Six shlokas from Chapter 4 of the **Ashtavakra Gita** in Sanskrit with phonetic transliteration, followed by their relevance in today’s world:
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### **Chapter 4 - अज्ञाननिवृत्तिः (Removal of Ignorance)**
1. **अहो क्षेत्रज्ञमात्मानं चिन्मात्रमविदं ततः।**
**अभूतसर्गे यत्र विश्वं विभाति किम्न मायया॥1॥**
**aho kṣetrajñamātmānaṁ cinmātramavidaṁ tataḥ |**
**abhūtasarge yatra viśvaṁ vibhāti kim na māyayā ||1||**
**Relevance:** This verse expresses amazement at the fact that the Self, which is pure consciousness, shines as the entire universe due to ignorance (Maya). In today's context, it reflects how our limited understanding of reality (through ego, materialism, and distractions) leads us to see separation and division, although everything is one consciousness.
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2. **रज्ज्वां भुजङ्गमिव मे पश्य संसारमोहितम्।**
**रूपं शुद्धचितो यत्र स्फुरति व्योमवद्विभोः॥2॥**
**rajjvāṁ bhujaṅgamiva me paśya saṁsāramohitam |**
**rūpaṁ śuddhacito yatra sphurati vyomavad vibhoḥ ||2||**
**Relevance:** Just as a snake appears in a rope due to delusion, the world of Samsara appears due to ignorance. This verse teaches that the world is merely an illusion, and pure consciousness (Self) is the true essence. In modern life, this helps us realize that the material world and its troubles are temporary, urging us to seek the permanent truth.
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3. **नाहं देहो न मे देहो जीवो नाहमहं हि चित्।**
**अयमेव हि मे बन्धो ममाद्यन्तविकल्पना॥3॥**
**nāhaṁ deho na me deho jīvo nāhamahaṁ hi cit |**
**ayameva hi me bandho mamādyantavikalpanā ||3||**
**Relevance:** This verse emphasizes that one is neither the body nor the ego but pure consciousness. The identification with the body and mind creates bondage. In today's world, where physical appearances and identities dominate, this verse teaches us to transcend superficial identifications and focus on the deeper Self.
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4. **अहो जनसमूहस्य पश्य धैर्यमहो धृतिम्।**
**यदेतन्मरणं भीत्वा मुञ्चत्यायासमात्मनि॥4॥**
**aho janasamūhasya paśya dhairyamaho dhṛtim |**
**yadetanmaraṇaṁ bhītvā muñcatyāyāsamātmani ||4||**
**Relevance:** The verse marvels at the courage and persistence of people who, despite knowing about inevitable death, continue to strive for worldly gains. In today’s fast-paced society, it reminds us that chasing after temporary material success often blinds us to the reality of life and death, urging us to focus on the eternal.
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5. **दुर्लभो विषयत्यागो दुर्लभं तत्त्वदर्शनम्।**
**दुर्लभः सद्गुरुर्लोके दुर्लभोऽहं महाद्युते॥5॥**
**durlabho viṣayatyāgo durlabhaṁ tattvadarśanam |**
**durlabhaḥ sadgurur loke durlabho'haṁ mahādyute ||5||**
**Relevance:** Renouncing attachment to sensory objects, realizing the truth, finding a true Guru, and recognizing one's true Self are all rare. In a world driven by consumerism and distractions, this verse highlights how rare and valuable it is to step back from sensory indulgence and pursue deeper truths.
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6. **अहं निर्विकल्पोऽस्मि न ममेति विचारय।**
**समाधिर्वा सिद्धिर्वा न त्याज्या योगिनो यथा॥6॥**
**ahaṁ nirvikalpo'smi na mameti vicāraya |**
**samādhirvā siddhirvā na tyājyā yogino yathā ||6||**
**Relevance:** This verse emphasizes contemplating that "I am beyond all distinctions, I am without attachment or ownership." For the Yogi, the state of Samadhi or spiritual achievement is not to be abandoned. In today's world, it teaches us the importance of realizing our true, unchanging nature beyond personal possessions and accomplishments.
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### **Relevance of Chapter 4 Today:**
Chapter 4 focuses on the removal of ignorance and the realization of the Self as pure consciousness. It has profound relevance in today’s world, where people are caught up in materialism, superficial identities, and endless distractions. These teachings offer the following insights:
1. **Transcending Materialism:** In a consumer-driven society, this chapter teaches the importance of renouncing attachment to sensory pleasures and focusing on inner fulfillment.
2. **Overcoming Fear of Death:** The chapter encourages us to look beyond the fear of death and the temporary nature of life, fostering a deeper understanding of the eternal Self.
3. **Self-Realization:** In a world that emphasizes the ego and physical identity, the teachings of Chapter 4 remind us of our true, infinite nature, offering a way to attain peace and contentment.
4. **Rarity of True Wisdom:** Finding a true Guru, detaching from worldly pleasures, and realizing the truth are rare accomplishments. This resonates today, as many people struggle to find meaningful guidance in the noise of modern life.
By applying these timeless principles, one can cultivate a more peaceful, purposeful, and enlightened approach to life.
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