Ashtavakra Gita
Radhakamal Mukerjee, an Indian social scientist, dated the book to the period immediately after the Hindu scripture Bhagavad Gita at c. 500, 400 BCE. J. L. Brockington, emeritus professor of Sanskrit at the University of Edinburgh, places the Ashtavakra Gita much later, supposing it to have been written either in the eighth century CE by a follower of Adi Shankara, or in the fourteenth century during a resurgence of Shankara's teaching. Sri Swami Shantananda Puri suggests that since the book contains the seed of the theory of non-creation Ajata Vada developed later by Gaudapada in Mandookya Karika, this book comes from a period prior to that of Gaudapada (6th century CE) and hence prior to Shankara. The debate spans over a millennium of Indian history, with scholars unable to agree on a single point of origin. This uncertainty leaves the text floating between ancient scripture and medieval philosophy. Future research may yet pinpoint a specific era for the composition.
Ashtavakra Gita is a dialogue between Ashtavakra and Janaka on the nature of Self/Atman, reality and bondage. It offers a radical version of non-dualist philosophy that insists on the complete unreality of the external world and absolute oneness of existence. The text does not mention any morality or duties, and therefore is seen by commentators as 'godless'. It also dismisses names and forms as unreal and a sign of ignorance. In a conversation between Janaka and Ashtavakra, pertaining to the deformity of his crooked body, Ashtavakra explains that the size of a temple is not affected by how it is shaped, and the shape of his own body does not affect himself. The ignorant man's vision is shrouded by names and forms, but a wise man sees only the Self. This radical stance challenges conventional religious frameworks that rely on ritual and moral duty. The text's rejection of external reality sets the stage for its unique spiritual path.
The book comprises 15 chapters, though some sources list 20 distinct sections ranging from Saksi to Akincanabhava. Chapter I Saksi presents the Vision of the Self as the All-pervading Witness. Chapter II Ascaryam explores the Marvel of the Infinite Self Beyond Nature. Chapter III Atmadvaita describes Self in All and All in the Self. Chapter IV Sarvamatma discusses the Knower and the Non-knower of the Self. Chapter V Laya covers Stages of Dissolution of Consciousness. Chapter VI Prakrteh Parah addresses the Irrelevance of Dissolution of Consciousness. Chapter VII Santa depicts a Tranquil and Boundless Ocean of the Self. Chapter VIII Moksa offers Absolute and Eternal Freedom from all kinds of self assumed Bondages. Chapter IX Nirveda presents Indifference. Chapter X Vairagya describes Dispassion. Chapter XI Cittrupa shows the Self as Pure and Radiant Intelligence. Chapter XII Svabhava details the Ascent of Contemplation. Chapter XIII Yathasukham explores Transcendent Bliss. Chapter XIV Isvara covers Natural Dissolution of the Mind. Chapter XV Tattvam discusses the Unborn Self or Brahman. Chapter XVI Svasthya focuses on Self-Abidance through Obliteration of the World. Chapter XVII Kaivalya describes Absolute Aloneness of the Self. Chapter XVIII Jivanmukti presents the State of the being where the individual has attained salvation while being alive. Chapter XIX Svamahima reveals the Majesty of the Self. Chapter XX Akincanabhava concludes with Transcendence of the Self. The progression moves from self-vision to absolute aloneness, creating a structured path through non-dualist thought. This chapter arrangement guides the reader from initial recognition to final liberation.
The work was known, appreciated and quoted by Ramakrishna and his disciple Vivekananda, as well as Ramana Maharshi. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan refers to it with great respect. Osho called Ashtavakra Gita as Mahageeta. The text continues to inspire people across the modern spiritual landscape. The first musical form of Ashtavakra Gita Saksi I (Chapter 1) was set in the raga Svadhya by Composer Raleigh Rajan. This musical adaptation brought ancient wisdom into contemporary artistic expression. The text's influence extends beyond traditional religious circles into modern philosophical discourse. Its radical non-dualist philosophy resonates with seekers looking for direct experience over ritualistic practice. The work's enduring appeal suggests a timeless quality that transcends historical periods. Future generations may find new interpretations in its pages.
