Ashtavakra Gita —
7. Nature of Self-Realization

Tranquil and Boundless Ocean of the Self

I am the boundless ocean.
This way and that,
The wind, blowing where it will,
Drives the ship of the world.
But I am not shaken. (7.1)

I am the unbounded deep
In whom the waves of all the worlds
Naturally rise and fall.
But I do not rise or fall. (7.2)

I am the infinite deep
In whom all the worlds
Appear to rise.
Beyond all form,
Forever still.
Even so am I. (7.3)

I am not in the world.
The world is not in me.
I am pure.
I am unbounded.
Free from attachment,
Free from desire,
Still.
Even so am I. (7.4)

O how wonderful!
I am awareness itself,
No less.
The world is a magic show!
But in me
There is nothing to embrace,
And nothing to turn away. (7.5)

* Translated by Thomas Byrom