Janaka stated that the boundless aakaasha and the Universe be like a ‘ghata ’ are a jar and that wisdom or sufficient atma jnaana be neither approved nor disapproved. As of such ghataakaasha be as of the infinite space be far beyond and yet like the Daharaakaasha.The Supreme Paramatma bestows  Self Representation as the Antaratma or the  Inner Consciousness of each and every being of sthaavara jangama – moving or non moving beings.. Now, that Self Representation is anchored to ‘Daharaakaasha’ which is surrounded by ‘hita’ the ‘naadis’ of one’s body;  the latter  passes through three essential stages of Awakenness-Dream Stage of ‘Nidra’ the sleep and Sushupti the self enlightenment. To that Supreme Paramatma who reflects His own duplicate titled Antaaatma links up diligently the soul and body, the Sadhakas prostrate for His excellence in Srishti of the Maya or the Make Believe and indulges his Eternal Play ! He however allows His own play instruments to follow the path of jaagriti, swapna-sushupti and the Ultimate of His own Supreme Self. Despite the  non-dual Reality of the Self and the Supreme as exists in the Lotus Heart of ‘Daharaakaasha’ or the Small Space, one’s own body parts are responsible for deeds and the Self is but a mute spectator !

Next stanza two

Mahodadhirivaaham sa prapancho vochisannibhah, iti  jnaanam tathitasya na thyaago na graho layah/

The Self as the Antarama be like a maha saagara and the universe is ‘like’ just a wave. This be as of the Parabrahma Jnaana rahasya. The Self as being the Antaratma as ever be purged of aakaara-vikaara-vyavahaaraas and acceptance or  rejections, yet be present as the silent spectator of the happenings as of the un univerese and hence the charaachara jagat. When the expression of ‘like’ be used the understanding ‘might’ be perceptible to ‘jnaanis’ since water or Naara-and Ayana as of the restful be possibly perceivable. Similarly, the Self be the substance while the name and form of the universe be illusory as the Maya be shrouding the Truth, the Absolute Truth.as of Satyam-Shivam and Sundaram. Hence ‘Aham Brahmaasmi’ .

Antaratma or the Inner Counciousness inside the heart of a physique covered by mind and panchendriyas is the secret yet the sacredmost place is pure yet unrealisable. Indeed that is located at the Sanctum Sanctorum  of a body full of flesh,  blood and fat. This resembles a sbstance of durability amid vulnerability, like a wall painting of a castle in air yet being the pith of a plantain tree, or even as a drop of a water bubble. Indeed, that outstanding nucleus of Antaratma is pure, incomprehensible, lustrous, detached, form less, isolated, spotless, disembodied, isolated and blissful.

Further Stanzas of Section Six continued

Aham sa shukti sankaasho rupyavadvishva kalpanaa, iti jnaanam tathaitasya na tyaago na graho layah/  Aham vaa sarva bhuteshu sarva bhutaanyatho mahi, iti jnaanam tathaisya na tyaago na graho layah/                                              

I am indeed like the Mother of the Purity of a Pearl floating and perched on the Vishva kalpana or the Illusion of the Maha Sagara the Universe  as of the glitter of silver. This Maha Atma Jnaana of Paramatma be neither renounced nor destructible. This Eternal Truth be likewise well behind the Universe and the Self there behind.

Aham vaa sarvabhuteshu sarva bhutaanyatho mayi; iti jnaanam tathaitasya na tyaago na graho laayah/

Paramatma then asserts that the Almighty be the Sarva Bhutaatmana then, now and ever as the avyakata and shaasvata. And being the Outstanting Tapasvis be absorbed unto Me as of Taadaadamya.  Paramatma is an essence of Purity and Spotlessness as a singular identity of integration with no parts of division as there is ‘Advaitam’ or of Duality or Multiplicity; That Truth is action-less since other energies which too are self-generated managing the affairs of  Existence of the Beings such as Brahma-Prajapatior Maha Purusha with the active assistance or Maya the Illusory Powers to run the system of as Life as assisted by the Sub Powers of Devas as materialized by the mutual inter-action of Maha Purusha and Maha Maya! Figuratively speaking, if only Akaasha or the Interminable Sky is like a piece of leather and capable of being rolled out then the Form and Feature of the Supreme is possible of Realization and the search of Almighty and of Bliss is what one could ever aspire!  From times immemorial Maha Jnaanis and Maha Yogis have made all out efforts by the intense-most endeavors of high austerities and extraordinary dedication and faith backed of course by the proactive blessings of Brahman Himself but the search has been age-old and elusive but for flashes of lightnings but once tht Truth is realised by thrusting ino the Uknown Realms of Eternity then the Highest Mystery in the Vedanta and no Teacher or Guide could ever lead him to but only have to ‘Swaanubhava’ or Self Experience! Indeed Paramatma is the nucleus in the heart as kindled fire, yet with all apparatus like praana-heart-mind-and panchendriyas or sensory organs. Only Food is the sole machine to kick start the cycle.This is the formation of body by the Atma- within or without.The nucleus weaves ‘pranis’ and is totally devoid of the ‘vikaaraas’ or the negativity like evil, age, death,sorrow, uncertainty of Life and death, entangles, age, sorrow, temporary contentment and reliefs. He is the creator of Beings subject to the ups-and downs of all the Beings whose past and present is according one’s ‘karma’both in the erstwhile and ongoing chain  of births and deathsParamatma who strictly enforces their conduct and tick marks the dos and donts and that is called the fate of each and every Being. Thus Paramatma is free from all aberrations that are due to Beings and is free from evil, age, sorrow, hard luck or luck, disease, death and rebirth. He is kaarya-kaarana-nirmukta or free from the cause and effect cycle.- and mukti pradaayika as per the scale of pluses and minuses.Indeed  He is the Singular Bridge who could let cross from the ocean of Samsaara to the Land of  Eternity. Hence He is essentially kind and and helpful to the deserved. He is Narayana the all pervader as the creator and absorber of pancha bhutas the Five Elements and the Universe and Beings hidden beyond Surya and the Solar orbit. Brahman is the Supreme doubtless. He is the In-dweller as the Antararma, the fundamental foundation of the Universe. He is subtler than the subtle as the super and invisible over shadow of the body of Universe and its fall out of Life activised by praana and the Pancha Bhutas further impacting the panchendriyas of individual bodies. Once awareness of this mystery is revealed by analysis, introspection and practice of reflective inward looking then the Truth in essence is revealed that ‘Aham Brahmaasmi’!

