Chapter-18, Verse 90

Ashtavakra Gita Verse 18.90

जानन्नपि न जानाति पश्यन्नपि न पश्यति । ब्रुवन्नपि न च ब्रूते कोऽन्यो निर्वासनादृते॥९०॥

Though Knowing, he doesn't know; though seeing, he doesn't see; though speaking, he doesn't speak. Who else but the one without desires (nirvasanadṛte)?

This verse describes a paradoxical state achieved by someone free from desires (nirvasana). While seemingly contradictory, it reveals a deeper understanding of True Knowledge and action.

Knowing Yet Not Knowing: This doesn't imply ignorance. Instead, it suggests transcending intellectual knowledge in favor of direct experience. The individual doesn't rely on mental concepts, but perceives Reality directly through an awakened Consciousness.

Seeing Yet Not Seeing: This doesn't signify blindness. It symbolizes seeing beyond the limitations of the physical senses. The individual perceives the essence of things, not just their outward appearances.

Speaking Yet Not Speaking: This doesn't imply silence. It indicates communication transcending words. The individual conveys wisdom through their very being, influencing others by their actions and presence.

The verse emphasizes that True Knowledge, vision, and communication arise from being free from desires. The individual isn't driven by ego or seeking personal gain. Their actions and words emerge from a state of pure awareness and compassion.

Contextual Comparison with Vedic Texts:

Mandukya Upanishad 1.2:

अद्वैतं केवलं ज्योतिर्भव। द्वैतं च विजित्यैतम्॥२॥

Become the One Light without duality, after having conquered this duality.

Both verses highlight transcending limitations and Realizing the Oneness of existence. Ashtavakra Gita focuses on the individual's experience, while Mandukya Upanishad offers a more mystical approach.

Bhagavad Gita 

न कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर् माते भू रिह कश्चन । मम कार्यकृतं इदं त्यक्त्वा सर्वस्वमाचर ॥ १८॥

You have no right to the fruits of action, nor any claim to inaction. Perform your duty, giving up all attachment to results.

Both verses encourage acting without desires or expectations of personal gain. Ashtavakra Gita delves deeper into the state of being beyond desires, while Bhagavad Gita provides practical advice for action.

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 2.32:

वितर्कविपर्यययोः सदा हानं तदा सर्वार्थसंप्रज्ञातः॥३२॥

By constant practice in discrimination between right and wrong knowledge, one acquires perfect Knowledge of all things.

Both verses point towards the importance of discernment and overcoming limiting beliefs.  Ashtavakra Gita describes the qualities of a wise individual, while Yoga Sutras offer a method for achieving this state.

These comparisons demonstrate how different Vedic texts approach the concept of transcending desires and limitations, offering nuanced perspectives on achieving True Knowledge and freedom of action.