Sage Ashtavakra

In Mahabharata,In the Vana Parva of the Mahabharata, the legend of Ashtavakra is described in greater detail. On losing the game of dice with the Kauravas, the fivePandava princes and Draupadi are exiled for twelve years. On their pilgrimage, they meet the sage Lomasha, who shows the river Samanga to Yudhishthira. Lomasha says that this is the same river, on bathing in which the deformed Ashtavakra was cured of his eight deformities. On being asked by Yudhishthira, Lomasha narrates to the Pandava princes the legend of Ashtavakra, which forms three chapters of the Mahabharata.

It all starts when King Janaka asks the sage Ashtavakra how he can attain Knowledge, detachment, liberation. Ashtavakra tells him. Ashtavakra expounds to King Janaka the characteristic of the self and instructs him on the knowledge of the self that is natural and ever-existent.

It works! Upon hearing Ashtavakra’s words Janaka realizes his True Nature.

Enraptured, he describes the joy and wonder of his new state. An amazed Janaka relates the joy of his own experiences on realizing the subtleties of the principles explained.
Ashtavakra is delighted for Janaka but sees inconsistencies. He fires off a series of confrontational verses about attachment to worldly pleasure. Ashtavakra deprecates the attachments within and without and enunciates the status of the realized.
Janaka asserts that the Lord of the Universe can do as he pleases. Janaka dwells at length on the glory of jnana – the state of self-realization.
Ashtavakra does not disagree, but in a terse four verses points to the next step dissolution. Ashtavakra instructs Janaka that the world and its objects and the experiences in the world are all imagines and unreal and exhorts him therefore to gain equanimity of perception and get dissolved in the self.
Janaka says “I know that already,” matching him in style and number of verses. Janaka replies that the self being the substratum of the circumscribed world of insentience, the question of rejecting it or accepting it or making it naught doesn’t arise.

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Unable to leave it at that, however, Janaka goes on to further describe his enlightened state. Janaka says that the knower of the self is one who is firmly poised in the expansive or limitless experience and sees only one and therefore the world appearances create no impact either favorable or unfavorable in him; nor do they generate attraction or repulsion towards them.

Advait Philosophy:

1.    Astavakra preach about spiritual experience or enlightenment as under:
a.   People reside in body, mind, buddhi and ego where he feels about pleasure-pain. Anger, greed, attachment, lust etc. arise from them.
b.   Away from body, mind, buddhi and ego, is pure consciousness (Jivatma, soul). Jivatma is non-doer, non-enjoyer, not bound but only witness. Experience of Jivatma is moksha. All individual jivatma combined together are Brahman.   
c.   Sri Ashtavakra claims that spiritual experience or enlightenment or wisdom (आत्मज्ञान) can be instantaneous. However, it has three requisites viz. one should be seeker, one should be is worthy for it and presence of enlightened teacher (सद्गुरु).
d.   To be worthy, one should be free from ego, absolute surrender, free from sentiments (feelings, attitudes) of body & mind, emptiness from knowledge of scriptures and make himself free from external benefits.

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1. Shankaracharya (788 – 820 AD) made commentaries on various scriptures of Hinduism including several Upanishads. He wrote on philosophy of Advait Vedant i.e. non dualism. As per the philosophy, this world is an illusion (maya); only Brahman (Parabrahman) is ultimate reality and jiva is not different from Brahman.
2. In 15th century, saint Kabir explained the advait philosophy in his poetry of “Moko Kahaan Dhunde Re Bande”. The lyrics & Translation are as under:

मोको कहाँ ढूंढे रे बन्दे | मै तो तेरे पास में | ना तीरथ में ना मूरत में |ना एकांत निवास में | ना मंदिर में ना मस्जिद में | ना काबे कैलास में | ना में जप में ना में तप में | ना में बरत उपास में | ना में क्रिया करम में रहता |नहिं जोग संन्यास में | ना ब्रह्माण्ड आकाश में | ना में प्रकृति प्रवार गुफा में | नहिं स्वांसो की स्वांस में | खोजि होए तुरत मिल जाऊं | इक पल की तालास में |कहत कबीर सुनो भई साधो |मै तो हूँ विश्वास में |

Where do you search me? I am with you, Not in pilgrimage, nor in icons; Neither in solitary living; Not in temples, nor in mosques; Neither in Kaba nor in Kailas; Not in prayers, nor in meditation; Neither in fasting or prohibition; Not in vedic procedure; Nor in yogic postures; Not even in sky or universe; Neither in womb of nature; Not in the breath of the breaths; If you are a true seeker; In a moment than you discover; Says Kabir, listen with care, where your faith is, I am there.

Ashtavakra’s profound understanding of the scriptures and philosophical concepts enabled
him to defeat Bandin decisively. His victory led to the release of the sages, including his father,
who had been defeated and imprisoned by Bandin. This triumph underscored Ashtavakra’s
spiritual and intellectual prowess, earning him great respect and admiration.

Sage Ashtavakra: The Radical Voice of Self-Realization and Inner Freedom

Sage Ashtavakra is one of the most profound and unconventional spiritual thinkers in Indian philosophy. His teachings are known for their sharp clarity and directness, pointing straight to the nature of the Self without unnecessary rituals, practices, or gradual steps. His life and wisdom continue to inspire seekers who are drawn to pure non-dual understanding.

According to traditional accounts, Sage Ashtavakra was born with a twisted physical body due to a curse, which is why he was named “Ashtavakra,” meaning “eight bends.” However, this physical condition did not define his inner identity. From a very young age, Sage Ashtavakra demonstrated extraordinary wisdom and an intense awareness of truth that went far beyond his age.

One of the most famous stories about Sage Ashtavakra is his debate with King Janaka, a highly learned ruler. During this encounter, Sage Ashtavakra impressed the royal court with his profound understanding of reality. This meeting became the foundation of the teachings recorded in the Ashtavakra Gita, a dialogue between Sage Ashtavakra and King Janaka on the nature of consciousness and liberation.

The core message of Sage Ashtavakra is radical simplicity: you are already free. According to him, the true Self is untouched by the body, mind, or external world. He taught that bondage and liberation are both illusions created by ignorance. Once a person recognizes their true nature, they realize that they were never bound in the first place.

Unlike many spiritual traditions that emphasize long practices and disciplined effort, Sage Ashtavakra’s teaching is immediate and direct. He pointed out that seeking itself can become an obstacle if it reinforces the idea that something is missing. Instead, he encouraged deep self-awareness and recognition of the present truth.

Another powerful aspect of Sage Ashtavakra’s philosophy is his rejection of identification with the body and mind. He explained that the Self is pure consciousness—unchanging, infinite, and beyond all limitations. When a person realizes this truth, fear, desire, and suffering naturally dissolve.

The teachings of Sage Ashtavakra are considered advanced because they challenge common assumptions about spiritual progress. He does not offer a step-by-step path but instead points directly to realization. This makes his wisdom both simple and deeply transformative for sincere seekers.

Even today, the Ashtavakra Gita is studied by philosophers, yogis, and spiritual seekers around the world. Its message continues to resonate with those who are drawn to non-dual awareness and inner freedom. Sage Ashtavakra’s voice stands out for its clarity and uncompromising truth.

In essence, Sage Ashtavakra represents the ultimate reminder that freedom is not something to be achieved but something to be recognized. His life and teachings invite seekers to go beyond all identities and discover the pure awareness that has always been present within.heartfelt devotion to Lord Krishna.