The difference between an ignorant man and the man of Self knowledge lies not in the actions they perform but in the consciousness with which they perform or the attitude they bring to their actions.

In this chapter Astvakra challenges Janaka to prove that he is a man of Self knowledge whilst still ostensibly is attached to wealth.

Janakas answer is that feted and feasted tormented or serene a self realised person ever, sees the Absolute Self and is this neither gratified nor angry.

The high souled person witnesses his own body acting as if it were another. As such how can he be disturbed by praise or blame. Janaka explains in the next chapter how the self realised may lead a similar life but do so differently.




Self-realization-How : Self-realization-The Joy ; What Is Self-Realization : Glorification Of Self Realization : Ways of Dissolution : The Highest State : Detachment : Calm : Remaining in the Self : Happiness :Tranquility : Knowledge of Self : Forgetting All : The True knower : Freedom in Totality