Astătavakra said:

Duties done and not done,
then the pairs of opposites -
when do they cease
and for whom ?
Knowing thus, be desireless and intent
on renunciation through indifference. 9.1

Rare indeed, my child is that blessed
one whom by observing the ways of men,
had extinguished its desire for life,
longing for enjoyment and learning. 9.2

Things are all very transient
and then vitiated by threefold misery, (*)
knowing this the wise men is calm. 9.3

   Note:   viz. pertaining to the mind, & body
   caused by animate & unanimated objects,
   and natural disasters.

What is the time or that age in which
the pairs of opposites do not exist for men ?
whoever quits those and is content with
what comes of itself attains perfection. 9.4

Seeing the diversity of opinion among
great seers, saints and yogins,
what man is not there who became
indifferent and obtain quietude. 9.5

He who gains knowledge of the true nature
of pure Consciousness by reasoning, and
indifference and equanimity and thus
saves him/herself from the round of birth
and rebirth; is he/she not a spiritual guide ? 9.6

Look upon the modifications of the elements
as nothing but the primary elements at work,
and you will at once be free from bondage
and abide in your true self. 9.7

Desires, surely the world are.
The renunciation to desires
is renunciation to the world !
now you may live wherever it may be. 9.10

XIX   Detachment.
Home  ||  Introduction  ||  Contents  ||  I  ||  II  ||  III  ||  IV  ||  V  || 
VI  ||  VII  ||  VIII  ||  IX  ||  X  ||  XI  ||  XII  ||   XIII  ||  XIV  ||  XV  || 
XVI  ||  XVII  ||  XVIII a  ||  XVIII b  ||  XVIII c  ||  XVIII d  ||  XIX  || 
                                                XX  || 
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