
Ashtavakra Samhita, Chapter Four,
The Knower of the
Self

Verse 1: Janaka said, "Oh, the stable minded knower of the Self who is engaged in the game of enjoyment bears no resemblance whatsoever to the deluded beings who are caught in the cycle of births and deaths." Commentary
Verse 2: Oh, that state which Indra and other gods eagerly seek but become unhappy for not attaining it, situated in that state, a yogi does not show any elation at all. Commentary
Verse 3: He who has known That (self) is untouched inside by good and evil, just as the sky is untouched by the smoke (or clouds) although it may appear so. Commentary
Verse 4: Who can prevent the great-souled one who has known this whole world as the Self from living by chance? Commentary
Verse 5: Of the four types of beings, from Brahma down to the last clump of grass, only the one with discerning knowledge is skillful in giving up attraction and aversion. Commentary
Verse 6: Rare is the one who knows the Self to be nondual and the lord of the universe. He who knows thus engages in actions anywhere (he deems fit) without any fear. Commentary
Suggestions for Further Reading
- Om, Aum, Pranava or Nada in Mantra and Yoga Traditions
- Brahmacharya or Celibacy in Hinduism
- Atheism and Materialism in Ancient India
- Solving the Hindu Caste System
- How To Choose Your Spiritual Guru?
- Creation in Hinduism As a Transformative Evolutionary Process
- Wealth and Duty in Hinduism
- Do You Have Any Plans For Your Rebirth or Reincarnation?
- Understanding Death and Impermanence
- Lessons from the Dance of Kali, the Mother Nature
- Letting your God live in You - The True Essence of the Hindu Way of Life
- prajnanam brahma - Brahman is Intelligence
- Maslow's Hierarchy Of Needs From The Perspective Of Hinduism
- The Definition and Concept of Maya in Hinduism
- The Meaning of Nirvana
- Self-knowledge, Difficulties in Knowing Yourself
- Hinduism - Sex and Gurus
- The Construction of Hinduism
- The Meaning and Significance of Heart in Hinduism
- The Origin and Significance of the Epic Mahabharata
- The True Meaning of Prakriti in Hinduism
- Three Myths about Hinduism
- What is Your Notion of God?
- Why Hinduism is a Preferred Choice for Educated Hindus
- Essays On Dharma
- Esoteric Mystic Hinduism
- Introduction to Hinduism
- Hindu Way of Life
- Essays On Karma
- Hindu Rites and Rituals
- The Origin of The Sanskrit Language
- Symbolism in Hinduism
- Essays on The Upanishads
- Concepts of Hinduism
- Essays on Atman
- Hindu Festivals
- Spiritual Practice
- Right Living
- Yoga of Sorrow
- Happiness
- Mental Health
- Concepts of Buddhism
- General Essays