Ashtavakra Gita

The Ashtavakra Gita, also known as the Ashtavakra Samhita, is a famous Sanskrit scripture. It may be the purest, most uncompromising expression of Advaita Vedanta that has ever been written.

The Ashtavakra Gita has a very great reputation. For example, Osho wrote:

“Man has many scriptures, but none are comparable to the Gita of Ashtavakra. Before it the Vedas pale, the Upanishads speak with a weak voice. Even the Bhagavad Gita does not have the majesty found in the Ashtavakra Samhita — it is simply unparalleled.”

A well-known website wrote:

“Even though this poem sounds as new as today’s email, it really is a classical scripture, infinitely substantial, one of the most beautiful expositions of Advaita Vedanta and Jnana Yoga ever written.”

The translator, John Henry Richards, MA, BD, is a retired Anglican clergyman. He has also translated the Dhammapada and Viveka Chudamani.