Aṣṭāvakra Saṃhitā
A Dialogue on Self-realization
Chapter 8, Verse 3
Order Now 
Ashtavakra Gita 8.3 -
तदा बन्धो यदा चित्तं सक्तं कास्वपि दृष्टिषु ।
तदा मोक्षो यदा चित्तमसक्तं सर्वदृष्टिषु
tadā bandho yadā cittaṃ saktaṃ kāsvapi dṛṣṭiṣu .
tadā mokṣo yadā cittam-asaktaṃ sarva-dṛṣṭiṣu .. 8-3..
Then is bondage indeed when the mind is tied to a set of views and beliefs. And then indeed is liberation when the same mind is freed from the clinging it has to all views and leanings.
Commentary by Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha
The Sage’s focus is solely on the mind and its wholesome enrichment. For, anything else will only constrict the mind and keep it bound variously. Mind is the source of bondage as well as liberation. Do not swing or swerve from the mind at all. Remain focussed on it, empowering it the way you want. It will bring the freedom and relief you look for. One-pointedness in this is the summum bonum of spiritual pursuit.
Saṅga is the delusional clinging to anything. Asaṅga is its opposite, freedom from such clinging. Saṅga inherited at birth is enhanced by acquisition thereafter. We have to love our body, and provide it with food and nourishment. Equally so we love to play, work and be involved in various things. But this clinging becomes disproportionate and captures all areas and levels, breeding strong likes and dislikes. These become a source of bondage, bringing endless trouble.
Bondage is the undue clinging of the mind to any one or more factors. