Chapter-18, Verse 87

Ashtavakra Gita Verse 18.87

अकिञ्चनः कामचारो निर्द्वन्द्वश्छिन्नसंशयः। असक्तः सर्वभावेषु केवलो रमते बुधः॥८७॥

Possessing nothing (अकिञ्चनः), free to follow one's desires (कामचारो), free from duality (निर्द्वन्द्वः), with doubts shattered (छिन्नसंशयः), unattached to all states of being (असक्तः सर्वभावेषु), the Wise One (बुधः) delights in being alone (केवलः).

This verse paints a picture of the state of a truly wise individual who has attained liberation. Key features are:

Akinchana (Possessing Nothing): This signifies detachment from material possessions and desires. The wise one understands that true happiness lies not in external objects but within oneself.

Kamachara (Free to Follow Desires): This might seem contradictory to non-attachment, but here it implies following one's inner truth and aspirations, free from societal expectations or the limitations of ego.

Nirdvandva (Free from Duality): This refers to transcending the duality of opposites like pleasure and pain, success and failure. The wise one remains centered and equanimous amidst life's ups and downs.

Chhinna Samshaya (Shattered Doubts): This signifies clarity and unwavering faith in oneself and one's path. The individual overcomes confusion and indecision, finding direction from within.

Asakta Sarva Bhaaveshu (Unattached to All States): This highlights freedom from emotional attachments and identifications. The wise one remains unaffected by sorrow, anger, or any  other fleeting state.

Kevala Ramate Buddhah (The Wise One Delights in Being Alone): This doesn't imply physical isolation but finding joy and fulfillment within oneself. They are self-sufficient and content, independent of external validation or companionship.

The verse emphasizes that true liberation doesn't require escaping life, but transforming one's inner state. By letting go of desires, attachments, and limitations, the wise one finds freedom and joy within themselves.

Contextual Comparison with Vedic Texts:

Bhagavad Gita 18.55:

सर्वारम्भान् परित्याज्यां हित्वा सर्वपरिग्रहम् । शारिरं केवलं कर्म कुरु यद् विकर्मि चर॥५५॥

Abandon all activities (sarvārmbhān), giving up all possessions (sarva-parigraham). Perform only those actions (karma) that are obligatory, avoiding those that are forbidden (vikarma).

Both verses encourage detachment from external pursuits and focus on fulfilling one's true purpose. Ashtavakra Gita delves deeper into inner freedom, while Bhagavad Gita provides practical steps.

Mandukya Upanishad 1.2:

अद्वैतं केवलं ज्योतिर्भव। द्वैतं च विजित्यैतम्॥२॥

Become the One Light without duality. Having conquered this duality.

Both emphasize transcending duality and realizing the oneness of existence. Ashtavakra Gita describes the characteristics of a realized individual, while Mandukya Upanishad offers a more mystical approach.

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 2.36:

हितमित्रेषु सर्वेषु भूतेषु समात्मकता॥३६॥

Equanimity towards all beings, including friends, enemies, and neutrals.

Both highlight the importance of equanimity and detachment from attachments. Ashtavakra Gita focuses on personal transformation, while Yoga Sutras offer an eight-limbed path towards liberation.

These comparisons demonstrate how different Vedic texts explore the concept of liberation, offering multifaceted perspectives on achieving inner peace and freedom from limitations.