The Wisdom of King Janaka and Ashtavakra: Rediscovering the Self in an Age of Anxiety
What a 2,000-year-old dialogue can teach us about identity, mental health, and meaning in the age of AI In today's world, humanity is more connected than ever before, yet millions experience loneliness, stress, anxiety, and an ongoing search for identity. Social media defines success through followers, workplaces demand relentless productivity, and artificial intelligence is reshaping the meaning of human work. Amid these rapid changes, one ancient dialogue offers timeless guidance: the conversation between King Janaka and Sage Ashtavakra. More than two thousand years ago, King Janaka - a ruler blessed with wealth, power, and prestige - asked a question that still resonates today: "How can I attain true knowledge? How can I become free?" This question is no different from the silent questions many people ask today: Why am I stressed despite achieving success? Why do I constantly compare myself with others? Why does happiness seem temporary? Who am I beyond my profession, ...