Ashtavakra Gita 2.22 - Self-Realization and the Nature of Consciousness

Material substances alone have form and limitations. But Consciousness, totally different from matter, is unlimited in its presence and potentials. It gives freedom to think after its presence and nature, and enjoy freedom, abundance and absoluteness, with no let or hindrance. Spiritual wisdom consists in exploring, recognizing and expressing this freedom, as Janaka does.

The ‘I’ is different from the body. How can it then be or have a body? Our hand can hold a pen on its palm. Can mind similarly hold a pen? Can air hold a material article, as a tree holds its branch, or the branch bears a fruit hanging from it? Space cannot hold anything at all.

It is more so with Consciousness. It is all-pervading. Can it hold anything solid? Body is only a notion in the mind. ‘I have a body’ is a notion, erroneous, no doubt. Correct it straightaway. When corrected, the mind begins to think ‘I am not body, I do not have body’. How simple, easy and confirmatory!

Then what is the trouble and torment of the seeker? What is bondage that seems pressing us down? It is the desire to live. Life has come about, without our seeking. Life was even in the womb. The same has come out and thrives. In this, we have nothing to do. It will spontaneously be. Allow it to do so, feel free, abundant and full. Bondage is mind’s erroneous notion, freedom its correct notion. Prefer the correct and leave the fictitious. Very simple!