Chapter-18, Verse 76

Ashtavakra Gita Verse 18.76

मन्दः श्रुत्वापि तद्वस्तु न जहाति विमूढताम् ।

निर्विकल्पो बहिर्यत्नादन्तर्विषयलालसः ॥ ७६ ॥

A fool does not get rid of his stupidity even on hearing the Truth.

He may appear outwardly free from imaginations, but inside he continues hankering after the senses.  

The meaning of this verse is that a person who is ignorant and deluded cannot attain the Supreme Knowledge of the Self, even if he hears the teachings of the enlightened ones. He remains attached to the worldly objects and pleasures, and does not realize his True Nature, which is beyond all concepts and distinctions. He pretends to be detached and calm, but inwardly he is restless and greedy. He is not sincere in his quest for Realization, and therefore he does not attain it.

This verse conveys the importance of having a pure mind and a genuine desire for Self-Realization. It also warns against the hypocrisy and self-deception of those who claim to be seekers of Truth, but are actually slaves of their senses. It urges the aspirant to be honest and vigilant, and to renounce all attachments and illusions that prevent him from seeing his own self.

This verse is similar to some other verses from the Vedic texts, which also emphasize the need for discrimination, detachment, and devotion in order to attain the highest knowledge. 

 - Isha Upanishad

विद्यां चाविद्यां च यस्तद्वेदोभयं सह ।

अविद्यया मृत्युं तीर्त्वा विद्ययाऽमृतमश्नुते ॥

He who knows both Knowledge and ignorance together, crosses over death by ignorance and attains immortality by Knowledge. 

This verse teaches that one should cultivate both the Knowledge of the Self and the ignorance of the world, and use them as means to transcend the cycle of birth and death, and reach the state of eternal Bliss.

 - Srimad Bhagavatam

यथा तरोर्मूलनिषेचनेन तृप्यन्ति तत्स्कन्धभुजोपशाखाः । प्राणोपहाराच्च यथेन्द्रियाणां तथैव सर्वार्हणमच्युते जा ॥

As by watering the root of a tree one automatically waters the branches, twigs, leaves and flowers, and as by supplying food to the stomach one satisfies all the senses of the body, so by offering worship to the Supreme Reality one automatically satisfies all the demigods and all other living entities. 

This verse explains that the Supreme Reality is the Source and sustainer of all existence, and that by worshipping him with devotion and surrender, one fulfills all the obligations and duties towards the creation, and attains the highest good.

 - Katha Upanishad

यदा पञ्चावतिष्ठन्ते ज्ञानानि मनसा सह ।

बुद्धिश्च न विचेष्टते तामाहुः परमां गतिम् ॥

When the five senses and the mind are still, and the reasoning intellect rests in silence, then begins the Highest path. 

This verse describes the State of Meditation, in which the senses, the mind, and the intellect are subdued, and the Awareness of the Self is awakened. This is the Supreme Goal of all spiritual seekers.