Chapter-20, Introduction

Introduction to the 20th Chapter of the Ashtavakra Gita

The Absolute State

The Ashtavakra Gita, a profound text of Advaita Vedanta, consists of a series of dialogues between the sage Ashtavakra and King Janaka. In this ancient scripture, the 20th chapter acts as a culmination of the teachings, summarizing the essential nature of Higher Knowledge and God Realization.

In communicating to the seekers the un-surpassing beauty and indefinable perfections of the Absolute, the Upaniṣads stammer, the Brahmasūtras 

exhaust themselves and the Bhagavad-gītā hesitates with an excusable shyness. A theme, in dealing with which, even these mighty books of Hinduism are thus, at best, unsatisfactory; we must, in sheer gratitude, admire Aṣṭāvakra Gita for the brilliant success it has achieved in communicating, through words, perhaps, the most clearly the Nature and Glory of the Supreme Reality.

In this concluding chapter, the Absolute State of transcendence is brought home to us, not so much because of the frenzied eloquence of the Teacher, nor by the extra fluidity of the diction chosen, but essentially because of the human touch that has been imparted to it by putting this chapter into the mouth of King Janaka. The student of this Saṁhitā is himself giving the autobiographical image of the Realized in Life (jivan-mukta). We have here in this chapter a revealing autobiography of the saint, the Liberated in life in King Janaka.

Chapter 20 begins with King Janaka expressing his deep gratitude and reverence to Ashtavakra for illuminating the path of Self-Realization. He acknowledges the profound impact of Ashtavakra's teachings, which have shattered the illusions of his limited identity and revealed the True Nature of the Self.

Ashtavakra, in his response, then encapsulates the essence of the Highest Knowledge. He emphasizes that the Ultimate Truth lies not in the realm of the mind or senses but in the unchanging Awareness of one's True Self (Constant Remembrance). He describes the Self as eternal, all-pervading, and devoid of any attributes or limitations. This Realization leads to liberation from the cycle of birth and death, as one recognizes their innate divinity and transcends the realm of duality.

To convey the profound insights shared in this chapter, we can draw upon verses from the Vedic era that resonate with similar meaning. Here are a few such verses:

1. अहम् ब्रह्मास्मि (aham brahmāsmi) - "I am Brahman" (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1.4.10)

"I am the Ultimate Reality."

2. तत्त्वमसि (tat tvam asi) - "That Thou art" (Chandogya Upanishad 6.8.7)

"You are that which is the Ultimate Reality."

3. अयमात्मा ब्रह्म (ayamātmā brahma) - "This Atman is Brahman" (Mandukya Upanishad 1.2.12)

"The individual Self is identical to the Ultimate Reality."

These verses from the Upanishads emphasize the same profound truth that Ashtavakra imparts to King Janaka. They speak of the Realization that the individual Self is not separate from the Supreme Reality, but rather, it is an expression of that eternal essence.

In conclusion, the 20th chapter of the Ashtavakra Gita serves as a powerful summary of the teachings found within the text. It highlights the nature of the Self, the illusory nature of the world, and the path to Self-Realization. Through the dialogue between Ashtavakra and King Janaka, this chapter guides seekers towards the recognition of their own True Nature and invites them to transcend the limitations of the mind and ego, leading to the Realization of the eternal and boundless Self.