Section Seven on Nature of  Self Realization and  of ‘Midhya Jagat’

Manyananta mahaambhodhou vishvapota itastathah, bhramati swaatyanvaatena na  mamaastya sahishnutaa/

King Janaka then stated that unto him the boundless samsaara saagara, the ark of the universe be moving and hither and thither propelling and pushing by the winds of its own nature and even so am  not becoming impatient and eager to act. As the buffeting and harsh winds of the samudra be however nodoubt impulsive yet am able to withstand the pressures as the Self be strong and sturdy.

Manyanta mahaambhodhou jagadvichih swambhaavatah, udetu vaastamaayaatu na me vrurdhan cha kshatih/

In the state that am in as of selfconsciousness, the agaadha samsaara samudra, none of the gushing and ever roaring  and  howling waves, am now quite tranquil and formless all due to my ‘sthita pragjnata’ and ‘buddhi paripakvata’

Naatmaa bhaaveshu no bhaavastraante niranjane, ityasaktosruhah shaanta etadevaahmaasthitah/

The Self as being all pervasive and infinite and hence therefore be not contained and accessible by the fixed and restricted objects by one’s body senses and mental aptitudes. Even so in spite of the comprehensibility the self be not reachable any way owing to the unchallengeable ‘damana shakti’.  Maya as Prakriti is the material cause which is derived from Conciousness and follows the behest as a limiting adjunct of the Supreme Brahman; put in another way Prakriti the Maya is the tool of the Almighty to conceal His Reality and the Great Truth! The Mother of the Universe in totality creates the real and unreal nature of it, protects it from the interplay of, and balancing between, the Tri Gunas of Satvika-Raajasa and Taamasika features and withdraws it periodically as per kaala maana decided by the Over Lord, even without ever affecting Him! In other words, Devi Bhagavata Purana (I.ii.5) declares: Srishtvaakhilam jagadidam sadasad swarupam, Shaktyaa svayaa trigunyaa paripaati Vishvam, Samhartya kalpa samaye ramate tathaikaa, Taam Sarva Vishva jananeem manasaa smaraami/

This Universe of Truth and Untruth Forms is controlled by the wielding power of Maya; she indeed is the plenipotentiary as it were of Brahman the Supreme conferring all powers to act independently as originated by Him the Paramatma.

Aho chinmaatramevaahamindrajaalopam jagat,ato mama katham kutrahehopaadeya kalpanaa/

Aho! What an ‘ascharya janita vishaya’ that I am of the alternate form of Consciousness itself my self! This universe is like a juggler’s show of magic and how and where be there any possibility of my becoming a form of tranquility. An enlightened human like me be able to comfortably lay the bridge the samsaaara saagara. Indeed, Indrajala was used instead of maya. Since Indra represents Para Brahma srishti of this universe be considered a magical act, this whole world is Indrajala (a net of Indra), an illusion.In a similar fashion, the human magician applies the magic called Indrajala in imitation of his divine forerunners, and thus spreads his net of maya over those he chooses as the object of his manipulations. He creates something before the eyes of the spectators that does not really exist, or only exist in the spectators’ minds as a result of his skill.If one confines Indrajala to its stricter sense of illusory appearances created for the public, it is understandable that this activity was apt to become an image for the great illusion to hold ignorant mankind in its grasp. Indeed there is no difference between avidya (ignorance) and moha or delusion as factors that lead to human bondage

Section Eight on Bandhana Moksha kaaranas as of one’s Chitta Shuddhi by purging off Aasakti- Anaasaktis

Tadaa bandho yadaa chittam kinchhidvaanchati shochiti, kinchinmucchti grihnaati kinchimuchhati grihnaati na hrashyati na krishyati/

Ashtaavakra stated that when one’s mind were to any desire then its unavailability is bound to emanate grief and likewise the hold or loss be too. And that be known as a bandhana as of the resultant losses and gains.All the karmaacharana be the baic ingredient of human existence. Yet never abstain from the performance surely expected of you. ‘Karma Phala’ is as per the decision of the Almighty. What ever is decided as per destiny shall doubtless be awarded to you. Never hesitate to accept by way of self desire or by the misleading advice of the public. The very feeling of disappointment creates suspicion and self repudiation. This tends to lead to frustration which is the anti-thesis of contentment and thus further leads to a string of inabilities for further successes! That situation is tantamount to ‘ jadatva’ or total lack of initiative!

Tadaa muktiryadaa chittam na vaancchati na shochati, na muncchati na grihnaati na harshyati na kupyati/

As and when one’s chitta be assuming the forms of desire be fulfilled then there be acceptance as otherwise be the contrary. Thus chitta’s vaancchas, shokaas, tyaagaas, harshaas, roshaas and such ‘maanasika spandanaas’ be dissolved then only be the foremost step up the mukti.In other words, liberation. In other words desiring, grieving as such are the modifications of chitta and chitta chanchalya be like the ripples of jala pravaahaas. The depth of a lake be as of one’s own True Self. Glimpses of the water flows be however illusive and that depends on the freedom  from ignorance and bondage.

Tadaa bandho yadaachittam saktam kaasvapidrishtishu, tadaa moksho tadaa chittamaaaktam sarvashtishu/

Having thus explained bondage and freedom as the identification with and disassociation from the internal and external , mental modifications now the external objectivity. Drishti would mean the sense experience.

Yadaa naaham tadaa moksho yadaaham bandhanam tatdaa,  manveti helayaa kinchit maa grihaana vimuccha maa/

When there be ‘I’ the ‘ahamkaara’ then the bondage be whithered. Egoism is the bondage constituting as it does the identification of the body, mind, buddhi and dushkarmaacharana ;  egolessness be the cornerstone well spplemented with Control, Charity and Daya/ Compassion! Now, the cause and effect manifestation is discussed since the gigantic peepul tree with its root emerging of Brahman the immortal and the worlds emerging therefrom. The sprawling tree is replete with innumerable extensions of features ranging from Pancha Bhutas of the Five Elements, Devas, Dishas, and Virtues on one side even along with defending energies of the Universe as relieving points and on the other hand a huge multitude of evils, births and deaths, old age, sorrows , diseases, struggles, besides material attractions all over! Yet Brahman puts the lid on the totality of situations, alike on the pluses and minuses, yet with the defined boundaries and the ground regulations well in place! Thus, being well possessive of the Parabrahma jnaana, the self becomes tranquil and be freed from desires or repugnance!

