Chapter-18, Verse 82

Ashtavakra Gita Verse 18.82:

न स्तुतिं गृणाति स जनानां न निन्दां चाप्यपापकृताम् । सुखे दुःखे समः स्थायी न कर्म कर्तव्यमस्ति तस्य ॥ ८२ ॥

He neither sings the praises of good people nor does he blame the wicked. Equal in pleasure and pain, stable, he has no action to be done.

This verse builds upon the previous one by describing the yogi's further detachment from the world, including social constructs like praise and blame. The yogi has transcended the need for external validation and judgment. They no longer react to the "goodness" or "badness" of others, finding peace within themselves regardless of external circumstances.

The verse uses the key word "samah," meaning "equal" or "stable." This signifies the yogi's equanimity, their ability to remain unaffected by the highs and lows of life. They experience both pleasure and pain, but these experiences don't disturb their inner peace. They stand as a witness to the world's drama, unattached to its unfolding narrative.

The last line, "na karma kartvyam asti tasya," literally translates to "there is no action to be done for him." This does not imply inaction, but rather freedom from the obligation to act based on external desires or expectations. The yogi acts spontaneously, guided by their inner wisdom and aligned with the flow of life.

Comparative Verses:

1. Bhagavad Gita 2.47:

योगयुक्तो विषामित्य वियुक्तः धर्मार्थ कामान् समश्रितः । न हिन्द्यात् मानाद्् द्वितीय इत्यनयोस्त्यक्त सर्व कर्मणाम् ॥ ४७ ॥

Engaged in yoga, renounced, resorting to neither religious duty nor desire for gain, free from egoism, having abandoned all undertakings – he does not find fault.

2. Yoga Sutras 2.45:

स्थितधरणा स्वस्थ्यस्थानार्थमन्यमनिरपेक्षः ॥ ४५ ॥

With established Awareness, in a healthy place, for the purpose of the Self, not dependent on another.

3. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 5.5.1-2:

य आत्मनोऽध्यत्मं जानाति स पण्डितः ॥ १ ॥
आत्मैवेधर्मः आत्मैवेज्योतिरात्मैव सर्वम् ॥ २ ॥

He who knows the Self within himself is the learned one. (1)
The Self is dharma, the Self is light, the Self is all. (2)

Comparison:

Similar to Ashtavakra Gita 18.82, Bhagavad Gita emphasizes freedom from desires and egoism, leading to equanimity.

Yoga Sutras highlight the yogi's self-reliance and focus on the Self as the ultimate purpose.

Brihadaranyaka Upanishad echoes the yogi's Realization of the Oneness of Self and all existence, transcending dualities like good and bad.

However, Ashtavakra Gita offers a unique perspective by specifically mentioning praise and blame, indicating the yogi's complete detachment from social judgments. Additionally, the statement "no action to be done" emphasizes the yogi's spontaneous and non-egoistic actions guided by inner wisdom.

These comparisons illuminate the multifaceted nature of spiritual Realization and the different paths leading to it. Each verse offers a valuable lens through which to understand the yogi's state of Being, and ultimately, contribute to our own journey towards equanimity and inner peace.