Ashtavakra Gita Verse 18.47
न मुक्तिकारिकां धत्ते निःशङ्को युक्तमानसः ।
पश्यञ्छृण्वन्स्पृशञ्जिघ्रन्नश्नन्नास्ते यथासुखम् ॥ ४७ ॥
The man who is free from doubts and whose mind is free does not bother about means of Realization. Whether seeing, hearing, feeling smelling or tasting, he lives at ease. || 47 ||
The verse describes the state of a person, who has Realized his True Nature as the Self, which is beyond the limitations of the body, mind and senses. He has no doubts or confusion about his identity, and he does not depend on any external means or methods to attain Realization, which is already his Natural State.
The verse also implies that the Realized person is free from attachment and aversion to the objects of the senses, which are the sources of pleasure and pain. He does not seek or avoid anything, but accepts whatever comes his way as the manifestation of the Self. He is not affected by the dualities of life, such as joy and sorrow, gain and loss, honor and dishonor, etc.
The verse further suggests that the Realized person is not bound by any rules or regulations, rituals or practices, duties or obligations, that are prescribed for the seekers of liberation. He does not follow any particular path or doctrine, but lives spontaneously and naturally, according to his own inner wisdom. He is not concerned with the past or the future, but lives in the present moment, enjoying the Bliss of his own Self.
Similar verses from other Vedic texts, are:
- Bhagavad Gita 18.47
श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात् ।
स्वभावनियतं कर्म कुर्वन्नाप्नोति किल्बिषम् ॥ ४७ ॥
It is better to do one’s own dharma, even though imperfectly, than to do another’s dharma, even though perfectly. By doing one’s innate duties, a person does not incur sin. || 47 ||
This verse advises the seeker to follow his own nature and duty, rather than imitating others or renouncing his responsibilities. It also implies that one who acts according to his own nature, without attachment to the results, attains Realization.
- Maitreyi Upanishad 4.18
तत्त्वमस्यादिवाक्येन स्वात्मा हि प्रतिपादितः ।
विज्ञाते परमात्मानि किमन्यैर्वेदवादिभिः ॥ १८ ॥
By the statement "That thou art", the Self is revealed. Having realized the Supreme Self, what is the use of other scriptural arguments? || 18 ||
This verse affirms that the essence of the Vedas is the mahavakya or the great statement "That thou art", which reveals the identity of the individual Self and the universal Self. Having realized this truth, one does not need to engage in any other scriptural debates or discussions.
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