Section Nine on detachment as of sukha duhkha dwandva kaarana 

Kritaakrite cha dwandwaani kadaa shaantaani kasya vaa, evam jnaatyeha nirvedaadbhava thyaanano parivartati/

Maharshi Ashaavarka addressed Janaka that  as one’s vidhi nirnayaas if  lapsed off or otherwise; then where could be the cause and effect system be at all in operation. Being aware of  one’s life pattern, one then be desire-less and the sense of abandonment through total indifference to the worldly matters be arisen. One’s own life balance is stated as a conglomeration of joys and sorrows, and one could be choosing the tasks to be executed or avoided and hence the preference of duties or otherwise. As long as one’s vision of the jagat be an illusion then be the ‘nivritti maarhaanveshana’ as of inward vision. In other words as the worldly matters impact individual bodies their respective physical sensory organs receive the signals and result in joys or sorrows but such sensations are momentary and need not disturb the body equilibrium. As such one need not be worried, much less about till the terminal point which too follows yet another birth.Meanwhile in the ongoing life, ‘prakriti niyamas’ or natural laws prevail such as the seasons of summer- winter-rains and so on which are inevitable and need to be experienced without exceptions. Therefore, may your ‘sahana shakti’ or the energy of endurance has to be checked on balance.  Meanwhile therefore one ought to be balance of Fortitude.

Kasyaapi taat dhanyasya lokacheshtaavalokanaat, jeevitecchaa bubhukshaa cha bhubhutsyopashamam gataa/

My child Janaka Raja! How indeed a person’s life’s timings of seasonal variations of greeshma varshaadis or baala-youvanaadi avasthasas – sukha duhkha dwandvaas be able to be overcoming the kaama krodhaadi upashamana be possible. Yet, a select and ditinguished deha dhaaris be observing the hollowness of the world what with self experiences and others by the experiences of others. That is to state that be objective observation one could realize that eternal happiness be not possible except by detachment.

Anityam sarvame vedam taapatrayadooshitam, asaaram ninditam heyamiti nishichatya shaamyati/

This sampurna jagat be replete with maanasika -daivika- bhoutika- taapa dushita-anitya, and hence the inward looking jnaanis be seeking ways and means to divert their concentration elsewhere to be of lasting contentment. Tapatraya: Adhi Bhoudika or Ailments of Physical Nature; Adhyatmika or of Mental-Psychological Nature; and Adhi Daivika  or of Natural Calamities like Earth quakes, floods, lightnings etc. beyond human control. Tapatriayas or the Three Kinds of Difficulties that all human beings are subjected to as also the means of realizing the Paramartha Swarupa. The Tapatriayas originate due to Adhyatmika, Aadhi Daavika and Adhi Bhoutika reasons. Adhyatmika based Tapaas are either due to ‘Shaaririka’(physical) ailments or ‘Manasika’ (psychological) imbalances. Shaaririka Tapaas include dieseases related to head, digestive, heart, breathing, vision, limbs, skin, fevers and so on; related are the  various physiological problems of blood-urinary-pelvic nature. Manasika Tapaas are related to Kama, Krodha, Bhaya, Dwesha, lobha, Moha, Vishada, Shoka, Asuya, Apamana, Irshya, Matsara etc. Adhi Bhoutika Tapaas are due to the difficulties attributed to  animals, birds, Pishachaas, Serpents, Rakshasaas and poisonous related creatures like scorpions. The troubles on account of Adhidaivika nature are due to cold, heat, air, rains, drought, water, earthquakes, cyclones and so on. Additionally, the troubles are related to birth, childhood, youth, old age, ignorance, Avidya, loneliness, smell, lack of resources, poverty, immaturity, inexperience, lack of opportunity, fear of death, death itself and multiple kinds of experiences of Naraka. Maharshi Parashara emphasized that there are problems of excessive of opulence, excellent health, excessive youth,  and such other excesses and some times ignorance is bliss. More so there could be Tapaas due to discrimination of sex, age, social status, experience, opportunity, family background; origin of birth viz. religion, Varnashrama and age. Disappointments in life, more specifically relating to money and fame, including their earnings, preservation and  its vinasha or destruction happen to be yet source of Tapatriya.

Kousou kaalo vayah kim vaa yatra dwdvaani no nrinaam,naanyupeashya yathaa praaptavartee siddhimavaanyuyaat/

Indeed, then what could be the suitable time -opportune stage of one’s existence – as  of baalya-youvana-vardhakyas or of veeta-raaga-bhaya-krodhaas. The answer be that as and when one could surpass the inhibitions then that paramaatmaanveshana be possible. For any human , one’s age-stage of existence be of no relevance at all but there be the will- determination and practical fortitude or Parama Purusha siddhi.

Naanaa matam mahasheenaam saadhunam yoginam tathaa, drishtvaa nirvedamaapannah ko na shaapyati maanavah/’

Who that parama vichaara sheela maanava be, be a Maharshi, Saadhu or Yogi being beyond Mataantara – Varnaantara- stree purusha lingaantara shanti swarupaas be  of diversity of opinions seeking quietude ; such mahanubhaavaas be only worthy of Self Realization as surely endowed with the rare mental caliber and quality of mind.

Futher stanzas of Section Nine as followed:  

Kritvaamurti parigjnaana chaitanyasya na kim guruh, nivaida samataauktyaa yastaarayati samsrute/  

He who be not the the friend- truthseeker and guide  replete with the nature of pure consciousness by total indifference to the samsaara saagara by equanimity, and by reasoning be able to save from the circular form of the vicious circular of births-deaths and rebirths!

Pashya bhutavikaarastvam bhutamaatraan yathaarthatah, takshanaadbandha nirmuktah swarupastho bhavishasi/

Do seek to how the pancha bhutaas of prithivi- aapas-tejas-vaayu and aakaashaas could impact the pancha dehendriyaas of and their tanmaatra vikaaraas viz.  Sound (Shabda), Touch (Sparsha), Vision (Roopa), Taste (Rasa), Smell (Gandha) as related to each sense organ be freed from the body bondage and abide  in your True Self of ‘ Aham Brahmaasmii’ or I am Parabrahma myself!

Vaasana eva samsaara iti sarvaa vimuscha taah tatvayogo vaasanaathaagaan sthitaradhya yathaa tathaa/

The root cause of the desire which forces the ‘arishadvargaas of kaama-krodha- lobha-moha-mada-matsaryaas’ which bind the world and make one to wonder to introspect as what indeed be the Truth and Reality and thus speed up the Awakenness.

