Ashtavakra Gita Verse 18.24
प्रकृत्या शून्यचित्तस्य कुर्वतोऽस्य यदृच्छया ।
प्राकृतस्येव धीरस्य न मानो नावमानता ॥ २४ ॥
By nature, the mind of the one who is empty is doing as he pleases. For the natural and wise one, there is no pride or false humility || 24 ||
The first line of the verse describes the state of the one who has Realized the Self and is free from all bondage. Such a person has a mind that is naturally empty, meaning devoid of any attachment, desire, or ego. He does not act out of compulsion, fear, or expectation, but simply follows his intuition. He is not bound by any rules, norms, or conventions, but acts according to his own will and wisdom.
The second line of the verse contrasts the state of the Realized One with that of the ordinary person who is still under the influence of ignorance and delusion. Such a person has a mind that is full of thoughts, emotions, and impressions, which cloud his perception of Reality. He acts out of habit, conditioning, or obligation, and is subject to the dualities of pleasure and pain, honor and dishonor, praise and blame. He is attached to his body, mind, and ego, and suffers from pride or false humility, depending on his self-image and social status.
The verse thus conveys the message that the true freedom and happiness lie in the Realization of one’s True Nature, which is Pure Consciousness, the Witness of all phenomena. When one abides in this state of emptiness, one is not affected by the changing world, nor does one have any sense of doership or enjoyership. One is simply a natural and wise one, who lives in harmony with oneself and the universe.
Similar verses from Vedic texts are:
- Yogavashishta:
शून्यचित्तो यदा भूत्वा यदा यदा चरेत्तथा ।
तदा तदा सुखी भूत्वा नान्यथा दुःखिनो भवेत् ॥
When one becomes empty-minded and acts as he pleases; Then he becomes happy and does not suffer otherwise.
This verse emphasizes the importance of having an empty mind, which is free from all conditioning and limitations. It also suggests that such a mind leads to happiness and freedom from suffering, regardless of the external circumstances.
- Bhagavad Gita 4.22:
यदृच्छालाभसन्तुष्टो द्वन्द्वातीतो विमत्सरः ।
समः सिद्धावसिद्धौ च कृत्वापि न निबध्यते ॥ ४.२२ ॥
Content with whatever comes by chance, transcending the dualities, free from envy. Equanimous in success and failure, even though acting, he is not bound.
This verse describes the qualities of the one who is free from bondage, who does not depend on the results of his actions, but accepts whatever comes his way with contentment and detachment. He is not affected by the opposites of heat and cold, pleasure and pain, honor and dishonor, etc. He is free from envy and jealousy, and remains calm and balanced in all situations.
- Mundaka Upanishad 3.1.8:
यदा पञ्चावतिष्ठन्ते ज्ञानानि मनसा सह ।
बुद्धिश्च न विचेष्टते तामाहुः परमां गतिम् ॥ ३.१.८ ॥
When the five senses and the mind are still, and the intellect does not stir. That, they say, is the Highest State.
This verse points to the State of emptiness, where the senses, the mind, and the intellect are quiet and do not engage in any activity or perception. This is the State of Supreme Peace and Bliss, which is the Ultimate Goal of all seekers.
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