A Comparison Between the Ashtavakra Gita and the Bhagavad Gita The spiritual literature of India is replete with texts that offer insights into the nature of existence, consciousness, and the path to liberation. Among these, the Bhagavad Gita and the Ashtavakra Gita stand out as two profound treatises that, while originating from the same cultural milieu, chart very different paths in the pursuit of self-realization. This article delves into a detailed comparison between these texts, examining their historical backgrounds, philosophical orientations, key differences and similarities, modern-day appeal, and universality. Historical Context and Origins The Bhagavad Gita Embedded within the Indian epic Mahabharata , the Bhagavad Gita is presented as a conversation between Prince Arjuna and his charioteer, Lord Krishna. Set on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, the text unfolds against the backdrop of an impending war. However, the dialogue transcends the immediate context of conflict, addres...

Ashtavakra advices Kinga Janaka.... Janaka is self realized but still has doubts and Ashtavakra clears them.... Knowing yourself as truly one and indestructible, how could a wise man like you - one possessing self-knowledge - feel any pleasure in acquiring wealth? Truly, when one does not know oneself, one takes pleasure in the objects of mistaken perception, just as greed for its seeming silver arises in one who does not know mother-of-pearl for what it is. All this wells up like waves in the sea. Recognizing, I am That, why run around like someone in need? After hearing of oneself as pure consciousness and the supremely beautiful, is one to go on lusting after sordid sensual objects? When the sage has realised that one is oneself is in all beings, and all beings are in oneself, it is astonishing that the sense of individuality should be able to continue. It is astonishing that a person who has reached the supreme non-dual state and is intent on the benefits of liberation sho...

How One Attains Liberation? – Ashtavakra Answers To King Janak King Janaka asked, “Oh Lord, how does one attain liberation and how is non-attachment attained? Please tell me this. Ashtavakra replied, “Oh beloved, if you want liberation, then renounce the passions as poison and take forgiveness and innocence, compassion, contentment, and truth as nectar. You are neither earth nor air nor fire nor water nor ether. To attain liberation know yourself as the witnessing consciousness of all these. If you separate yourself from the physical body and rest in consciousness then this very moment you will be happy, at peace, and free of bondage. You are not a Brahmin or other caste. You are not in any of the four stages of life. You are not perceived by the eyes of other senses. Unattached and without form, you are the witness of the whole universe. Know this and be happy. Oh expansive one, religion and atheism, happiness and misery, order of the mind – they are not for ...

A collection of teachings from Ashtavakra Gita. One who considers oneself free is free indeed, and one who considers oneself bound remains bound. ‘As one thinks, so one becomes’ is a popular saying in this world, which is really true. Oh, duality is the root of misery. There is no other remedy for it except the realization that all objects of experience are false and that I am one and pure, intelligence and bliss. What is it that does not close its eyes even while sleeping? Ashtavakra – Fish (the ever-conscious soul) never closes its eyelids while sleeping. What is it that does not move even when born? Ashtavakra – an egg does not move when laid What is it that has no heart? Ashtavakra – stone (soul that has left the body) has no heart What does increase even in its own speed? Ashtavakra – A river (heart of a yogi) increases in its own speed.’ Give up the idea that you are separate, a person, that there is within and without. If you think you are free...

Ashtavakra Samhita teachings are simple and direct in appeal. It helps one to attain the bliss of freedom. The joy of self-realization is achieved through contemplation of the verses. This is a collection of teachings from Ashtavakra Samhita. The universe rises from you like bubbles rising from the sea. Thus know the Self to be One and in this way enter into the state of dissolution. Be calm and serene; don’t be agitated. Do not go after anything. If anything comes your way accept it gracefully, happily and be contented. Be humble and hear your inner voice. Problems crop up when you run after things and get them, of course, disappointment and unhappiness are there if you do not get them. He who is beyond existence and non-existence, who is wise, satisfied, and free from desire, does nothing even if he may be acting in the eyes of the world. Knowledge of one’s true nature as the infinite and non-dual pure consciousness will give freedom and spontaneity in all actions. ...

