67. Concerned And Un-concerned
K rishna assures us that by performing karma (actions) without attachment, one reaches the supreme (3.19) and gives the example of King Janak who attained perfection by action alone (3.20). Krishna emphasises the point that a king who lives in luxuries and has several responsibilities can also attain the supreme by performing all actions without attachment, implying that we too can similarly reach the supreme, irrespective of our circumstances. In history, there are very few instances where two enlightened people have interacted. One such conversation is between King Janak and sage Ashtavakra, known as the Ashtavakra Gita, which is rated as one of the best for seekers. As per legend, a guru once sent one of his disciples, who lived modestly with a few loincloths and a begging bowl, to Janak for the final lesson. He comes to Janak and wonders why his guru sent him to this man who lives amid luxuries. But he stays back in the palace as per the instructions of his guru...