How spirituality helps
Till now in Ashtavakra Gita we've discussed the "cause and effect" relation between the action and the reaction to a situation, the difference between the situation of pleasure & pain and what could be the cause. Now, Muni Ashtavakra is explaining the true knowledge with meticulous details by giving the example. He says consider yourself to be a clay, if any kind of pressure is applied, the clay changes its shape. So, that change can only be observed by the clay, which was there before and after the change, only the form changes and not the clay.
Like we discussed before, in order to experience the
change, there should be something which is constant. Hence, he is asking Janaka
to come back to his steady state of "Sat Chit Anand" (Existence-Consciousness-Bliss)"
which is calm in all sorts of situations. Like a still water that reflects when
you see your face in it. As soon as the surface has a turbulence the image gets
distorted. Same thing happens with your mind as well. Everything that we
perceive through our five senses leaves a mark on our consciousness. This
constant wear and tear can drift us far away from being at a state of
"Sthith Pragya" "The Steady Wisdom".
He reminds the king that you are not bound by the body,
so there is no question to be free from it. He speaks that "Anatma"
is your petty understanding of who you are. Whereas "Atma" is being
free from that petty image that you've created of yourself and understanding
your actual self. Anatma only keeps you in the constant loop of pain and
pleasure. Whereas unburdening your mind from that escorts you back to “Atma”.
Now you don’t crave for pleasure, but you are in a blissful state already. Lastly, have you ever wondered what happens when you are in a deep sleep, not in dreams, not awake! What happens to your consciousness then. The objective behind this example is to bring a bit more clarity on the fact that you are not the body, hence not bound by it. Understanding this is considered paramount in spirituality.
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