Chapter-18, Verse 89

Ashtavakra Gita Verse 18.89 

सर्वत्रानवधानस्य न किञ्चिद्वासना हृदि। मुक्तात्मनो वितृप्तस्य तुलना केन जायते ॥८९॥

There is no desire in the heart of one whose attention is not drawn (anavadhanasya) to anything (sarvatra). With whom can be compared the contented (vitṛptasya) soul of the Realized One (muktatmanaḥ)?

This verse describes the state of a truly liberated individual who has transcended desires and attachments. Key points to understand are:

Sarvatraanavadhanasya (Not Drawn to Anything): This doesn't imply apathy but rather signifies detachment from external stimuli and distractions. The individual is not swayed by desires or opinions, finding contentment within themselves.

Na Kiñcid Vāsanā Hṛdi (No Desire in the Heart): This highlights the absence of lingering desires or unfulfilled cravings. The individual has let go of attachments and experiences inner peace regardless of external circumstances.

Muktaatmano (Liberated Soul): This refers to someone who has broken free from the cycle of karma and rebirth. They have Realized their True Nature as the Atman, which is eternal and unchanging.

Vitṛptasya (Contented): This signifies a state of complete fulfillment and satisfaction. The individual finds joy and purpose within themselves, independent of external validation or experiences.

Tulina Kena Jayate (Compared to Whom?): This rhetorical question emphasizes the unique and incomparable state of the liberated soul. Their inner peace and freedom surpass any worldly definition or comparison.

The verse suggests that true liberation comes from letting go of desires and attachments, finding peace within oneself. It highlights the unique state of the awakened soul, free from the limitations of the ego and experiencing lasting contentment.

Contextual Comparison with Vedic Texts:

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.

Both verses describe the state of liberation as being beyond birth, death, and decay. Ashtavakra Gita focuses on the individual's experience, while Mundaka Upanishad offers a more philosophical explanation.

Source Unknown:

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

Abandon all activities, giving up all possessions. Perform only those actions that are obligatory, avoiding those that are forbidden.

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

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 2.45:

समाधिसिद्धौ च निर्विचारै सन्प्रज्ञातः ॥ ४५॥

In the perfection of samadhi (spiritual absorption), even non-reflection becomes wisdom.

Both verses describe a state of transcending desires and limitations. Ashtavakra Gita highlights the emotional state, while Yoga Sutras offer a method for achieving this through samadhi.

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