Chapter-9: An Introduction

The Ashtavakra Gita Chapter-9: An Introduction 

The ninth chapter of the Ashtavakra Gita is titled Nirveda, which means indifference or detachment. In this chapter, Ashtavakra instructs Janaka to renounce all dualities, desires, and opinions, and to realize his true nature as pure awareness. He says that only by giving up everything, one can attain the state of peace and freedom.

Some of the verses from this chapter are:

कृताकृते च द्वन्द्वानि कदा शान्तानि कस्य वा ।

एवं ज्ञात्वेह निर्वेदाद् भव त्यागपरोऽव्रती ॥ ९-१॥

When will the pairs of opposites, such as done and undone, cease for anyone? Knowing this, be indifferent to everything and renounce all. (9.1)

नित्यं सर्वमिदं तापत्रयदूषितम् ।

असारं निन्दितं हेयमिति निश्चित्य शाम्यति ॥ ९-३॥

All this is transient and tainted by the threefold misery. Knowing it to be worthless, contemptible, and to be shunned, one becomes calm. (9.3)

पश्य भूतविकारांस्त्वं भूतमात्रान् यथार्थतः ।

तत्क्षणाद् बन्धनिर्मुक्तः स्वरूपस्थो भविष्यसि ॥ ९-७॥

See the modifications of the elements as nothing but the elements. In that very moment, you will be free from bondage and established in your own nature. (9.7)