यदि देहं पृथक् कृत्य (अष्टावक्र गीता १.३) — Word-by-Word Meaning
यदि देहं पृथक् कृत्य (अष्टावक्र गीता १.३)
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
यदि
yadi
if
देहम्
deham
the body
पृथक्
pṛthak
separate, apart, distinct
कृत्य
kṛtya
having made, having set apart (i.e. detaching identity from)
चिति
citi
in pure consciousness, in the Self (Chit)
विश्राम्य
viśrāmya
having rested, reposing, abiding
तिष्ठसि
tiṣṭhasi
you remain, you abide, you stay established
अधुना
adhunā
now, at this very moment
एव
eva
indeed, verily (emphatic — right now itself)
सुखी
sukhī
happy, full of bliss
शान्तः
śāntaḥ
peaceful, tranquil, at rest
बन्धमुक्तः
bandha-muktaḥ
freed from bondage, liberated
भविष्यसि
bhaviṣyasi
you will become, you shall be
Complete Translation
यदि तुम देह को (अपने से) पृथक् करके चित् (शुद्ध चैतन्य) में विश्राम करते हुए स्थित हो जाओ, तो अभी इसी क्षण सुखी, शान्त और बन्धन से मुक्त हो जाओगे।
Origin & History
Source: Ashtavakra Gita (Ashtavakra Samhita), Chapter 1, Verse 3
Author: Sage Ashtavakra (traditional)
Period: Ancient (text compiled in classical period)
Early in the dialogue, when King Janaka asks how liberation is to be attained, the sage Ashtavakra responds with a series of direct, uncompromising teachings. This verse is among the first, declaring that the seeker who disidentifies from the body and rests in pure Consciousness is liberated at once — setting the radical, immediate tone of the entire scripture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What text is this verse from?▼
It is verse 1.3 of the Ashtavakra Gita (Ashtavakra Samhita), the Advaita Vedanta dialogue between the sage Ashtavakra and King Janaka of Mithila.
What does it mean to 'set the body apart'?▼
It means to stop identifying yourself with the body and senses, and instead recognize yourself as the pure awareness (Chit) that witnesses the body. The body is seen as an object appearing within consciousness, not as what you essentially are.
Is liberation really immediate, as the verse says?▼
In Advaita Vedanta, liberation (moksha) is the recognition of what one already is. Since the Self is ever-free, the moment false identification drops away, freedom is revealed instantly — 'adhunaiva,' this very moment. The verse is encouraging the seeker to claim that ever-present freedom now.
How is this verse used in practice?▼
It is used as a contemplation in self-inquiry: read it, then turn attention away from the body-mind toward the awareness that knows them, and abide there in peace. It is also chanted to keep its uplifting reminder fresh in daily life.
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