King Janaka says,

   Now, after hearing Sage Ashtavakra, King Janaka seems to have understood the true nature of the jiva, the jagat and Shiva. So he says,
   ahO' niranjana| shaantO BhodhO'ham prakrutE paraH |
  EtAvantamahaM kAlaM mOhEnaiva viDaMbitaH|| (A-G 2.1)

    Meaning, "( O Sage) I was all the while in a state of foolishness, and now realize that my attachment, moha, (to world things) is mocking, making a fool of me. Now i realize that i am peace, unattached, pure, enlightened and bereft of nature, guna (all acquired qualities, svabhava).

  Now, one may wonder, how can one suddenly realize the truth, that "I am That", tat sat (spiritual), not this body attached to out-going, wayward senses shifting focus (worldly objects) and keeping me busy in worldly affairs. It is difficult to control the senses controlled by the Mind. It is also difficult to control the mind that is not properly guided by buddhi. Buddhi is a double edged razor that cuts both ways and often works against the jiva due to its ignorance (lack of proper knowledge) and acts in a perverted manner. It is often governed by ahamnkar, the ego. Ego is the main stumbling block for attainment of true knowledge. Ego is fooled by buddhi misguided by fickle mind and the jiva suffers. Now that an enlightened Sage Ashtavakra comes his way, King Janaka is shown the right path (sat nyas). Once the right knowledge is gained from a sat guru, the jiva is released from ignorance!