Chapter 3

3.1अविनाशिनमात्मानमेकं विज्ञाय तत्त्वतः ।Aṣṭāvakra is questioning why someone who understands their true, unchanging self still desires to gather wealth, suggesting that true…
3.2आत्माज्ञानादहो प्रीतिर्विषयभ्रमगोचरे ।This verse compares the mistake of thinking a seashell is silver to how people mistakenly become attached to the temporary pleasures of…
3.3विश्वं स्फुरति यत्रेदं तरङ्गा इव सागरे ।This verse encourages us to understand that we are connected to the source of all creation, just as waves are part of the sea.
3.4श्रुत्वाऽपि शुद्धचैतन्यमात्मानं अतिसुन्दरम् ।This verse suggests that even when we understand that our true nature is pure and beautiful consciousness, we can still find ourselves…
3.5सर्वभूतेषु चात्मानं सर्वभूतानि चात्मनि ।This verse highlights the surprising fact that even those who truly understand the interconnectedness of all life can still feel a sense…
3.6आस्थितः परमाद्वैतं मोक्षार्थेऽपि व्यवस्थितः ।This verse highlights the irony that someone who understands the ultimate truth of oneness and seeks freedom can still be affected by…
3.7उद्भूतं ज्ञानदुर्मित्रमवधार्यातिदुर्बलः ।This verse reflects on the irony that even someone who understands that pursuing sexual pleasure can hinder true knowledge still longs for…
3.8इहामुत्र विरक्तस्य नित्यानित्यविवेकिनः ।This verse highlights the irony that someone seeking freedom from worldly attachments and understanding the difference between what lasts…
3.9धीरस्तु भोज्यमानोऽपि पीड्यमानोऽपि सर्वदा ।A wise person recognizes their true self and remains calm and balanced, not getting overly happy or upset, regardless of whether they are…
3.10चेष्टमानं शरीरं स्वं पश्यत्यन्यशरीरवत् ।A wise person sees their own body as separate from themselves, so they remain calm and unaffected by what others say, whether it's good or…
3.11मायामात्रमिदं विश्वं पश्यन् विगतकौतुकः ।This verse suggests that when a wise person understands that the world is an illusion and no longer craves the fleeting pleasures of life…
3.12निःस्पृहं मानसं यस्य नैराश्येऽपि महात्मनः ।This verse highlights the greatness of a wise person who is free from desires and finds true happiness in their understanding of…
3.13स्वभावादेव जानानो दृश्यमेतन्न किञ्चन ।A wise person understands that the world around us is not truly real or permanent, so they see no reason to judge things as good or bad.
3.14अन्तस्त्यक्तकषायस्य निर्द्वन्द्वस्य निराशिषः ।This verse means that a person who has let go of all desires and attachments, and who is not affected by opposites like pleasure and pain…

Read every verse in Bija

A verse each day with its meaning, and Sakha to explain it. Free on iOS and Android.