Ashtavakra Gita - Traditional Vedanta Books - Nisargadatta Maharaj

The Song of Ashtavakra, also known as Ashtavakra Samhita is an Advaita Vedanta scripture which documents a dialogue between the Perfect Master Ashtavakra and Janaka, the King of Mithila. Ashtavakra Gita presents the traditional teachings of Advaita Vedanta. Ashtavakra's bent body - originally a symbol of disease and weakness ultimately represents the symbol of true and all powerful knowledge by the end of his journey. 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 Atman). Ashtavakra Gita is a dialogue between Ashtavakra and Janaka on the nature of soul, reality and bondage. It offers an extremely radical version of non-dualistic philosophy. The Gita insists on complete unreality of external world and absolute oneness of existence. It 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.

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