Ashtavakra Gita Verse 18.44
मुमुक्षोर्बुद्धिरालम्बमन्तरेण न विद्यते।
निरालम्बैव निष्कामा बुद्धिर्मुक्तस्य सर्वदा ॥ ४४ ॥
The mind of the man seeking Realization can find no resting place within, but the mind of the Realized man is always free from desire by the very fact of being without a resting place.
The first line of the verse contrasts the mind of the mumukṣu (the seeker of Realization) and the mukta (the Realized one). The mumukṣu's mind depends on something (ālamba) for its perception, whereas the mukta's mind is independent (nirālamba) of any support. The mumukṣu's mind is restless and agitated, seeking for a stable and lasting Reality within the changing and transient world. The mukta's mind is calm and serene, having Realized the Supreme Reality that is beyond the world.
The second line of the verse explains the consequence of the difference between the two minds. The mumukṣu's mind is full of desire (kāma) for the objects of the world, hoping to find happiness and fulfillment in them. The mukta's mind is free from desire (niṣkāma) for anything, knowing that the true happiness and fulfillment is in the Self alone. The mukta's mind is free from desire by the very fact of being without a resting place, meaning that it does not depend on anything other than the Self for its existence and Bliss.
The verse implies that the way to Realization is to renounce the dependence on the world and to abide in the Self. The world is like a mirage, which appears to be Real but is actually unreal. The Self is the only Reality, which is ever-present and unchanging. By Realizing the Self, one transcends the world and attains liberation.
Similar verses from Vedic texts, are:
- Yogavashishta 6.2.215.6:
मोक्षोपायानिमान्पुण्यान्प्रत्यक्षानुभवार्थदान्|
बालोप्यकर्ण्य तत्ज्ञात्वं याति का त्वादृशे कथा ||
Having learnt the methods of Realization, expounded in this work which brings about direct intuition, even a child comes to Realize the Self. What to speak of you who are like that?
This verse praises the efficacy of the teachings of Yogavashishta, which can lead even a child to the Realization of the Self. It also encourages the listener (Rama) to follow the teachings, as he is already qualified and capable of attaining Realization.
- Bhagavad Gita 6.20-23:
यत्रोपरमते चित्तं निरुद्धं योगसेवया | यत्र चैवात्मनात्मानं पश्यन्नात्मनि तुष्यति || २० ||
सुखमात्यन्तिकं यत्तद् बुद्धिग्राह्यमतीन्द्रियम् |
वेत्ति यत्र न चैवायं स्थितश्चलति तत्त्वतः || २१ ||
यं लब्ध्वा चापरं लाभं मन्यते नाधिकं ततः |
यस्मिन्स्थितो न दुःखेन गुरुणापि विचाल्यते || २२ ||
तं विद्याद् दुःखसंयोगवियोगं योगसञ्ज्ञितम् |
स निश्चयेन योक्तव्यो योगोऽनिर्विण्णचेतसा || २३ ||
When the mind, restrained by the practice of yoga, attains quietude, and when, seeing the Self by the Self, he is satisfied in his own Self, (20)
When he feels that infinite bliss which can be grasped by the (pure) intellect and which transcends the senses, and, established wherein he never moves from the Reality, (21)
Which, having obtained, he thinks there is no other gain superior to it, and established in which he is not shaken even by heavy sorrow, (22)
Let that be known by the name of yoga, the severance from union with pain. This yoga should be practiced with determination and with an non despondent mind. (23)
These verses describe the state of the yogi who has Realized the Self and attained Realization. He is free from the fluctuations of the mind, the limitations of the senses, and the afflictions of sorrow. He is content and blissful in his own Self, which is the Supreme Reality.
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