Chapter-17: An Introduction

Chapter-17: Kaivalya or Absolute Aloneness of the Self. 

Introduction:

The Ashtavakra Gita is one of the most ancient and profound texts of Hinduism, which presents the teachings of the sage Ashtavakra to King Janaka on the nature of the Self, the Supreme Reality, and the way to Realization. The text consists of 20 chapters, each containing a dialogue between the teacher and the disciple on various aspects of spiritual wisdom.

The 17th Chapter of the Ashtavakra Gita is a concise summary of the state of a Realized person, who has Realized his true identity as Pure Awareness, beyond all forms and attributes. The chapter describes the characteristics and qualities of such a person, who is free from all desires, attachments, and dualities. He is content and peaceful in himself, and does not depend on anything external for his happiness. He is not affected by the changes and events of the world, nor by the praise or blame of others. He is indifferent to both pleasure and pain, honor and dishonor, life and death. He is not bound by any rules or duties, nor by any notions of good or evil. He is not attached to any objects or persons, nor does he hate or love anything. He is not interested in either enjoyment or renunciation, nor in either bondage or liberation. He is simply established in his own nature, which is Pure Consciousness.

This chapter sings a hymn to the aloneness of the Self (kaivalya). The one blissful Self envelopes all. In that State of Bliss, one who has awakened to the Pure Consciousness finds that all his desires have ended; all goals have been reached; even his anxiety for Realization ceases. 

His mind rolls away; all its agitations suddenly calm themselves into an infinite dynamic peace all by themselves, spontaneously!! The body and the senses halt in their functions. Far beyond all traces of identification with the body, mind and intellect, calm and serene, the seeker now comes to experience the kaivalya State of the Self, all-pervading and immutable. 

To extol this state of Self-Realisation and also to encourage others to walk this noble path of seeking the Self, the Sage vividly paints here the nature of Man of Wisdom. The chapter expounds the fabulous rewards enjoyed by the man who has unfolded himself to experience the infinite Self. Here is a complete word picture of the Man of Perfection, in a twenty poetic strokes, on the canvas of the student's mind, held steady in his deep meditations.

The 17th Chapter of the Ashtavakra Gita echoes some of the verses from other Vedic scriptures, such as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, which also describe the state of a liberated person. For example, the following verses are similar in meaning:

- Ashtavakra Gita 17.1: 

He who has attained the fruit of Knowledge and detachment lives contentedly with his senses under control in whatever place he finds himself at any time.

- Bhagavad Gita 12.19: 

He to whom censure and praise are equal, who is silent, content with anything, steady-minded, full of devotion—that man is dear to Me.

- Isha Upanishad 1: 

All this, whatever exists in this changing universe, should be covered by the Lord. Protect yourself by renouncing it. Do not covet anybody’s wealth.

- Ashtavakra Gita 17.15: 

In pleasure or pain, in happiness or unhappiness, a wise man sees no difference either in himself or in others.

- Bhagavad Gita 6.32: 

He who sees Me everywhere and sees everything in Me; he never becomes separated from Me nor do I become separated from him.