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A
SHTAVAKRA
G
ITA
Note:
Ashtavakra Gita (or Samhita, as it is also called) inculcates the essence ofthe highest knowledge of Advaita. It deals with the actual realization of theeternal Atman (Self), which is not something that dawns only when this world isrenounced; or when it does not exist or ceases to be perceived as when one issaid to go to another sphere after death; or when one is in yogic
samadhi
; or whenone is otherwise unconscious as in deep sleep. But it is attained in the higheststage when one is in the very midst of the world, perceiving or feeling the objectsin it, even as King Janaka while actually ruling his kingdom, did attain, followingthe teachings of Rishi Ashtavakra…
For the wise [one]there is nothing to be renouncednor acceptednor destroyed. (VI, 4.)
… In fact, the highest knower (Jnanin) realizes
at all times
that whateverexists is nothing but
his/her 
very self, the Atman or Brahman.Ashtavakra further furnishes the key to the means of attaining thissupreme knowledge in the words “As one thinks, so one becomes.” (I, 10.)But the steps, as may be gathered from the following verses, require thehardest and the most patient efforts to climb. Till the ego “I” is effaced, the
Truth
 cannot be known. (VIII, 4; XVI, 10 and XVIII, 73.)
If you desire liberation (from the bondage of ignorance), my child,shun the objects of the senses like poison,and seek forgiveness, sincerity, kindness, contentment and truthlike nectar. (I, 1.)In whatever you perceive you alone appear.Completely give up all such distinctions as ‘I am he’ and ‘I am not this.’Consider all as thy self. (XV, 14-15.)The person of ignorance does not attain peaceeither by action or by inaction.The wise becomes happy by merely ascertaining the Truth. (XVIII, 34.)
October 1932.
 
CONTENTS
Chapter I How to Attain Knowledge (Jnana)?Chapter II State of RealizationChapter III Seeker’s StepsChapter IV Seeker’s ExperiencesChapter V Nature of the UniverseChapter VI What is Real Knowledge?Chapter VII Practical Life & KnowledgeChapter VIII Ignorance & KnowledgeChapter IX Seeker and WorldChapter X Peace (Rest)Chapter XI Wisdom in LifeChapter XII Steps Leading to WisdomChapter XIII BlissChapter XIV Bliss TestedChapter XV Self-RealizationChapter XVI Special InstructionChapter XVII Knower of TruthChapter XVIII PerfectionChapter XIX Seeking Rest in AtmanChapter XX Realization and Last Stage of Life
 
I.
 Janaka said ---
How can knowledge be acquired? How can liberation be attained? Howis renunciation possible? --- Tell me this, O Lord.
Ashtavakra said --
1. If you aspire after liberation, my child, shun the objects of the senses aspoison and seek forgiveness, sincerity, kindness, contentment and truth asnectar.2. You are neither earth, nor water, nor fire, nor air, nor ether. In order toattain liberation, realize yourself as the knower of all these and consciousnessitself.3. If you detach the body and rest in Intelligence, you will at once behappy, peaceful and free from bondage.4. You do not belong to the Brahmana or any other caste or to anyAshrama. You are not visible to the eyes. Unattached, formless and witness ofall are you. Be happy.5. Virtue and vice, pleasure and pain, are of the mind, not of you, O All-pervading One. You are neither doer nor enjoyer. Verily you are ever free.6. You are the one seer of all and really ever free. Verily this alone isyour bondage that you see the seer as other than such.7. Do you who have been bitten by the great black serpent of the egoism“I am the doer,” drink the nectar of the faith “I am not the doer,” and be happy.8. Burn down the wilderness of ignorance with the fire of knowledge, “Iam the One and Pure Intelligence,” and be free from grief and be happy.9. That (Consciousness) in which this universe appears, being conceivedlike a snake in a rope, is Bliss – Supreme Bliss. You are that Consciousness. Behappy.10. One who considers oneself free is free indeed and one who considersoneself bound remains bound. “As one thinks, so one becomes,” is a popularsaying in this world, which is true.
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Pradeep Apte

dear andym thanks for this plain verse concise edition of the the great classic AG.Its excellent for daily reading without any commentary to stand in between Pradeep

reply01 / 19 / 2008
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