Chapter-18, Verse 100

Ashtavakra Gita Verse 18.100

न धावति जनाकीर्णं नारण्यमुपशान्तधीः।

यथा तथा यत्र तत्र सम एवावतिष्ठते॥१००॥

"The serene minded Master seeks neither the crowded place nor the solitude of the forest. He remains the same under any condition, in any place." 

Established as he is in the Experience Transcendental, nothing affects him at all, wherever he be. He is not affected by the environments. He is the one who influences the entire atmosphere by his presence and glory. To him it is immaterial whether he is in a crowded town or in a solitary cave of the Himalayan forests! Whether he be amidst the majestic objects of the market places, amidst the din and roar of human frailties, he is ever established in the Self. Even in the lonely forest of the mighty Himalayas he is the same. To him there is no distinction. His inner experience of perfection cannot be obstructed under any conditions. He is ever in the Infinite Bliss, which is the Nature of the Self.

This verse from the Ashtavakra Gita emphasizes the importance of maintaining a tranquil mind and the ability to remain equanimous in all situations. It advises individuals to refrain from chasing after worldly desires or abandoning them, as such attachments can disrupt inner peace. The verse highlights the concept of accepting things as they are, without resistance or attachment, and staying composed regardless of the circumstances.

In essence, Verse 18.100 teaches the virtue of detachment and the power of equanimity. It encourages individuals to cultivate a state of mind that remains balanced and undisturbed amidst the ever-changing nature of life. By not being swayed by external circumstances, one can achieve a sense of inner stability and serenity.

Now, let's compare this verse with three similar verses from other Vedic texts:

1. From the Yoga Vashishta (Book 6, Chapter 1, Verse 3):

यथा गगनमणुजातं जलमण्डलभूयिष्ठ

तथा यथा नागमणिः शैलगोलकस्य योगि॥

Just as a droplet of water on a lotus leaf does not wet it, so does the yogi remain untouched by the world.

2. From the Mundaka Upanishad (Chapter 2, Section 2, Verse 8):

यदा पञ्चावतिष्ठन्ते ज्ञानानि मनसा सह।

बुद्धिश्च न विचेष्टते तामाहुः परमां गतिम्॥

When the five senses and the mind are still, and Intellect itself rests in Silence, then they call it the Highest State.

3. From the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (Chapter 4, Section 4, Verse 23):

विज्ञानमानन्दं ब्रह्म यद्विज्ञाय परः परं।

विज्ञानादेव विज्ञातारं ज्ञानेनात्मानमात्मना॥

Brahman, the Supreme, is the Knowledge, the Bliss, beyond which there is nothing. It is to be Realized through Knowledge alone, by oneself.

These verses from the Yoga Vashishta, Mundaka Upanishad, and Brihadaranyaka Upanishad share a similar theme of Transcendence and Realization. They emphasize the importance of attaining a state of Higher Knowledge and understanding, wherein one remains unaffected by the external world. These verses highlight the significance of Self-Realization, detachment, and the pursuit of inner peace as the Ultimate Goal of spiritual wisdom.

It is interesting to note the consistency in the teachings across various Vedic texts, promoting the idea of mental tranquility, equanimity, and detachment as essential aspects of spiritual growth and Self-Realization.

End of Chapter-18