Five shlokas from **Chapter 11** of the **Ashtavakra Gita** in Sanskrit, with phonetic transliteration and their relevance in today’s context:
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### **Chapter 11 - योग (Yoga or Union)**
1. **यस्तु निर्भिद्यते पापे न चित् स्वप्नपदविभागः।**
**न भेदस्तत्र पश्यति योगि पश्यति योगी॥1॥**
**yastu nirbhidyate pāpe na cit svapnapadavibhāgaḥ |**
**na bhedastatra paśyati yogi paśyati yogī ||1||**
**Phonetic:**
*yastu nirbhidyate pāpe na cit svapna-pada-vibhāgaḥ |*
*na bhedaḥ tatra paśyati yogi paśyati yogī ||1||*
**Relevance:** The one who is free from sin and division, and who perceives no difference between waking and dreaming states, is a true yogi.
This verse highlights the state of unity and purity that comes with genuine spiritual practice. In today’s context, it underscores the importance of transcending divisions and achieving inner harmony to truly understand the essence of spiritual awakening.
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2. **यस्तु प्रतिवेदितस्वरूपः स्वात्मा साक्षिणः।**
**सर्वभूतस्तु सर्वात्मा भूतसाक्षी प्रपश्यति॥2॥**
**yastu prativēditasvarūpaḥ svātmā sākṣiṇaḥ |**
**sarvabhūtastu sarvātmā bhūtāsākṣī prapaśyati ||2||**
**Phonetic:**
*yastu prativēdita-svarūpaḥ svātmā sākṣiṇaḥ |*
*sarva-bhūta-stu sarvātmā bhūta-sākṣī prapaśyati ||2||*
**Relevance:** One who perceives the Self as the witness to all beings and sees all beings as expressions of the Self, truly understands the essence of unity.
This verse emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of recognizing the Self in all beings. In modern times, this perspective encourages empathy and compassion, fostering a deeper sense of unity and understanding in a diverse world.
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3. **यस्तु योगमिच्छन्ति सदा मुक्तात्मा तत्त्वतः।**
**न योगायास्ति किञ्चिद्यथा योगेष्वपि॥3॥**
**yastu yogamicchanti sadā muktātmā tattvataḥ |**
**na yogāyāsti kiñcid yathā yogeṣv api ||3||**
**Phonetic:**
*yastu yoga-micchanti sadā muktātma tattvataḥ |*
*na yogāyāsti kiñcid yathā yogeṣv api ||3||*
**Relevance:** One who desires yoga and liberation always remains a liberated soul in essence. There is nothing lacking in true yoga practice.
This verse reflects the completeness inherent in genuine spiritual practice. In contemporary life, it serves as a reminder that true fulfillment and liberation are found within, rather than in external accomplishments or practices.
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4. **यस्तु बन्धनमुक्तात्मा निराकारोऽधिकृतः।**
**न बन्धनं त्यजत्येकं योगस्तं पश्यति॥4॥**
**yastu bandhanamuktātma nirākāro'dhikṛtaḥ |**
**na bandhanaṁ tyajaty ekaṁ yogastam paśyati ||4||**
**Phonetic:**
*yastu bandhana-muktātma nirākāraḥ adhikṛtaḥ |*
*na bandhanaṁ tyajaty ekaṁ yogaḥ tam paśyati ||4||*
**Relevance:** The liberated soul who sees no form or bondage, and who does not abandon but transcends bondage, is the true yogi.
This teaching highlights the concept of transcending rather than rejecting the material world. In a modern context, it suggests that true spirituality involves rising above material constraints while still engaging with the world meaningfully.
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5. **यस्तु प्राप्नोति बन्धनं तु योगसिद्धं न लभते।**
**न बन्धनं लभते सत्त्वं योगमात्मविनिश्चयः॥5॥**
**yastu prāpnoti bandhanaṁ tu yogasiddhaṁ na labhate |**
**na bandhanaṁ labhate sattvaṁ yogamātma-viniścayaḥ ||5||**
**Phonetic:**
*yastu prāpnoti bandhanaṁ tu yoga-siddhaṁ na labhate |*
*na bandhanaṁ labhate sattvaṁ yoga-mātma-viniścayaḥ ||5||*
**Relevance:** One who attains bondage through imperfect practice but does not achieve true realization, does not gain freedom. True yoga is attained by understanding the Self.
This verse emphasizes the importance of authentic spiritual practice and self-realization over superficial achievements. In today’s world, it reminds us that genuine spiritual growth requires a deep understanding of oneself rather than just external accomplishments.
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### **Relevance of Chapter 11 Today:**
Chapter 11 of the **Ashtavakra Gita** explores the essence of true yoga and liberation, emphasizing the importance of seeing beyond forms and divisions to understand the underlying unity of existence. In contemporary times, where external achievements and material possessions often overshadow inner growth, this chapter serves as a valuable guide to cultivate deeper self-awareness and spiritual realization. It encourages looking beyond surface-level distinctions and recognizing the interconnectedness of all life to achieve true inner peace and liberation.
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