Muktim Ichchhasi Chet Tata (Ashtavakra Gita 1.11) — Word-by-Word Meaning
मुक्तिमिच्छसि चेत्तात (अष्टावक्र गीता १.११)
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
मुक्तिम्
muktim
liberation, freedom (moksha)
इच्छसि
icchasi
you desire, you wish for
चेत्
cet
if
तात
tāta
dear one, my child (a term of affection used by the teacher Ashtavakra for his student Janaka)
विषयान्
viṣayān
the objects of the senses, sense-pleasures
विषवत्
viṣavat
like poison
त्यज
tyaja
abandon, give up, renounce
क्षमा
kṣamā
forbearance, forgiveness, patience
आर्जव
ārjava
straightforwardness, sincerity, uprightness
दया
dayā
compassion, kindness
तोष
toṣa
contentment, satisfaction
सत्यम्
satyam
truth, truthfulness
पीयूषवत्
pīyūṣavat
like nectar, like ambrosia (amrita)
भज
bhaja
partake of, cultivate, resort to, embrace
Complete Translation
My child, if you wish for liberation, then shun the objects of the senses as you would shun poison; and embrace forgiveness, sincerity, compassion, contentment and truth as if they were nectar.
Origin & History
Source: Ashtavakra Gita (Ashtavakra Samhita), Chapter 1, Verse 11
Author: Sage Ashtavakra (traditional)
Period: Ancient (text compiled in classical period)
The Ashtavakra Gita records the dialogue between the sage Ashtavakra — born with eight bends in his body, hence his name — and the philosopher-king Janaka. When Janaka asks how knowledge, liberation and detachment are attained, Ashtavakra begins his teaching with this verse, prescribing renunciation of sense-craving and cultivation of virtue as the foundation of the path that culminates in direct realization of the Self.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this verse come from?▼
It is verse 1.11 of the Ashtavakra Gita (also called Ashtavakra Samhita), a classical Advaita Vedanta text recording the dialogue between the sage Ashtavakra and King Janaka of Mithila. This is the sage's opening instruction.
Why are sense-pleasures compared to poison?▼
Like poison, sense-objects may taste pleasant for a moment but ultimately bind the soul to repeated birth, agitation and suffering. The verse asks the seeker to recognize this and turn instead to the virtues that nourish and free the spirit, which it compares to nectar (amrita).
Does this verse ask us to abandon all duties and pleasures?▼
It teaches inner detachment, not necessarily outward abandonment. The point is to stop clinging to sense-objects as the source of happiness, and to ground oneself in virtue and self-knowledge. Janaka, to whom it was spoken, was a king who continued to rule while remaining inwardly free.
What are the five virtues mentioned?▼
Kshama (forgiveness/forbearance), arjava (sincerity/straightforwardness), daya (compassion), tosha (contentment), and satya (truth). The verse says to embrace these as one would joyfully drink nectar.
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