Ashtavakra Gita : अष्टावक्रगीता

The Ashtavakra Gita (Sanskrit: अष्टावक्रगीता )

The Ashtavakra Gita, also known as the Ashtavakra Samhita, is a revered ancient text in Hindu philosophy, particularly in the Advaita Vedanta tradition. It is a dialogue between the sage Ashtavakra and King Janaka, exploring profound metaphysical and spiritual concepts. The text is known for its direct and uncompromising exposition of non-dualism (Advaita) and is considered one of the purest expressions of Advaita philosophy.

Historical and Cultural Background

Authorship:

  • The Ashtavakra Gita is attributed to the sage Ashtavakra, a legendary figure known for his wisdom despite his physical deformities. Ashtavakra is said to have had eight bends in his body, which is reflected in his name (“Ashta” means eight and “Vakra” means bent or crooked).

Context:

  • The text is believed to have been composed between the 5th and 8th centuries CE, though exact dates are uncertain. It is written in classical Sanskrit and is structured as a series of dialogues between Ashtavakra and King Janaka, a renowned philosopher-king known for his spiritual insight.

Structure and Content

Organization:

  • The Ashtavakra Gita is composed of 20 chapters (Adhyayas) and contains around 298 verses (Shlokas). The dialogue format allows for an intimate and dynamic exploration of deep philosophical ideas.

Key Themes and Teachings:

  1. Advaita Vedanta (Non-Dualism):
    • The central theme of the Ashtavakra Gita is Advaita Vedanta, which asserts that the individual self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) are one and the same. It emphasizes that the perceived duality of the world is an illusion (Maya).
  2. Nature of the Self:
    • The text teaches that the true nature of the self is pure consciousness, beyond all physical and mental attributes. It is eternal, unchanging, and self-luminous. The self is not the body, mind, or intellect but the witness of all experiences.
  3. Liberation (Moksha):
    • Liberation, or Moksha, is described as the realization of one’s true nature and the cessation of all identification with the transient world. It is achieved through self-inquiry and direct realization of the self’s non-dual nature.
  4. Detachment and Renunciation:
    • The Ashtavakra Gita advocates for complete detachment from worldly desires and attachments. It teaches that true renunciation is not merely physical withdrawal but a deep inner detachment from the ego and material concerns.
  5. Spontaneous Wisdom:
    • The text emphasizes the spontaneous nature of wisdom and realization. It suggests that enlightenment is an immediate and direct experience, not something to be attained through gradual practice or ritual.

Influence and Legacy

Philosophical Significance:

  • The Ashtavakra Gita is highly regarded for its pure and uncompromising exposition of non-dualism. It is often compared to other key Advaita texts like the Upanishads and the works of Adi Shankaracharya.

Spiritual Inspiration:

  • The text has inspired countless spiritual seekers and teachers throughout history. Its direct approach and profound insights continue to resonate with those on the path of self-realization.

Commentaries and Interpretations:

  • Numerous commentaries and interpretations of the Ashtavakra Gita have been written over the centuries, further elucidating its teachings and making them accessible to a wider audience.

Modern Relevance:

  • The Ashtavakra Gita remains a vital text in contemporary spiritual practice. Its teachings on the nature of the self, detachment, and the illusion of duality are relevant to modern seekers looking for inner peace and understanding.

Conclusion

The Ashtavakra Gita is a profound and timeless text that offers deep insights into the nature of reality and the self. Through the dialogue between Ashtavakra and King Janaka, it presents the essence of Advaita Vedanta in a clear and direct manner. Its teachings on non-dualism, detachment, and self-realization continue to inspire and guide spiritual seekers toward the ultimate truth. The legacy of the Ashtavakra Gita endures as a beacon of wisdom in the vast landscape of Hindu philosophy and spirituality.

Hindi Translations of Ashtavakra Gita

There are many Hindi Translations and commentary on the book:

  1. Ashtavakra Gita, Translation of each and every word by Raibahadur Jalim Singh
  2. Ashtavakra Gita, Translated by Swami Akhandanand Saraswati
  3. Ashtavakra Gita – Khemraj Shrikrishna Das Publishers
  4. Ashtavakra Gita – Tr by Acharya Ramananda Saraswati
  5. Ashtavakra Gita – Tr by Abhilash Das

In 2002, Santosh Kumar Mishra submitted a thesis named ‘Ashtawakra Geeta Ka Sameekshatmak Adhyayan’ to the University of Allahabad for the degree of D.Phil.

Also, the Gita Sangrah from Gitapress Gorakhpur has the translation of this Gita. Please visit our Gita Sangrah page.

