Ashtavakra Gita Verse 18.46
निर्वासनं हरिं दृष्ट्वा तूष्णीं विषयदन्तिनः।
पलायन्ते न शक्तास्ते सेवन्ते कृतचाटवः॥१८- ४६॥
Seeing the desireless lion the elephants of the senses silently run away, or, if they cannot, serve him like courtiers. (18.46)
The verse compares the mind of a Realized person to a lion that is free from all desires and attachments. Such a mind is fearless, powerful, and independent, and does not depend on the objects of the senses for happiness or satisfaction.
The verse also compares the senses to elephants that are usually restless, greedy, and uncontrollable. They are constantly seeking pleasure and stimulation from the external world, and are easily distracted and agitated by it.
The verse says that when the senses encounter the mind of a Realized person, they either run away in fear or surrender to it in service. This means that the senses either lose their power and attraction over the mind, or they become subservient to the mind and follow its commands. The mind of a Realized person is not affected by the senses, but rather controls them and uses them for the highest good.
The verse illustrates the state of self-mastery and detachment that is achieved by a person who has Realized the Self. Such a person is not a slave of the senses, but a master of them. He or she is not disturbed by the fluctuations of the mind, but remains calm and serene in all situations.
Some similar verses from other Vedic texts are:
- Bhagavad Gita 18.46
यत: प्रवृत्तिर्भूतानां येन सर्वमिदं ततम् |
स्वकर्मणा तमभ्यर्च्य सिद्धिं विन्दति मानव: || ४६||
By worship of the Lord, who is the source of all beings and who is all-pervading, a man can attain perfection through performing his own work.
This verse emphasizes the importance of performing one's duty or natural occupation with devotion and dedication to the Supreme Lord, who is the origin and sustainer of all life. By doing so, one can achieve the highest goal of life, which is God Realization.
- Yogavasishta 2.18.35
यस्मिन्श्रुते मते ज्ञाते तपोध्यानजपादिकम् |
मोक्षप्राप्तौ नरस्येह न किंचिदुपयुज्यते || ३५ ||
Having studied, understood and realized its philosophy, one does not stand in need of any other performance (askesis, meditation, mantra chanting etc.) for Realization.
This verse declares the supremacy of the Knowledge of the Self over all other means of spiritual practice. It says that once one has attained the direct and intuitive Realization of the Self, which is the essence of the philosophy of Yogavasishta, one does not need to do anything else for attaining Realization. All other methods are only preparatory and auxiliary to the Knowledge of the Self.
- Maitri Upanishad 6.34
यदा चित्तं तथा विष्णुर्यदा चित्तं तथेश्वर: |
यदा चित्तं तथा ब्रह्म यदा चित्तं तथा शिव: ||
As the mind, so is Vishnu; as the mind, so is Ishvara; as the mind, so is Brahman; as the mind, so is Shiva.
This verse reveals the identity of the mind with the various aspects of the Supreme Reality. It says that the mind is nothing but a reflection of the Ultimate Reality, which is known by different names such as Vishnu, Ishvara, Brahman, and Shiva. The mind is not different from the Reality, but is a manifestation of it. Therefore, by purifying and controlling the mind, one can Realize the Reality within oneself.
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