Welcome Remarks by the Director during Vimarsh-cum-book release of the book 'Life, Death, and the Ashtavakra Gita' on 13 Aug 2024

We are delighted to organise today’s book release function 'Life, Death, and the Ashtavakra Gita’ authored by Dr Bibek Debroy and Dr. Hindol Sengupta is a unique book. It has an interesting format. In Part I, Bibek Debroy provides an English translation of Ashtavakra Gita which is found in chapters 132 to 134 of Vana Parava of the Mahabharata. A dialogue between King Janaka and Sage Ashtavakra, son of Sage Kahoda, it is a text about Advaita Vedanta. It begins with Janaka asking Ashtavakra, how does one acquire Jhana, Mukti and Vairagya to which Ashtavakra’s replies “if you desire Mukti, cast aside material object, as they are poison. Like nectar, practice forgiveness, compassion, contentment and truth. Herein lies the core teaching of Ashtavakra Gita.

Bibek Debroy is a renowned translate scholar who has translated both Ramayana and Mahabharata from Sanskrit into English and is now working on translating the Puranas and other Hindu texts. The Ashtavakra translation is uncomplicated, easy to read and understand.

In part -2, Hindol Sengupta writes how Ashtavakra Gita transformed his life at a time when he was experiencing crises in his personal life. Mr Sengupta is an acclaimed author and a journalist. He has won many awards including the Wilbur Award for his book ‘Being Hindu’. He has written with great sensitivity about his experiences during the Covid time. Most of us can relate with what he would have gone through. At times of difficulty, we turn to the scriptures, gurus and wise men to overcome our own shortcomings and to seek guidance on how to make sense of life and its conundrums. The lesson he takes from Ashtavakra Gita, as he quotes it on the last pages of the book is that remaining of ‘content’ in any circumstance or situation.

Bhagwad Gita is one of the greatest books ever written Karma yoga, is a part of the Bhagwad Gita’s message. One is supposed to do one’s karma with a sense of renunciation, and complete detachment from the outcome of action. Misery arises out of duality. Ashtavakra Gita gives step further. Ashtavakra Gita delivers the same message but with great clarity and force. As Hindol Sengupta quotes, from a shloka in Ashtavakra Gita:

“Material objects are panthers… tuskers…”

The key lesson for Hindol Sengupta was ‘stop trying’. Do not try to control. Let go. Efforts and plans are useless.

Further, Ashtavakra Gita says-

Ashtavakra Gita’s messages are delivered in a direct and stark manner. That is its strength. After reading the Bhagwad Gita, one should read Ashtavakra Gita, to get the essential summary of the Upanishads message of Mukti, Jnana and Vairagya