Section Ten on Trishna be the Bandhana and Quietude thereafter

Marga darshi Ashtaavakra to Janaka explained

Vihaaya vairinam kaamamartham chaanatha sankalpam dharmamapyetayor hetum sarvatraanaadaram kuru/

One’s own shatru be the ‘kaama bhoga-anardha sankula artha and together be the dharma thyaaga and sarvatra upeksha bhavanotpatti’. In other words, do seek to nurture indifference to the wordly affairs by giving up  the six enemies of kaama-krodha-lobha-mada-matsaryas and dharmaartha kaamaas as they indeed be the enemies of existence of the praanis especially the human beings.Yet in order to attain  moksha, one ought to renounce the dharmaartha kaamaas. The Absolute Self as of Moksha be never able to reach as long as there be even a crumb of these threesome, especially the craving of desire.

Swapnenenenrajaalavtpyashya deenaani treeni panchavaa, mitrakshetradhanaagaaraadaadaayaadi sammpadah/

Mitrata-bhusampada-wealth- buildings- women-adhikaara or the power – authority and societal clout be all of dreams and indrajaala samaana temporary and passing phases

Yatra yatra bhavet trishnaa samsaaram viddhi tatra vai, proudha vairaagyamaashritya veeta trishnah sukhee bhava/

As and when and there be the Trishna swabhaava that indeed there be the samsaara and  proudha vairaagya be aptly defined as the discarding that miragelike trishna and be the curving trend to aim at the nishchita aananda prapti. In other words, be that realised that whenever there be the pull and push of the prapancha , the trishna and the attitude of enjoyment there be reversal of paramaartha saara.

Trishnaamaatraatmako bandhastannaasho moksha uchyate, bhavaasamsaktmaatrena, praaptitushtirmuhurmuhu/

Kevala trishna be the the root cause of ‘bandhana’ and its vinaasha naama be the moksha.In the samsaara, the ‘anaaskta bhaavana’ be named as krita krithyata and ananda upalabdhi. Thus bondage comprises the destruction of desire and that be the liberation.

Twamekashchetanah  shuddho jadam vishvamasatthathaa, avidyaapi na  kinchitsaa kaa bubhutsaa tathaapi te/

Be this well realised that ‘ You’ Janaka, assrerted Guru Ashtaavakra, are of the shuddha chetanatva or of Pure Intelligence and this whole Universe be the ‘Midhyaa Jagat’. Ignorance has no real entity and what else that you expec t of me to clarify in somany expressions!One should realise that what be visualised be unreal and that you ought to know be real. The conscious principle  in nature is the reflection of the Self while all consciousness be known as the the consciousness of the Self.To know what to know is a myth and what be known and ought to be known be blissful.

Raajyam sutaah kalatraani shareeraani sukhaanicha, samsaktasyaapi nashtaani tava janmani janmani/

Kingdoms, santaana, stree, shareera and sukha duhkhaas, are the repetitive janma-punarjanmas  are of commonsense causes and causations yet how to get over the course to renunciation be the essence of paramaartha saaraamsha.Indeed such be the trannsitory nature of worldly attractions even being aware of this, but alas one still succumbs to it, oh gets acquiesced to the windmill!

Alamarthena kaamena sukrutaanaapi karmanaa, ayakyam samsaara kaantaae na visraantamabhuun manah/Kritam na kati janmaani kaayena manasaa giraa, duhkhamaayaasadam karma tadatyaaptuparamya taam/

Ashtaavakra had again reemphasied the worthlessness of dhana-bhoga- punya-paapa-karmaachaana be enough to enough,  yet one’s mind did not repose in  in the principles of dharma-artha-kaamas but be formed up ultimate resort to Moksha alone. Indeed how many births had been experienced as of punarapi jananam and pumarapi maranam in this drama of one’s existence! One’s own past actions entailing much labor and sufferings had never yielded lasting happiness and contentment anyway to spring up from ignorance and keeping on drawn to the whirlpool ever and ever again.

Section Eleven on awareness of  ‘Shaanti Praapti Upaayaas’

Bhaavaa bhaava vikaaraashcha swabhaavaaditi nishchayee, nirvikaaro gata kleshah sukhenaivopa –shaamyati/

One’s own transformation be generated from bhaava and abhaava and from bhaava rupa swabhaava  as of the vikaaraas and of’ ‘maanasika klesha nirmulana’ which could pave the path of manasshanti praapti. In other words, as Ashtaavakra explained that a person on realizing the transformation of existence  could easily relax from the pluses and minuses of life.. Such change be useful means of the feeling that nothing be permanent in one’s life.If one could realize the transitory nature of attachments then be the tranquility.

Ishvarah sarna nirmaata nehaanya iti nishchayee, antargalita sarvaashah shantah vaakvapi na sajjate/

Ishvara be the ‘sarva nirmaata’ and none else. Once that Realisation be firmed up then all the ‘aashaa-niraashaa bhavanaas be evaporated and that would result in desirelessness. The awareness that Parmeshvara be the srishti-sthiti-laya kaarana then the feelings of attachments and detachments be vanished.

Further stanzas of the Eleven Section of Ashtaavakra Gita

Aapadah sapadah kaale daivaadeveti nishchayee, tripah swasvenindriyo nitham na vaanchati na shochati/ Sukha duhkhe janma mrityu daivaadeveti nishchayi, saadhyaa darshee niraayaasah kurvannaapi na lipyate/ Chintayaa jaayate duhkham naanyateheti nishchayee,tayaa heenah sukhee shantah savatra galitaspruhah/

As per the kaalamaana, aapaati or sampatti would be recurring as of ones own praarabdha and indeed that be predetermined. Once that realization be recurring as per adversity and prosperity then the senses be  controlled and aapatti-vipatthi visissitudes be owing to past actions be explainable. Sukha duhkhaas-janma mrityus be of daivaadheena. If there be no ‘parishrama’ there would follow ‘karma liptata’ as of the cause and effect.He who knows for certainty that happiness and misery, births and deaths are due to past actions. He who realizes be  rid of ‘samsaara chinta’ and chinta heena saadhakaas be of sukha shanti.

Naaham deho na me deho bodhohamiti nishchayee, kaivayamiva sampraato na smarathyakritam kritam/ Aaabrahma stambaparyantamahameveti nishchayee,nirvikalpah shucchih shaantah praaptaapraapta vinrvatah/ Naanaasshcharyamidam vishvam na kinchiditi nishayee, nirvaananah sphurtimatr na kinchidviti nishchayee, nivaaanah shurti maatrona kinchdvita shaamyati/

I am neither the body nor my body mine. I am the Consciousnesses myself.That person who could realize this is be neither body nor mind. Because Self realization, once attained would continue even after the destruction of the body. the ‘antaratma’ or the Inner Consciousness named Conscience was distinct from the Physique , its senses and  mind and the connecting link of Praana or the composition of all these components ! In other words: Is the total composition of all these units what ‘Antaratma’ all about! Self is that who dispels ‘tamas’ or darkness or ignorance when respiration  moves, does not stop up and down yet at the verge of breakdown as of that animated suspension of ‘praana’.  At that very moment when the body verges into the climactic turn of the acme of pleasure and illumination which is called the Conscience or the Self or Bliss the Brahman which is Everlasting. Now the Self is what exists in the heart and clean knowledge which leads to virtue as a stepping stone for the heavenly world. When a person is peaceful and composed, then only he could rise up from his body and dwell in his true nature of virtue. Indeed that is the Self in purity with neither fear nor falsehood. That truly is the Truth with is everlasting and an equivalent expression of Self or Brahman. The Truth comprises three words:’ Sa’ for Immortal-‘ti’ for mortal and falsehood and ‘yam’the controller. Truly enough, one who meditates Truth and Heart in unmitigated form are stated to be in the precincts of the Unknown!

Section Twelve Atmaswaswarupa Sthiti and abiding in the Self

Kaaya krityaasahah purvam tatho vaagvivastaraasah, atha  chintaasahastasmaadevamevaahamaa sthitah/ Preetyabhaavena shabdaaderadishyatvena chaatmanah,vikshepaikaagra hridaya evamevaahmaa -sthitah/

Janaka then explained to Maharshi Ashtaavakra that initially he became intolerant of physical actions, then of his tone of speech, then the thinking  capability . In other words, his intolerant attitude was owing to detachment and his mind , thoughts and deeds having been turned off from any kind of kaaryaacharana. Physically, the control was thus of the gross and subtle obstructions as of action alike of physical, vocal and mental.

Having no attachments for sound and such sense objects the Self’s perception be of duality of mine and mine and thine or the Aham and Brahman and hence the  human self be seeing, hearing, speaking, thinking and knowing. But when the knower of Brahman be turning as everything would become the Self, then what should be smelling, seeing,  hearing, speaking and thinking as the Self be turned as the Supreme Self, having been freed from attachments,sense objects and so on.

Further stanzas of Section Twelve as followed

Samyaadhyaasadi viksheeptau vyavahaarah samaadhaye, evem vilokya niyammevaahamaa- sthitah/ Heyopaadayavirahaadevam harsha vishaadayoh, abhaavaadadya he Brahmaanevamevaahamaa -sthitah/ Aashramaanaashrayam dhyaanam chitta sveekritavarjanam, vikalpam mama veekshyatai reva -mevaahmaasthitah/ Karmaanushthaanamagjnaanaadyathaivi paramastathaa, buhddhvaa samyaagidam tatvamevamevaahmaasthitah/ Achintyam chintyamaanopi chitaa rupan bhajantyasou, twaktvaa tadbhaavanam tasmaadvamevaahamaasthitah/ Evemeva kritam yena sa kritaarthou bhavedasou, evameva swabhaavo yah sakritaarthou bhavedasou/  

Samyak adhyaasa kaarana then the adhaayi seeking taadatmya of  the Self with the  Supreme would then be intensifying the concentration owing to the still persisting ignorance. The thought process of body, mind, egoism and so on be superimposed on the individual self.The prescription of concentration be applicable to the person amicable to further and further heightenings.

Having nothing to accept or reject, and having neither joy nor mental fatigue and sorrow be  possible only when self identification be able to anchor thyself to the Supreme Self as of neither misery nor pleasure of equanimity and composure.

The expected traditional stages of life Brahmacharya of student life- Garhastya or of a householder-  Vaanaprastha as of a hermitage and Sanyaasa of total renouncement of worldly attachments having been  surpassed then indeed be able to seek the Truth, but neither the stages of life nor sex be of any concern towards Self Realization.

As in the manner of excesive karmaanishthaana due to agjnaana and so be the karmaanushthaana tyaaga by agjnaana and hence the ‘manastatva be of yadaartha atmasthirata’ be the key to opening the strong temple of Atma Tatva. Hence abstention from action is as much as the cause of ignorance as the performance of excessive  action. And hence the Self is totally bereft of Pravritthi-Nivritti concepts of action and inaction. The totality of  Vaidika Karma leads to fulfillment of ‘pravrittha’ or the exhaustion of all the karmas of the ongoing life and ‘nivritta’ is to assure ‘janma raahitya’ or the everlasting break from the cycle of kaala maana of deaths-rebirths and births again. In other words pravritta is the highest reward of the of the ongoing life as equivalent to what Devas had accomplished already but nivritta is the cessation of mortal existence and absorption of bliss the immortality even beyond the reach of pancha praanas and of ‘pancha bhutas’or the Five Elements. Thus whosoever could view all the Jeevas in the Self and also at the same time enable all the jeevas in him is termed as He who is a ‘Atma Saashaaktaara’ or the Self Radiant / Inward looking Visionary the performer of Atma Yagjna! Hence Parabrahma is far beyond these Maanava Prayatnaas.

The thinking of the Unthinkable Unique be beyond the thoughts be not an object thoughts any way and hence Realization and Comprehension are the limitations of human minds. Blassed be the human who through saadhana be abble to realize the Self as of the Supreme Self. This Purusha is hidden in all beings from Brahma to bunch of grass but is covered by maya or cosmic illusion born of the mix of Satva-Rajas and Tamo Gunas. Only Maharshis and Great Seekers might perceive him as a subtle entity; the Paramatma is stated to  reveal to none due to Yoga Maya or the Great Illusion as covered by Ignorance. Only through purified intellect as is available to Seekers, a hazy profile of Hiranyagarbha is perhaps seen by their mind’s eye! The discerning person needs to merge into the ‘Indriyas’ or the organs into the  intelligent Self and then infuse the latter into the ‘Paramatma’. While so doing, the name-form-action of that particular  Self is totally negated and there had to be a ‘tadaatmya’ or fusion of the two entities!

Section Thirteen on Swaswrupa Anaanda Sthiti

‘Janaka uvaacha’ ‘

Akinchana bhavam swaastyam koupeenatvepi durlabham, thyaaga daane vihaayaasmaadahamaase yathaasukham/

The ‘swaasthya chitta’ or the stage of tranquility as generated by one’s own self consciousness be indeed a rarity as of a high state of spiritual realization even for those sporting a loin cloth. Renuciation be not of the acceptance of egoism and attachments surely as ignorance be the anitithesis of blissfulness. Hence true happiness comprises of transcending the two.

Kritraapi khedah kaayasya jihna kutraapi khidyate, manah kritraapi  tatvaktvaa purushaarthehi sthitah sukham/

Whenever there may be any body trouble in my practice of penances while chanting the study of scriptures and in the concentrated application of mind in meditation for self realization then there had been several occasions of frequent periods of struggle. Total resistances for detachment and will -power had to be self monitored and enforced towards Self Realization. Being well established in the perfection of mindset then only the Seekers could be distinctive of actions alike of physical, vocal and mental, in the process of detachment.

Kritam kimapi naiva syaaditi saanchitnya tatvatah, yadaa yakartumaayati tatkritvaase yathaasukham

For the Realization of ‘That ‘ despite nothing had be done  by the body, mind and senses as also added by the ego or the self image thus far,the process of knowing Thou Art Thou be intensified utmost. In other words despite one’s own shareera, antahkarana and so on be kept aloof  and decidedly one’s own kartvya be performed then be in paramaananda.

Karmanaishkarma nirbandhava dehastta yoginah, samyogaayogavirahaadahamaase yathaa sukham/

Karma sankalpa as buttressed and reinforceed with parityaaga of durabhimaana be the resultant to sukha paripurnata.Thus the maga yogis even having been attached to the body and its auxiliaries of senses, mind and buddhi be still carry ot tha karya nirvahana.   Karma is two folded: Sakaama karma or performance of a deed with a positive desire while ‘Vikarma’ is an avoidable evil oriented doing. The third category is of the superior quality viz. Nishkaama karma which is stated to be neither of ‘kartrutva’- or ‘bhoktruta’ nature or inother words of as a vidhi karma or as dutybound deed or alternatively a  desire- intended deed. The katrtutava karma is a positive duty but the bhoktrutva is negative ended. Now only a person who is aware of kartrutva- sakaama, vikaama karmas is known as a ‘Buddhimaan’ of above average intellect who knows to observe equanimity in a society of mixed mentalities and is distinguished as a yogi who indeed is aware of and keeps a distance from those of  bodily materialism rather than of moralistic ( much less of spiritualistic) nature.   Whosoever performs desireless tasks then that is stated by Panditas that those are subjected to the flames of jnaana or awakenness. Any karma has two kinds of reaches, one is of ‘baahya and antarangika’ or external and internal impacts.Both these influences are temporary like consumption of food is temporary yet repetitive appetites. And hence the repetitive births and deaths. Such awareness is taught by the jnaana of the need for restraint of the quickening of internal urges till the very end. Once a human being is able to be self contented without resorting to external influences  and performs the daily duties sincerely without aspiring ‘karma phala’ as by a self less person with restraint is stated as having immunity from ‘punya paapaas’ then the balance of mind  as that of a ‘sthitha pragjna’ in one’s step forward!  Be it due to ‘Daivaanugraha’ or of the blessings of Almighty or due to ‘Praarabdha karma’ or the fruit of stored and erstwhile deeds, if only a person is equanimous to heat and cold and carries further with selfless ‘karmaacharana’ dutifully then that person is taken care of by the Supreme only. Non interference with extraneous negativity with egoistic leanings but with a balanced ‘kartavya drishti’ or of duty mindedness only with self sacrifice nature, the imperfections of one’s actions if any are melted away like of ice blocks burnt off by the severity of  Agni jwaalaas.

Athanirdhou na me sthittyaa gatyaa na shayanena vaa, tishthanchhanvaparamtasmaadahameese yathaasukham/

Neither one’s own sthiti-gati-shayanaas be rid of prayojana-nishprayojanaas and hence in any kind of jaagrata or of swapnaavavastha let alone the superior phases of sushupti and even there beyond be ever happy as neither there be the accrual of  build up of jaagrat and swapnaadi stages of the maha yogis.

Swapato naasti me haanih siddhiryatnavato na vaa, naashollaasou vihaayaasmaadahamaase yaythaa sukhakham/ Sukhaadirupaaniyamam bhaaveshaalokya bhurishah, shubhaashubhe vcihaayasmaad -ahamaase yathaasukham/

Neither while be awaken nor asleep the self be carrying  on the normal duties as one’s own buddhi be unreactive of laabha nashtaas of pluses and minuses  and be ever contented. Irrespctive of shubhaashibhaas, am of buddhi parityaaga and be ever joyous and blissful.In other words,the self be never lost by being awaken or sleeping or there beyond for striving and thus be restless nor elated but be ever happy.

Section Fourteen on Tranquility the stage of Atma Jnaana

Prakrityaa shunya chitto yah pramaadaandwa bhananah, nidrito bodhita iva ksheena samsarano hi sah/

Janaka states that a person by nature and by chitta swabhaava shunyata be empty minded  and by inadvertence verging on carelessness be feeling asleep verging on semi-awakeness might thereby implying that the sense objects be hazy and lazy to recall the causes and effects the karmaacharana and the recollections thereof implying the bondage of the self made of the prarabhka karmas. This is on the analogy of as a huge fish swims alternately on the eastern and western banks of a river, the Self  has no difference in either of the states of existence viz. that of wakefulness or dream as it is not overpowered by the organs and senses resulting in motivations, desires and actions as by nature free to act on its own fully independent, free to act on its own, enlightened and Pure. Similarly as a hawk  flying free and roams in all directions as it pleases and desirous of taking rest and relaxation reaches its nest and falls asleep. The Self too so connected with the results of its contact with body parts and actions as covered by the veil of ignorance in the waking state desires rest into deep sleep.

