Chapter-18, Verse 84

Ashtavakra Gita Verse 18.84

निःस्नेहः पुत्रदारादौ निष्कामो विषयेषु च। निश्चिन्तः स्वशरीरेऽपि निराशः शोभते बुधः ॥८४॥

Devoid of attachment to children and wife, without desires for objects of enjoyment, free from worry about his own body, and without hope (for future benefit), the wise shines brightly.

This verse describes the qualities of a person who has attained wisdom and inner peace. Here's its meaning in three parts:

Freedom from attachments: The verse says the wise person (budhah) is "devoid of attachment to children and wife" (niḥsnehaḥ putra-dārādau) and "without desires for objects of enjoyment" (nishkāmo vishayeshu cha). This doesn't imply harshness or neglect, but the ability to love without clinging or possessiveness. They understand that true happiness comes from within, not from external things or relationships.

Acceptance of the body: The verse says they are "free from worry about their own body" (nicchintah sva-shariire 'pi). This doesn't mean neglecting their physical well-being but accepting the impermanence of the body and its limitations. They are present in the body without identifying with it.

Absence of hope and fear: The verse says they are "without hope" (niraśah). This doesn't mean apathy, but rather the freedom from clinging to future desires and expectations. They live fully in the present moment, not attached to imagined outcomes. This freedom from hope also brings freedom from fear, as there is nothing to lose or gain.

Comparative Analysis:

Here are three similar verses from Vedic texts, highlighting different aspects of inner peace and freedom:

Isha Upanishad 1.1: 

ईशावास्यमिदं सर्वं यत्किञ्च जगत्यां जगत्। तेन त्यक्तेन भुञ्जीथा मा गृधः कस्यस्विद्धनम् ॥

"Everything moving and non-moving in this world is enveloped by the Lord. Enjoy by renouncing, do not covet anyone's wealth."

This verse from the Isha Upanishad emphasizes detachment from possessions and finding contentment in what one has.

Bhagavad Gita: 

कर्मेण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन। मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर् मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि ॥ 

"You have a right only to perform your prescribed duty, never to the fruits of action. Let not the fruits of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction."

This verse from the Bhagavad Gita echoes the message of performing actions without attachment, similar to the acceptance of the body mentioned in the Ashtavakra Gita verse.

Yajur Veda 40.8: 

न मे स्पृहयते किञ्चन सर्वमात्मावस्थितं मयि ॥ 

"I desire nothing, for everything is established in me as the Self."

This verse from the Yajur Veda describes the state of complete contentment and self-sufficiency, similar to the freedom from hope and fear in the Ashtavakra Gita verse.

Comparing these verses, we see different aspects of inner peace explored. The Ashtavakra Gita verse emphasizes detached love and acceptance of the body, while the Isha Upanishad focuses on contentment and non-possessiveness. The Bhagavad Gita highlights action without attachment, and the Yajur Veda describes the state of self-sufficiency. Each verse contributes to a comprehensive understanding of finding peace and freedom within oneself.