Ashtavakra Gita 18.14 -

We consider anyone alive only when he is present before us in a body, which remains active and interactive. In fact, life is the name for the duration between birth and death of a body. But is life really resting upon the body? No. Body is totally inert. It has to be animated and activated by the inner spiritual presence, which is neither matter nor energy. Mind, intelligence, ego etc., which are functional notes of Consciousness that animates and activates the body throughout our embodiment.

Mind is given to generating saṅkalpas – thoughts, imaginations and all that these bring about. It is the mind that keeps the body variously active, chasing a number of objects, seeking fulfilment in one way or another. For the spiritual thinker thus the sole focus is on the mind, its thoughts and imaginations. Desire, triggering a number of emotions, enquiry, doubt, indecision, etc. are all by-products of imagination.

One of spiritual wisdom focuses on this inner saṅkalpana process, leading it to a state of cessation. In other words, he wants to be restful, rising above all the mento-intellectual processes. For such a one, Sage Ashtavakra says, where is the scope for delusion? Where is anything like the universe itself? There being nothing besides the Self, even the talk or attempt at renunciation is also meaningless. What then about even liberation? Imagine the note of freedom the Knower cherishes and displays!