Kva dhanaani kva mitraani kva me vishayadsvahah, ka shaastram kvacha vigjnaanam yadaa me galitaa spruhaah/

As one’s desiers for the objects of enjoyments be melted away the there be neither dhanaalochana of gains and losses, nor of friendships and enmities and hostilities, desires and hatreds, shastras and vigjnaana

Vigjnaate saakshi purushe paramaatmani cheshvare,nairaasye bandha mokshe cha nachitaa muktaye mama/

Shakshi Purusha Ishvara Parmatma as of abhinna,bandha vimochana, and mukti maarga pradarshaka be then be of the the unique ashraya pradaata. The Singular Parama Shiva is the Originator of Existence of the Beings of the Universe as also of its dissolution and creates it again and again and that Supreme Energy viz.  Ishaanam varadam or the only and unfailing source to bestow blessings to all in the Creation; truly indeed, those who understand His excellence would be destined to secure Peace. He is the origin of Devatva or of Devas and the distributor of their celestial powers; it was Rudra who visioned Hiranyagarbha Brahma who is the Supreme Architect and had enabled the machanism of the Cycle of Births, Deaths and Births again! Rudra Deva is also the Over-Lord of Devas besides the two legged and four legged ‘Pashus’ thus having attained the title of Pashupati -naadha’! Rudra Deva is the ‘Sukshmaati sukshmam’, ‘vishvasya srashtaaram aneka rupam’ or the subtlest of the subtle, the Unique Creator of all the Beings of myriad forms is also the great enveloper of what all one could visualize; realisation of his splendour brings peace for ever. He is the unchallenged protector and the ultimate refuge point of all and the illustrious Sages are able to access Brahman the Final Abode of Bliss even severing the chords of death forever. Just as a thin film conceals the top layer of butter in milk, the embodiment of ‘Shivatva’ or auspiciousness of Shiva is concealed in one’s own inner cave of the body; the ‘ Vishvaikam pariveshtitam’ or that Unique Energy sustaining and filling up the Universe in Totality once recognised and realized is certain to break open the fetters of ‘Samsara’! It is that very ‘Paramatma’ that is right within the concealed as one’s own ‘Antaratma’ as seated in the heart, once visualized in the mind, brings to the frontiers of Immortality!  That be how the struggle to surmount all kinds of impediments  fraught with innumerable means of material desires and practices on one hand and sharpen the edge of spiritual bent of mind with tenacity, dedication and extraordinary faith on one’s own ability on the other hand.This is some thing that calls for a revolutionary transformation in one’s daily routine and psyche. It demands sufferance, self-negation, and total abstinence to the point of break down by way of extreme self denial. Control of mind and detachment by the severe possible hold and command of organs and senses of chakshu-shravana-naasika-manasika-twak media as also the yoga pratice without desired ends and the corresponding controls but even without pursuing and terminating the further strife to merely attain ‘siddhis’ like Anima and Garimaadi powers but of the Ultmate Siddhi  of uniting the Self with the Supreme with no interference and curiosity of materialism and its ends but bring out to one’s fold from one’s own heart! One’s own ‘Antaratma’ or the Innermost Consciouness needs to be churned out by persistent practice as detailed in the above stanza, by way of struggle, friction and persistence just as oil is extracted from sesame seeds, butter from cream of milk, water by digging deep from dried earth, and as Agni by friction of ‘aarani’ or wood sticks! In the constant and even tiring efforts of truthfulness and extreme austerities, the Individual of total commitment might thus be able to discover the Final Truth finally ‘Constant churning of  a clean and transparent mind is the quintessence of the exploration, just as of ghee in milk which again is obtained after constant churning!

 Antarvikalpashunyasya bahih swacchandachaarinah, bhraantasyeva dashaastaastaataadrishaa eva jaanate/

What all be of the inside view of antaratma as of vikalpa shunya be quite of an antithesis of bhraanti rupa mayaa samaana as those vigjnaana purushas be fully aware of. Paramatma is an essence of Purity and Spotlessness as a singular identity of integration with no parts of division as there is ‘Advaitam’ or of Duality or Multiplicity; That Truth is actionless since other energies which too are self-generated managing the affairs of  Existence of the Beings such as Brahma-Prajapati or Maha Purusha with the active assistance or Maya the Illusory Powers to run the system of as Life as assisted by the Sub Powers of Devas as materalised by the mutual inter-action of Maha Purusha and Maha Maya. As one acts and performs dynamic service firmly embedded in total dedication, then that bestows ‘sukham’ or enjoyment; indeed there cannot be such happiness without dedicated service backed up by ‘nishtha’ and ‘shraddha’. This happiness is certainly not in reference to material context, which is tantamount to endless craving and flimsily fleeting! The joy that is under reference is most hard-earned as a result of a long chain of variables starting from speech enabled by strong knowledge of appropriate nature, clean mind, strong will, thought, meditation,  understanding, physical energy based up by good food and water of suitable heat and relief space, good  memory, aspiration, vital energy, truthfulness, thinking capacity and mental sharpness, faith, determination, nishkama karma! Indeed it was that kind of Happiness that a Sadhaka ought to aspire for!

Section Fifteen on the Knowledge of the Self and Moksha Rahasya as of Advaita Nirupana

Yathaatathopadeshna kritaarthah satvabuddhimaan, aajeevamapi jajnaasuhuparastatra vimuhyati/

Astaavakra Maharshi then explained about what the  ‘saatvika buddhi sampanna  jigjnaanis’ could have explained be somewhat intelligible with ‘kritarthata’ but what the heena purushaas be never clear and confusing, Thus a person of pure Self knowledge could realize even casual manner the instruction would suffice for a qualified disciple. Recalling the very initial query of the King Janaka to Maharshi Ashtaavakra, that ‘ If you were to seek liberation, then the vishaya vaanchaas be rejected as the attachments be poisonous. Be sincere in your speech and mind. Virtue and truthfulness are the rudimentary possessions of any aspirant and cultivation  of virtue implies self control and purification of senses besides the enhancement of the positivity of  the manastava’ the enquirer Janaka underlined  that casual explanations be like wise ‘wishy waashi’ but the secret yet goodhaatrha vishayopadeshaas be indeed bewildering!

Moksho vishayavaurayam  bandhovaishayiko rasaha etaavadeva vigjnaanam yathec c hasi tathaa kuru/

‘Vishaya vaanchha nirmulana jnaana’ be the very intial step forward to the moksha rahasya, since ‘vishaya rasa bandhana’ be the essence of tatva jnaana’ and hence the aspirants of the tatva jnaana be alerted. A person of pure intellect thus should be able to practice non attachment for sense objects to start -with as the lust for sense objects being innumerable, bandha vimochana thereof  by itself be the liberation and of bondage. In this context Ashtaavakra had succinctly described the essential nature of liberation and of bondage and that be the duty of the aspirant,

Vaagmipraagjnamahodyogam janam mooka jadaalasam, karoti tatba bodhoamatasyakto bubhikshubhih/

Tatva bodha could easily transform even the mooka vyaktis too transform mooka-jada-aalasa prajaas or of mute-inert and inactive even as of eloquent, wise, and jnaanis too. And hence shunned by other prajas who reap the fruits of the sensual enjoyments of the world. The inner meaning would mean that despite the conversational ability, knowledge and right communication style the aspirant might be deluded as of an silent, inert and inactive as of the accomplishment of Self Realization.