Lala Baij Nath was the first to translate this text into English in 1907. Swami Nityaswarupananda has written a word by word translation from 1929 to 1931. Radhakamal Mukerjee (1889-1968) continued the discourse into English with his work posthumously published in 1971. Scott R. Stroud (2004), wrote on the Astavakra Gita as a work of multivalent narrative. The Heart of Awareness: A Translation of the Ashtavakra Gita (Shambhala Dragon Editions) translated by Thomas Byrom, 1990. Swami Chinmayananda wrote a commentary on the Ashtavakra Gita, which has references to the Upanishads to help convey the meaning of the text. John Richards published an English translation of the Ashtavakra Gita in 1997. Osho has given commentary on Ashtavakra Gita in a long series of 91 discourses named as Ashtavakra Mahageeta, given in his Pune Ashram. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has given commentary on Ashtavakra Gita in Hindi and English. Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai has given commentary on Ashtavakra Gita through 60 discourses totalling more than 116 hours. The Book has also been translated into Urdu language with the title of Mehak-e-Agahi, 2021. Alexandra David-Néel, translated the text from Sanskrit into French, title Astavakra Gîtâ, 1951. These translations and commentaries have made the text accessible to diverse audiences worldwide. The evolution of English translations reflects changing scholarly and spiritual priorities over the last century.
Common questions
When was the Ashtavakra Gita written?
Scholars date the Ashtavakra Gita to various periods, with Radhakamal Mukerjee suggesting c. 500-400 BCE and J. L. Brockington proposing the eighth century CE or fourteenth century CE. Sri Swami Shantananda Puri argues for a period prior to the sixth century CE based on the text's content.
Who are the main characters in the Ashtavakra Gita?
The Ashtavakra Gita is a dialogue between Ashtavakra and Janaka that explores the nature of the Self, reality, and bondage. Ashtavakra explains to Janaka that physical deformity does not affect the true Self.
How many chapters are in the Ashtavakra Gita?
The book comprises 15 chapters, though some sources list 20 distinct sections ranging from Saksi to Akincanabhava. The progression moves from self-vision to absolute aloneness, creating a structured path through non-dualist thought.
Who translated the Ashtavakra Gita into English?
Lala Baij Nath was the first to translate this text into English in 1907. Subsequent translations include works by Swami Nityaswarupananda, Thomas Byrom, and John Richards published in 1997.
What is the central philosophy of the Ashtavakra Gita?
The text offers a radical version of non-dualist philosophy that insists on the complete unreality of the external world and absolute oneness of existence. It dismisses names and forms as unreal and does not mention any morality or duties.
Who has commented on the Ashtavakra Gita in modern times?
The work was known and appreciated by Ramakrishna, Vivekananda, Ramana Maharshi, and Osho. Modern commentators include Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai who provided 60 discourses totaling more than 116 hours.
All sources
15 references cited across the entry
- 1BookThe Quantum Leap into the Absolute (Essence of ASHTAVAKRA GITA)Sri Swami Shantananda Puri — Parvathamma C.P. Subbaraju Setty Charitable Trust — 2001
- 3BookBitten by the Black Snake: The Ancient Wisdom of AshtavakraManuel Schoch — Sentient Publications — 1 July 2007
- 4BookGandhi's Tiger and Sita's Smile: Essays on Gender, Sexuality, and CultureRuth Vanita — Yoda Press — 2005
- 5JournalFull of God: Ashtavakra and Ideas of Justice in Hindu TextsRuth Vanita — 12 September 2010
- 8BookAṣṭāvakra saṁhitā : text with word-for-word translation, English rendering, comments and indexAdvaita Ashrama — 1996
- 14BookAshtavakra GitaSri Sri Ravi Shankar — Sri Sri Publications Trust — 2010
- 15Ashtavakra GitaShrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur