Chapter-17, Verse 5

Ashtavakra Gita Verse 17.5:

बुभुक्षुरिह संसारे मुमुक्षुरपि दृश्यते ।

भोगमोक्षनिराकाङ्क्षी विरलो हि महाशयः ॥ ५ ॥

In this world, one who desires food is seen, and one who desires liberation is also seen. But one who is free from the desire for enjoyment and liberation is rare indeed, he is a great soul. || 5 ||

The verse contrasts three types of people: those who seek worldly pleasures (bubhukshu), those who seek spiritual Realization 

(mumukshu), and those who are indifferent to both (bhogamokshanirakankshi).

The first two types are common in this world, as they are driven by their attachments and aversions to the objects of the senses. They are either entangled in the cycle of birth and death (samsara) or aspire to escape from it by attaining salvation (moksha).

The third type is rare and exceptional, as he has transcended the duality of pain and pleasure, bondage and freedom, and Self and others. He is a great soul (mahashaya) who has realized his True Nature as Pure Consciousness (chit), Bliss (ananda), and Being (sat).

Such a person is not affected by the changing phenomena of the world, nor does he have any personal agenda or expectation. He lives in the present moment, in harmony with the cosmic order (rita), and in compassion for all beings. He is the embodiment of wisdom (jnana) and detachment (vairagya).

Similar verses from Vedic texts are:

- Kaivalya Upanishad 1.3

न कर्मणा न प्रजया धनेन त्यागेनैके अमृतत्वमानशुः । परेण नाकं निहितं गुहायां विभ्राजते यद्यतयो विशन्ति ॥

Not by action, nor by progeny, nor by wealth, but by renunciation alone some attained immortality.

That which is Supreme and hidden in the cave shines forth, when those who seek it enter.

- Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 4.4.14:

यस्मिन् सर्वाणि भूतानि आत्मैवाभूद् विजानतः । तत्र को मोहः कः शोक एकत्वमनुपश्यतः ॥

When one Realizes that all beings are his own Self, what delusion or sorrow can there be for him who sees Oneness?

- Bhagavad Gita 3.20:

कर्मेणैव हि संसिद्धिमास्थिता जनकादयः ।

लोकसंग्रहमेवापि सम्पश्यन् कर्तुमर्हसि ॥

By performing actions alone, Janaka and others attained perfection. You should also perform actions, keeping in mind the welfare of the world.