Episode 397, Ashtavakra Gita & King Janak Dialogue: Path to Self-Realization, Liberation & Supreme Peace

The Historic Dialogue of King Janak and Sage Ashtavakra

This is a very important and historic dialogue between King Janak and Sage Ashtavakra. It is a profound conversation that imparts true self-knowledge. Therefore, it should be heard carefully, with full attention to every word, so that its essence can be understood and absorbed deeply. This discourse is also highly valuable for personal growth and life development. Today, we are completing this episode, which focuses on the joy of the soul. This second part of the dialogue between King Janak and Ashtavakra is extremely significant. Let us not waste time and begin.

The Three Fundamental Spiritual Questions

King Janak humbly asked, like a devoted disciple:

• How is true knowledge attained?

• How is liberation achieved?

• How does detachment arise?

In the spiritual path, seekers always revolve around these three essential qualities. Sage Ashtavakra replied: “O beloved, if you desire liberation, renounce desire, anger, greed, and attachment. Give up worldly obsessions. Only then will you become qualified to receive true wisdom.” Qualification is essential. Without inner purity and humility, self-realization is not possible. Ego must be dissolved, and the mind must be disciplined.

Purification Before Receiving Knowledge

Ashtavakra explained that even if a person appears worthy, traces of worldly poison may still remain within. If nectar is poured into an impure vessel, it becomes contaminated.

Ego prevents people from accepting truth. When consciousness does not rise, karmic tendencies continue to repeat. But when self-knowledge awakens, these tendencies are instantly dissolved—just like a computer automatically deleting unwanted files. True transformation begins when one cultivates forgiveness, simplicity, compassion, contentment, and truthfulness.

Understanding the True Self

Ashtavakra introduced Janak to his real nature: “You are not this physical body made of earth, water, fire, air, and space. This body is temporary and will perish. You are the witnessing consciousness within.” By giving up attachment to the body and resting in the Self, one immediately experiences peace, happiness, and freedom. Liberation does not require delay. It can happen instantly when understanding is complete.

Beyond Social Identity

Ashtavakra declared: “O Janak, you are neither Brahmin nor Kshatriya. You do not belong to any social stage or identity. You are pure awareness.” The Self has no connection with the senses. Pleasure and pain are created by the mind. The mind controls the senses, and the intellect governs the mind. Above all is the soul. When this is understood, one becomes free.

Freedom from Doership

Janak was told: “You are free from virtue and sin, pleasure and pain. You are not the doer or enjoyer.”

Ordinary people believe “I am doing this,” due to ego. This is illusion. When ego dissolves, freedom arises. The soul and Brahman (Supreme Reality) are one. The entire universe is an expression of that One Consciousness.

The Nature of the Soul and Supreme Soul

Ashtavakra explained that there is no real difference between the individual soul and the Supreme Soul. When the soul is awakened and empowered by knowledge, it becomes divine. When it forgets its nature, it becomes bound in cycles of birth. Bondage is self-created. Liberation comes through right understanding.

Power of Faith and Belief

Liberation requires deep faith: “I am pure consciousness.” Without faith, transformation cannot happen. Belief shapes destiny. What you believe about yourself determines your spiritual direction. Therefore, one must firmly accept: “I am divine consciousness. I am a pure soul.” This conviction burns ignorance like fire.

Knowledge Removes Fear

Just as a rope appears like a snake in darkness, ignorance creates fear. When knowledge arises, fear disappears. The mind carries layers of past experiences and sorrow from many births. Divine knowledge removes these layers and restores inner peace.

Liberation Is the Fruit of Knowledge

Ashtavakra taught: “If you feel free, you are free. If you feel bound, you are bound. Liberation is the fruit of knowledge.” The soul is already complete, peaceful, and free. It does not need to be attained—it is your true nature.

God Is Everywhere

It is an illusion to think that God is far away in the sky. The Supreme Reality is everywhere—inside and outside. Just as the sky is omnipresent, so is Brahman. Nothing exists separately from it.

Inner Purification Through Practice

Meditation, yoga, and worship purify the inner self. Only a pure heart can sustain divine power. By renouncing desire, anger, greed, and ego, one becomes fit to receive higher consciousness.

Without preparation, claiming divinity leads to ego and downfall.

Janak’s Enlightenment

Because Janak was already qualified, merely listening to Ashtavakra brought instant self-realization.

He realized: “I am pure, peaceful, and flawless. My ego has been burned by knowledge. The entire universe shines through my light.” He became fully detached and liberated.

Path of Continuous Awakening

Repeated study of such wisdom strengthens self-awareness and dissolves pride. It brings new confidence, power, and spiritual light. True self-realization leads to universal welfare and service.

Conclusion

This sacred dialogue teaches us that:

• We are not the body.

• We are pure consciousness.

• Liberation comes through knowledge and renunciation.

• Inner purity and faith are essential.

• The soul and Supreme Reality are one.

Let us live in soul-consciousness, remember the Supreme, serve humanity, and spread peace.

Thank you to all.