Natwam deho na te deho bhoktaa kartaa na vaa bhavaan, chidruposi sadaa saakshee nirapekshah sukham charah/

Neither the shareera belongs to you nor vice versa, neither you are the Karta-Karma-Kriya but the Inner Consciousness as of the  Paramatma the Supreme Bhokta  the eka rasa chetana saakshi and hence be of the ‘nirapectksha sukha vichaara’.In other words, you are neither the doer and enjoyer  or sufferer within this body  but the mute spectator only of  the body as the witness.

Raagadweshou manodharmou na manate kadaachana, nirvikalposi bodhaatmaa nirvikaarah sukham chara/

Raaga dweshaas are the manasikaka dharmaas but not YOU as the Antaratma and hence are be purged them off as YOU are immune from vikalpaas and vikaaraas as of bodhaswarupa and as such of be of ‘sukha shaanti’.Attachments and abominations are merely the attributes of mind and indeed the mind is certainly never of YOURS as YOU are of the Pure Intelligence and of Bliss. Thus YOU as the aspirant should neither be infatuated nor depressed as doing so the the body but not YOU. Such narrow interpretation be contrary and elusive towards Self Realization .

Sarvabhuteshu chaatmam sarva bhutani chaatmani, vigjnaaya nirahankaaro nirmamatvam sukheebhava/

Bhagavan Ashtaavarka then addressed Janaka: Vatsa! Be thus having realized that samasta praanis and padaardhas too and be crossed over various impediments and having purged off ahamkaara and mamatas, then be blissful ever. On  realizing the true SELF as the subsratum or bedrock be freed from the sense of mine and thine, do ever seek the sense of ME only as of Aham Brahma and of THOU ART THOU-  YOU ARE MYSELF.

Vishvam sphurati yatredam tarangaa iva saagere, tatvamevaaa nasandehashchan murte vijjvaro bhava/

You are indeed That in which the universe manifests itself like the tarangaas of the samsaara samudra but when one realizes that the Self is only the abstract substance pervading all over the universe yet the universe be distinct from YOU. Chitta swarupa, that ‘adhishthaana chaitanya’ be ever flashing all across the ever rising waves of the samsaara saagara and as such do seek to visualize on the metal screen the ever Truthful Picture.

Shraddasva tat shraddhasva naatra moham kurushva bhouh, jnaana swarupo bhagavaantmaa twam prakrith parah/

My dear child Janaka Raja! Do repose faith in me and never get confused much less be flaggerblasted. Be this be realised by now that YOU are the Knowledge, YOU are the Universe which indeed be an Illusion. The Self be as the Seers describe is YOURSELF. Hence have faith and seize THE FACT beyond this Maha Maya obstructing the clear vision of Pure Consciousness due to Coverings or of the inner most  interior and the outer parts of the husk that covering the  pure grain of antaratma, the pristine Self!

Gunaih samveshtitodehasisthatyaayaati yaaticha, Atmaa na gantaa naagantaa kimenashochasi/ Dehastishthatu kalpaantam ganacchhadaiva va punah kva buddddhihi kvacha vaahaanistva hinnaatra rupinah/

Human body is composed of the ingredients of  Nature viz. the saatvika- raajasika-taamasika gunas as of nobility-passion and darkness ie. of splendor-blunder and shudder but the Self be distinct from he body. Indeed the bodies be altered repeatedly as of ‘punarapi janmam punarahi deham’ yer the Self named Antaratma be ever lasting. Simply stated: the body changes but Self does not. Let the body last the cycle of kalpaas after kalpaas or be vanished even this day but where be the conditionality the  the Unique Self?   A human being is stated as a machine which a ‘ jada padaartha’ or insentient and insensible being gets driven by mind, its thinking capacity. This motivation is lent by the self consciousness and its innumerable corollaries. Such awareness is a direct fall out of ‘ Jeevatma’ or the direct reflection of the Supreme Consciousness aptly called Paramatma! Thus the human body, or for that matter of any Being of ‘Charaachara Jagat’ or the whole lot of move-able or immobile ‘praanis’,  is activised by that Unknown-Unseen- yet ever Alive-Ever Lasting- Ever Knowing and ever Controlling Power. Thus no person or thing with a body and  sense with life is denied of the ability to act- react- or inact. Thus the Jeevatma is ever present as a mute spectator of the living body inside  the chariot which is driven by the mind as the charioteer with panchendiyas of five each of jnaanendriyas cum karmendriyas  represented by ‘Pancha Bhutas’ or  Five Basic Elements of Earth- Water-Fire- Air and Sky. In turn, these get motivated by Tri Gunas of Satva- Rajas- Tamas or the attributes of creativity- preservance-and destruction.

Tvayayaannanta mhaambhdho vushvaveechihi swabhaavatah, udetuvaastamaayaatu ne te vriddhirna vaa kshatih/

Unto You be the ‘maha samsaara samudra’ and  let the waves might rise and fall as per their nature and volition as per the gais and losses- The Universe as per their seasons of summer-rainy-and winters and also be fast moving through births-deaths and rebirths and passage of yugas-kalpaas-and palayaas. Yet that be least affected by the Self beyond time and as per the cause and effect syndrome. The Self is and surely be ever lasting.

Taat chinmaatrarupesi na te bhinnamidham jagat, atah kasya kathamkutra hedopaayena kalpanaa/

My child Janaka!, do by now realize that You are Pure Intelligence and the happenings and mishappenings of the Univees should have little impact on  You. As one would seek the Real Self vviz. The Pure Intelligence, then the pluses and minuses of the universe be in effefective

Ekasminnavaye shant chidaakaashemale tvayi kuto janma kutah karma kritehankaara eva cha/

From where would there be one born, the actions, the selfishness , egoism and finally the termination  be distictive for the Self. As for births and deaths,  the actions there of be beyond the Pure Intelligence. The Purity would imply the Space of Intelligence, that is of Chit Akasha which is all pervasive. Ever indeed the Mahaakaasha be denoted as of the perception of the ordinary aakaaska that might be perceivable of external objects..Even the secondary type of the Chid aakaasha be perceivable by imaginational and of swapna shupna samaadhis even  but Pure Consciousness be that kind of Chitaakaasha of Actual Taadaamya indeed.

Compiled and Edited by VDN Rao