Ashtavakra Gita · Verse 1.18 · Ashtavakra speaks
Know that which has form to be unreal, and the formless to be permanent. Through this instruction in truth, rebirth becomes impossible.
Word by word
साकारम्
sākāram
that which has form, the formed
adjective, neuter, accusative singular
अनृतम्
anṛtam
unreal, false
adjective, neuter, accusative singular
Anṛta: the unreal — body, mind and all phenomena with form. They appear to exist but have no independent reality beyond the formless Self.
विद्धि
viddhi
know, realize
verb, imperative 2nd person singular, vid
निराकारम्
nirākāram
the formless, without form
adjective, neuter, accusative singular
निश्चलम्
niścalam
permanent, immovable, steady
adjective, neuter, accusative singular
तत्त्वोपदेशेन
tattvopadaśena
through instruction in truth/reality
compound noun (tattva + upadeśa), masculine, instrumental singular
Tattva: the truth or reality of the Self. Upadeśa: spiritual instruction from the guru. This verse concludes the essential teaching of chapter 1.
पुनर्भवसम्भवः
punarbhavasambhavaḥ
the possibility of rebirth
compound noun (punar + bhava + sambhava), masculine, nominative singular
Rebirth is caused solely by identifying the eternal Self with body, mind, etc. Self-knowledge destroys this identification and thereby ends the cycle of rebirth.