Ashtavakra Gita · Verse 13.1 · Janaka speaks
The tranquillity that springs in one who is without anything is rare even when one possesses a loin-cloth. Therefore, giving up renunciation and acceptance, I live happily.
Word by word
अकिञ्चनभवं
akiñcanabhavaṃ
originating in one without anything
adjective, neuter, accusative singular
Describes one established in the eternal Self, who knows himself as distinct from everything of the world and is therefore completely unattached.
स्वास्थ्यं
svāsthyaṃ
tranquillity, self-abidance
noun, neuter, accusative singular
Svāsthya literally means the state of being established in one's own Self. This spiritual tranquillity is uncaused — inherent in the eternal Self, not a product like the joy of health, riches, beauty or fame.
कौपीनत्वे
kaupīnatve
in the state of a loin-cloth
noun, neuter, locative singular
Even the wearing of the loin-cloth is indicative of relative consciousness; a very high state of renunciation is implied.
अपि
api
even
indeclinable particle
दुर्लभम्
durlabham
rare, hard to attain
adjective, neuter, accusative singular
त्यागादाने
tyāgādāne
renunciation and acceptance
noun, neuter, accusative dual
Renunciation also presupposes egoism and attachment; true happiness consists in realizing a still higher state beyond both giving up and taking.
विहाय
vihāya
having given up
gerund (absolutive)
अस्मात्
asmāt
therefore, from this
pronoun, masculine, ablative singular
अहम्
aham
I
pronoun, first person, nominative singular
आसे
āse
I remain, I live
verb, present, 1st person singular (ās)
यथासुखम्
yathāsukham
happily, at ease
adverb
The keynote refrain of the chapter — the sage abides in effortless, unconditioned happiness inherent in the Self.