Aṣṭāvakra Gītā

Aṣṭāvakra Gītā or Aṣṭāvakra Saṃhitā is a treatise on Advaita (non-dualistic) Vedānta school of Hindu philosophy by Aṣṭāvakra along with a parallel commentary by Viśveśvara. It is written as a dialogue format where Aṣṭāvakra imparts wisdom to the King Janaka. The text contains core concepts of Advaita like unity of all existance, illusionary nature of sepperation, detatchment and Mokṣa (liberation) through self realization. The text is presumed to be from the time of early development of Vedānta philosophy. There is a legend about Ṛṣi (sage) Aṣṭāvakra present in the epic Mahābhārata that he was born crippled with eight deformities in his body but having profound spiritual knowledge in abundance. This Ms. is written in 8–11 lines per folio. Cover and back page both contain title. Title and commentary title Aṣṭāvakraṭīkā present in colophon (f.57a). Mistakes are covered with yellow or blacked out. Some corrections and additions in the margins. Significant syllables and words rubbed with orange powder for highlighting.