Chapter-18, Verse 91

Ashtavakra Gita Verse 18.91

 "भिक्षुर्वा भूपतिर्वापि यो निष्कामः स शोभते। भावेषु गलिता यस्य शोभनाऽशोभना मतिः॥९१॥" 

Be it a mendicant (bhiksu) or a king (bhupa), whoever is free from desires (niskama) shines (shobhate). Whose judgment (mati) on emotions (bhaveshu) has transcended good (sobhana) and bad (asobhana).

This verse emphasizes the importance of detachment and equanimity in achieving true fulfillment. It suggests that one's external status, whether wealthy or impoverished, holds no bearing on their spiritual progress. The key lies in cultivating a mind free from desires and judgments. By transcending the duality of good and bad emotions, one attains a state of inner peace and radiance.

Here are three further points to consider:

Freedom from desires: The verse encourages letting go of worldly cravings and focusing on the higher Self. By relinquishing desires, one becomes less susceptible to suffering and emotional fluctuations.

Transcending duality: Duality refers to the constant mental process of categorizing experiences as good or bad, desirable or undesirable. This creates attachment and aversion, hindering spiritual growth. The verse calls for a state of awareness beyond these judgments, embracing life's experiences with equanimity.

Inner radiance: Freedom from desires and duality allows one's True Nature, the Atman, to shine through. This inner light transcends external circumstances and brings lasting joy and fulfillment.

Compare with similar verses:

Bhagavad Gita

सर्वेन्द्रियान्यनन्नात्मन्यभ्यस्यात्मसंयते। य आत्मरतिर्मय्यत्तः स युक्तः कृतकर्मा च॥ 

"He who controls all his senses, whose mind is fixed on the Self, who finds joy in the Self, and who sees the Self in all beings, he is a yogi, he is an accomplished person."

Mundaka Upanishad 3.1.3 

द्वौ सुपर्णा सयुजा सखाया समान वृक्षे परिष्वजेते। तयोरन्य: पिप्पलति स्वादु मत्वा तद्भुञ्जते तद्द्वापरो यो विचिनोति तस्य भवत्य्अन्यच्छुभं कर्म ॥ 

"Two birds of beautiful plumage perch close together on the same tree. One bird eats the sweet fruit, while the other just watches. Know that the watching bird is the Self, and the eating bird is the mind. Whoever knows this attains liberation."

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 1.2: योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः 

"Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind."

These verses, like Ashtavakra Gita 18.91, emphasize the importance of inner control, overcoming desires, and achieving a state of inner peace and equanimity.