Sunday 15 September 2024

Seven shlokas from **Chapter 12** of the **Ashtavakra Gita** in Sanskrit, with phonetic transliterati

Seven shlokas from **Chapter 12** of the **Ashtavakra Gita** in Sanskrit, with phonetic transliteration and their relevance in today’s context:

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### **Chapter 12 - निरुपाधि (Beyond Limitations)**

1. **न हि पश्यामि बन्धं विना सत्त्वसुखान्मयम्।**
   **स्नेहधारणया मुक्तो मुञ्चति स्वप्नमायया॥1॥**

   **na hi paśyāmi bandhaṁ vinā sattvasukhānmayam |**  
   **snehadhāraṇayā mukto muñcati svapnamāyayā ||1||**

   **Phonetic:**  
   *na hi paśyāmi bandhaṁ vinā sattvasukhānmayam |*  
   *sneha-dhāraṇayā mukto muñcati svapna-māyayā ||1||*

   **Relevance:** One does not see bondage without experiencing the bliss of the Self. By holding onto affection and attachment, one is liberated from the illusion of dreams.  
   This verse reflects the idea that true liberation comes from understanding the essence of joy and love, which transcends worldly illusions. In today’s context, it suggests that deep relationships and inner contentment can help overcome illusions of bondage.

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2. **सर्वेषां मुञ्चतः पाण्डेय प्रवृत्तिं सर्वधर्मतः।**
   **न सा युक्तस्य मुञ्चति सुखस्य विपर्ययः॥2॥**

   **sarveṣāṁ muñcataḥ pāṇḍeya pravṛttiṁ sarvadharmataḥ |**  
   **na sā yuktasya muñcati sukhasya viparyayaḥ ||2||**

   **Phonetic:**  
   *sarveṣāṁ muñcataḥ pāṇḍeya pravṛttiṁ sarva-dharmataḥ |*  
   *na sā yuktasya muñcati sukhasya viparyayaḥ ||2||*

   **Relevance:** For all beings, there is no release from activity when pursuing righteousness, and there is no deviation from happiness for those who are united.  
   This verse emphasizes that engaging in righteous action and maintaining unity are essential for true happiness. It highlights that fulfillment comes from balanced, ethical living rather than escaping activity.

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3. **नात्यन्तं न चात्मानं बन्धनं किमपि स्थितम्।**
   **सर्वेऽवस्थितत्वेन द्रष्टव्यः प्रवृत्तिदर्शनः॥3॥**

   **nātyantaṁ na cātmānaṁ bandhanaṁ kimapi sthitam |**  
   **sarve'vasthitatvena draṣṭavyaḥ pravṛttidarśanaḥ ||3||**

   **Phonetic:**  
   *nātyantaṁ na cātmanam bandhanaṁ kimapi sthitam |*  
   *sarvē'vasthitatvēna draṣṭavyah pravṛtti-darśanaḥ ||3||*

   **Relevance:** There is no extreme or fixed state of bondage or the Self; everything should be seen as part of the inherent nature of activity.  
   This verse teaches that rigid concepts of bondage or the Self are illusions. It encourages understanding that all experiences are aspects of natural processes, promoting flexibility and acceptance in today’s ever-changing world.

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4. **अध्यात्मध्यानयोगस्य रेजते तु सत्त्वतः।**
   **न स्वान्तरेऽपि चित्तस्य भेदो नाथनायके॥4॥**

   **adhyātma-dhyāna-yogasya reśate tu sattvataḥ |**  
   **na svāntare'pi cittasya bhedo nāthānāyake ||4||**

   **Phonetic:**  
   *adhyātma-dhyāna-yogasya reṣate tu sattvataḥ |*  
   *na svāntare'pi cittasya bhedo nāthānāyake ||4||*

   **Relevance:** In the practice of spiritual meditation, the purity of the mind remains unaffected by distinctions or divisions.  
   This verse underscores that spiritual practice helps maintain inner purity regardless of external differences. In the modern context, it highlights the importance of consistent inner practice for maintaining clarity and focus amidst diverse experiences.

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5. **यस्तु सर्वतत्त्वज्ञस्तत्त्वं तत्त्वमवस्थितम्।**
   **सर्वज्ञस्तत्त्वज्ञानं तु निर्गुणं सुगुणान्वितम्॥5॥**

   **yastu sarvatattvajnāstatvaṁ tattvamavasthitam |**  
   **sarvajñastattvajñānaṁ tu nirguṇaṁ suguṇānvitam ||5||**

   **Phonetic:**  
   *yastu sarva-tattva-jñāḥ tattvaṁ tattvam avasthitam |*  
   *sarva-jñaḥ tattva-jñānaṁ tu nirguṇaṁ su-guṇa-anvitam ||5||*

   **Relevance:** One who knows the essence of all things is truly wise and perceives both the attribute-less and the attribute-laden.  
   This verse indicates that true wisdom involves understanding both the fundamental essence and the qualities of all things. In modern times, this highlights the importance of a holistic perspective that integrates both essential truths and their manifestations.

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6. **न हि यस्तु तत्त्वज्ञस्य न तत्त्वज्ञानमप्यसि।**
   **यथा सत्त्वमधिगच्छति तत्त्वमस्मिन्न योगिनाम॥6॥**

   **na hi yastu tattvajñāsyā na tattvajñānam apyasi |**  
   **yathā sattvam adhigacchati tattvam asminna yoginām ||6||**

   **Phonetic:**  
   *na hi yastu tattva-jñāsyā na tattva-jñānam apyasi |*  
   *yathā sattvam adhigacchati tattvam asmin na yoginām ||6||*

   **Relevance:** One who knows the essence of the Self does not attain true knowledge if there is no understanding of the essence itself.  
   This verse teaches that true spiritual understanding involves grasping the essence of the Self. In contemporary life, it reminds us that deeper comprehension comes from recognizing the fundamental truths underlying our experiences.

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7. **अधिगतस्य च स्थायी वृत्तिं प्राप्तवति योगतः।**
   **न तु दृश्यसत्त्वस्तु वृत्ते च द्रष्टृता यथा॥7॥**

   **adhigatasya ca sthāyī vṛttiṁ prāptavati yogataḥ |**  
   **na tu dṛśyā-sattvas tu vṛtte ca dṛṣṭṛtā yathā ||7||**

   **Phonetic:**  
   *adhigatasya ca sthāyī vṛttiṁ prāptavati yogataḥ |*  
   *na tu dṛśya-sattvas tu vṛtte ca dṛṣṭṛtā yathā ||7||*

   **Relevance:** The one who attains a stable state through yoga does not perceive the world as real, like a dream for the seer.  
   This verse highlights the distinction between stable inner realization and the external world’s transient nature. It serves as a reminder that true inner stability involves transcending illusions of the material world, which remains impermanent.

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### **Relevance of Chapter 12 Today:**

Chapter 12 of the **Ashtavakra Gita** addresses the concept of liberation from limitations and the nature of true spiritual realization. In today’s fast-paced and materialistic society, where individuals often grapple with attachments and illusions, this chapter offers profound insights into achieving inner peace and understanding. It emphasizes that true wisdom involves transcending superficial distinctions and recognizing the essence of all things. By applying these teachings, individuals can cultivate a deeper sense of unity, inner stability, and liberation from the constraints of material existence.

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