Ashtavakra Gita
Translated by JOHN RICHARDS
TRANSLATOR'S INTRODUCTION

The Ashtavakra Gita, or the Ashtavakra Samhita as it is sometimes called,
is a very ancient Sanskrit text. Nothing seems to be known about the
author, though tradition ascribes it to the sage Ashtavakra; hence the name.

There is little doubt though that it is very old, probably dating back to
the days of the classic Vedanta period. The Sanskrit style and the doctrine
expressed would seem to warrant this assessment. The work was known,
appreciated, and quoted by Ramakrishna and his disciple Vivekananda,as well
as by Ramana Maharshi, while Radhakrishnan always
refers to it with great respect. Apart from that the work speaks for itself.

It presents the traditional teachings of Advaita Vedanta with a clarity and
power very rarely matched.
The translation here is by John Richards, and is presented to the public
domain with his affection. The work has been a constant inspiration in his
life for many years. May it be so for many others.
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