Ashtavakra Gita | अष्टावक्रगीता

लेखक :Unknown
Book Languageहिंदी | Hindi
Size
  1. Ashtavakra Gita, Translation of each and every word by Raibahadur Jalim Singh (18.7 MB)
  2. Ashtavakra Gita, Translated by Swami Akhandanand Saraswati (3.34 MB)
  3. Ashtavakra Gita – Khemraj Shrikrishna Das Publishers (54.3 MB)
  4. Ashtavakra Gita – Tr by Acharya Ramananda Saraswati (102.3 MB)
  5. Ashtavakra Gita – Tr by Abhilash Das (around 55 MB)

‘Ashtawakra Geeta Ka Sameekshatmak Adhyayan’ – Thesis –  15.1 MB

कुल पृष्ठ :
  1. Ashtavakra Gita, Translation of each and every word by Raibahadur Jalim Singh (405 pages)
  2. Ashtavakra Gita, Translated by Swami Akhandanand Saraswati (93 pages)
  3. Ashtavakra Gita – Khemraj Shrikrishna Das Publishers (180 pages)
  4. Ashtavakra Gita – Tr by Acharya Ramananda Saraswati (322 pages)
  5. Ashtavakra Gita – Tr by Abhilash Das (168 pages)

‘Ashtawakra Geeta Ka Sameekshatmak Adhyayan’ – Thesis –  207 pages

श्रेणी :धार्मिक / Religious, साहित्य / Literature, हिंदू – Hinduism

Ashtavakra Gita, Translation of each and every word by Raibahadur Jalim Singh

18.7 MB       

Ashtavakra Gita, Translated by Swami Akhandanand Saraswati

3.34 MB        

Ashtavakra Gita – Khemraj Shrikrishna Das Publishers

54.3 MB       

Ashtavakra Gita – Tr by Acharya Ramananda Saraswati

102.3 MB –       

Ashtavakra Gita – Tr by Abhilash Das

50.5 MB –       

 ‘Ashtawakra Geeta Ka Sameekshatmak Adhyayan’ –  PhD. Thesis  

  15.1 MB               

Category: Tags: , , , , , ,

Author: Unknown

About Sage Ashtavakra:

Sage Ashtavakra is a highly revered figure in Hindu mythology and philosophy, known for his profound wisdom and the composition of the Ashtavakra Gita, a seminal text in the Advaita Vedanta tradition. Despite his physical deformities, which are reflected in his name (“Ashta” meaning eight and “Vakra” meaning bent or crooked), Ashtavakra is celebrated for his spiritual insights and teachings on non-dualism.

Life and Background

Birth and Early Life:

  • According to legend, Ashtavakra was born with eight deformities due to a curse. His father, the sage Kahoda, cursed him while he was still in his mother’s womb, as the unborn Ashtavakra had corrected his father’s recitation of the Vedas. This curse caused his body to be bent in eight places.

Education and Enlightenment:

  • Despite his physical challenges, Ashtavakra was exceptionally intelligent and spiritually inclined from a young age. His mother, Sujata, ensured that he received a thorough education in the Vedas and other scriptures. Ashtavakra’s quest for knowledge and wisdom led him to his father’s guru, the sage Uddalaka, and later to King Janaka’s court.

Key Episodes and Teachings

Ashtavakra’s Debate:

  • One of the most famous episodes in Ashtavakra’s life is his debate with the learned scholars at King Janaka’s court. Ashtavakra, despite his youth and deformities, defeated the scholars with his profound understanding of the scriptures and his exceptional wisdom. This event demonstrated that true knowledge and wisdom transcend physical appearance and age.

Ashtavakra Gita:

  • The Ashtavakra Gita, attributed to Sage Ashtavakra, is a dialogue between him and King Janaka. This text is a cornerstone of Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism) and offers deep insights into the nature of reality, the self, and ultimate liberation. It emphasizes the oneness of the individual self (Atman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman) and teaches that the perception of duality is an illusion (Maya).

Influence and Legacy

Philosophical Impact:

  • Sage Ashtavakra’s teachings have had a profound impact on the Advaita Vedanta tradition and Hindu philosophy in general. His emphasis on non-dualism and the nature of the self has influenced numerous spiritual teachers and practitioners.

Spiritual Inspiration:

  • Ashtavakra’s life and teachings continue to inspire those on the path of self-realization and spiritual enlightenment. His story demonstrates that true wisdom and spiritual insight are not hindered by physical limitations.

Modern Relevance:

  • The teachings of the Ashtavakra Gita remain relevant to contemporary spiritual seekers. Its direct and uncompromising approach to non-dualism offers a clear path to understanding the nature of the self and achieving inner peace.

Conclusion

Sage Ashtavakra is a revered sage whose life and teachings have left an indelible mark on Hindu philosophy and spirituality. Despite his physical deformities, his profound wisdom and understanding of Advaita Vedanta have inspired countless seekers. The Ashtavakra Gita stands as a testament to his teachings, offering deep insights into the nature of reality and the path to liberation. Ashtavakra’s legacy endures, reflecting the timeless power of his spiritual insights and his unwavering commitment to the truth.

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