A collection of quotes and teachings of Sage Ashtavakra If you detach yourself from the identification with the ego as an individual doer, and remain relaxed in and as Impersonal Consciousness, you will, this very moment, be happy, at peace and free from bondage. I am immaculate and pure consciousness. With this conviction, like the fire that burns away the forest of ignorance, remain griefless and be happy. This world of plurality is merely a superimposition on this infinite, blissful Self, like the snake on the rope. That eternal experience of being, Thou Art! Knowing thus, be happy. He who insists to be free and liberated, is indeed liberated. He who insists to be in bondage is bound. This popular belief in the world is true indeed, as we think, so we are! The Self is witness, all-pervading, infinite, the one – ever free, consciousness, without any activity, unattached, desireless, at peace. However, out of delusion, appears to be a miserable one. Here lies your ...

A collection of quotes and teachings from the Ashtavakra Samhita. There is no heaven or hell or liberation... nothing but the Self in this expanded cosmic consciousness. It is bondage when the mind desires or grieves at anything, rejects or accepts anything, feels happy or angry at anything. The renunciation of desire alone is renunciation of the world. Non-attachment for sense-objects is liberation: love for sense-objects is bondage. Bondage consists only of desire, and the destruction of desire is liberation. You are pure consciousness — the substance of the universe. The universe exists within you. Don’t be small-minded. You are unconditioned, changeless, and formless. You are solid, unfathomable, and cool.  Desire nothing. You are consciousness. That which has form is not real. Only the formless is permanent. Once this is known, you will not return to illusion. Just as a mirror exists both within and without the image reflected,...

Sage Ashtavakra was one of the greatest sages of ancient India and had composed the famous Ashtavakra Gita. The story of Ashtavakra is very interesting - it involves his deformed birth and taking revenge on the scholar who got his father killed in the court of King Janaka. Sage Ashtavakra's parents were Sage Khagodara and Sujata. It is said when Ashtavakra was in womb of Sujata, he criticized his father for wrongly chanting the Vedas. Ashtavakra used to listen to Vedas when he was in womb. He learned it and once suggested to his father that he was chanting a mantra wrongly and the sounds created by each syllable matters. Sage Khagodara got angry and cursed the baby to be born crooked and with curves. The sage out of ignorance believed that the baby was being arrogant. Sage Khagodara was very poor and once he went to take part in a debate in the court of Janaka hoping to win some prize. There he got into a debate with Vandina, a scholar in the court. The deal was...

A collection of Ashtavakra Gita quotes from various sources. Unmoved and undistressed, realizing now that being, non-being and transformation are of the very nature of things, one easily finds peace. Like waves, foam and bubbles are not different from the waters. The desireless one has neither praise for the calm, nor even blame for the wicked. Where is attachment and where is aversion for him, whose love for the body has vanished? As we think, so we become. Infinite as Space am I, and the phenomenal world is like a limited-jar. The wise one, who has no motive in all his actions, moves like a child. At peace, having shed all desires within, and realizing that nothing exists here but the Lord, the Creator of all things, one is no longer attached to anything. While a man of pure intelligence may achieve the goal by the most casual of instruction, another may seek knowledge all his life and still remain bewildered. Liberation is d...

Ashtavakra Gita is a classical text associated with Advaita school teaching and contains the teaching of Sage Ashtavakra. You can download the Ashtavakra Gita English translation for free in pdf format from the below link. The Ashtavakra Samhita is in the format of a dialogue between Sage Ashtavakra and King Janaka.  Link - Ashtavakra Gita in English in pdf format Why Ashtavakra Gita Should Be Read Daily?  Ashtavakra Gita is a revered text in Hindu philosophy, offering profound insights into the nature of reality, the self, and the ultimate truth. Here are some reasons why it could be beneficial to read it daily: Spiritual Guidance: Ashtavakra Gita provides deep spiritual guidance, offering timeless wisdom that can help individuals navigate the complexities of life and attain inner peace. Self-Realization: Through its teachings on the nature of the self (Atman) and reality, Ashtavakra Gita can aid in self-realization, helping individuals understand their true nature...

Ashtavakra Gita is a classical text associated with Advaita school teaching and contains the teaching of Sage Ashtavakra. This particular English translation with Sanskrit Text and annotation is by Radhakamal Mukerjee. The Ashtavakra Samhita is in the format of a dialogue between Sage Astavakra and King Janaka. The book is published by Motilal Banarsidas and you can buy it online. The English translation and the annotations by Radhakamal Mukerjee are extremely illuminating and helpful. The ideas of Absolute Monism narrated by Ashtavakra in his dialogue with King Janaka are simplified and presented in a simple manner. Ashtavakragita – The Song of the Self Supreme By Radhakamal Mukerjee Published by Motilal Banarsidas Price – Paper Cover – Rupees 195/-