Ashtavakra Gita —
13. Happiness
Transcendent Bliss
Even if you have nothing,
It is hard to find that contentment
Which comes from renunciation.
I accept nothing.
I reject nothing.
And I am happy. (13.1)
The body trembles,
The tongue falters,
The mind is weary.
Forsaking them all,
I pursue my purpose happily. (13.2)
Knowing I do nothing,
I do whatever comes my way,
And I am happy. (13.3)
Bound to his body,
The seeker insists on striving
Or on sitting still.
But I no longer suppose
The body is mine,
Or is not mine.
And I am happy. (13.4)
Sleeping, sitting, walking,
Nothing good or bad befalls me.
I sleep, I sit, I walk,
And I am happy. (13.5)
Struggling or at rest,
Nothing is won or lost.
I have forsaken the joy of winning
And the sorrow of losing.
And I am happy. (13.6)
For pleasures come and go.
How often I have watched their inconstancy!
But I have forsaken good and bad,
And now I am happy. (13.7)
* Translated by Thomas Byrom