Chapter-18, Verse 86

Ashtavakra Gita Verse 18.86

पततूदेतु वा देहो नास्य चिन्ता महात्मनः। स्वभावभूमिविश्रान्तिविस्मृताशेषसंसृतेः॥८६॥

May the body fall or rise, it doesn't bother the great soul (महात्मनः). Rested in the ground of its own True Nature (स्वभावभूमिविश्रान्ति), all traces of the cycle of rebirth (संसृतेः) have been forgotten.

This verse reinforces the concept of liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The key points are:

Mahaatman (Great Soul): This refers to the individual who has realized their true self, the Atman, which is eternal and unconditioned. They are no longer identified with the limitations of the physical body or mind.

Patatu Udetu Va Deho (Body Falls or Rises): This signifies that the fate of the physical body, whether sickness, health, or even death, holds no relevance for the liberated soul. They understand that the body is merely a temporary instrument and their true essence transcends it.

Svaabhaavabhoomi Vishraanti (Resting in True Nature): This alludes to the state of Self-Realization, where one abides in their inherent peace and wholeness. The cycle of desires and attachments, which fuels rebirth, has been transcended.

Vismrutasesha Samsruteh (Forgotten All Samsara): The liberated soul has no memory or longing for the cycle of reincarnation. They understand their true nature as separate from the limitations of birth and death.

Therefore, the verse emphasizes that true Realization doesn't depend on external circumstances but on Realizing oneself as distinct from the physical and mental realm. The liberated soul remains unperturbed by life's ups and downs, finding lasting peace within their true nature.

Contextual Comparison with Vedic Texts:

Bhagavad Gita 2.20:

न जायते म्रियते वा कदाचि-न्नायं भूत्वा भविता वा न भूयः । अजो नित्यः शाश्वतोऽयं पुराणो न हन्यते हन्यमाने शरीरे ॥ २० ॥

For the soul there is never birth nor death. Nor, having once been, does he ever cease to be. He is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, undying and primeval. He is not slain when the body is slain.

Both verses highlight the immortality of the soul and its independence from the body. While Ashtavakra Gita emphasizes the mental state of liberation, Bhagavad Gita provides a philosophical explanation.

Katha Upanishad 2.2.12:

न जायते म्रियते वा कदाचन नित्यो नित्यः नान्यता हताश्मशरीरः । अनींद्यः सततं बुद्धो नित्यः सर्वगतोऽव्ययः ॥१२॥

The Atman is not born, nor does it die. It is eternal, always existing, and unchanging. It is not killed when the body is killed. It is without sleep, eternally awake, eternal, all-pervading, and indestructible.

Similar to Ashtavakra Gita, this verse emphasizes the eternal nature of the Atman and its distinction from the physical body. Both focus on transcending the cycle of death and rebirth.

Mundaka Upanishad 3.1.5:

यो न ह्रश्यति न ज्यते नायं म्रियते कदाचन । नित्यो नित्येन संयुक्तो नित्यस्य नित्यः परायणः ॥५॥

He who doesn't decay, age, or die – ever existing, united with the one eternally existing, the Eternal's eternal Goal.

This verse echoes the idea of liberation from samsara by uniting with the eternal Atman. While Ashtavakra Gita uses personal language, Mundaka Upanishad offers a more formal description.

These comparisons showcase how different Vedic texts approach the concept of liberation, offering various perspectives on attaining freedom from the cycle of birth and death. Both personal experience and philosophical understanding contribute to this journey towards eternal peace.