Ashtavakra Gita Verse 18.81
न विन्दति न विरमति लब्ध्वा न शोचति विनाशे । समः प्रसन्न आत्मस्थो योगी मृतामृतोपमः ॥ ८१ ॥
He neither acquires (nor) yearns for (something), nor (does he) rejoice upon obtaining it, nor grieves at its loss. The tranquil, content Self-abiding yogi is like (both) the dead (and) the immortal.
This verse describes the state of mind achieved by a yogi, someone who has attained spiritual Realization. The yogi is characterized by complete detachment from worldly possessions and desires. They don't actively seek things, nor do they react emotionally to their presence or absence. This indifference stems from a deep understanding of the impermanence of all things and the true nature of the Self, which is eternal and unchanging.
The verse uses two contrasting comparisons: "the dead" and "the immortal." The dead are free from desires and attachments, but they lack Awareness and Consciousness. The immortal, on the other hand, are eternally blissful, but they may still be caught in the cycle of birth and death. The yogi, however, transcends both limitations. They are free from worldly desires like the dead, but they also possess the Awareness and Joy of the immortal. This state is described as "mritamruta," meaning "both dead and immortal," signifying the paradox of being liberated from the world while remaining fully present.
By achieving this state of equanimity, the yogi finds lasting peace and contentment. They are no longer affected by the ups and downs of life, and their inner joy remains undisturbed. This verse serves as an inspiration for those seeking spiritual liberation, urging them to cultivate detachment and focus on the eternal Self.
Similar verses from other Vedic texts that convey the same message of detachment, peace, and immortality are:
Mundaka Upanishad 3.1.1:
द्वा सुपर्णा सयुजा सखाया समान वृक्षे परिष्वजते । तयोरेकः श्नाति फलान्नो अश्नन्नन्यः ॥ १ ॥
Two birds with beautiful wings, friends, are perched on the same tree. One eats the fruits, the other watches without eating.
Bhagavad Gita 2.50:
स्थितः प्रज्ञा चैकानेना योगेन युक्त्या युक्तः ।
सर्वत्र गोः सर्वसमान् हि पश्यति ॥ ५० ॥
Established in Constant Remembrance, united in yoga with reason, he sees the Self equally everywhere, in all beings.
Isha Upanishad 1:
ईशावास्यमिदं सर्वं यत्किञ्च जगत्यां जगत् ।
तेन त्यक्तेन भुञ्जीथा मा गृधः कस्यस्विद्धनम् ॥ १ ॥
All this (universe) that moves and moves not - all this is to be enveloped by the Lord. Renounce by enjoying Him. Do not covet anyone's wealth.
These verses share similarities with Ashtavakra Gita 18.81 in emphasizing detachment from worldly possessions and desires.
Mundaka Upanishad depicts two birds, one representing the embodied self and the other the immortal Self. Both are present, but only one enjoys the fruits of the world. This aligns with the yogi's awareness of both mortality and immortality.
Bhagavad Gita emphasizes seeing the Self in all beings, transcending individual attachments. This complements the yogi's equanimity towards things and beings.
Isha Upanishad encourages enjoying the world while renouncing the sense of ownership. This echoes the yogi's ability to use things without being attached to them.
However, each verse offers a unique perspective:
Mundaka Upanishad focuses on witnessing the world without attachment.
Bhagavad Gita emphasizes universal equality and seeing the Self in all.
Isha Upanishad encourages detachment from ownership while enjoying the world.
Ashtavakra Gita 18.81 combines these ideas, portraying the yogi as someone who has transcended both attachment and indifference, achieving a state of lasting peace and joy.
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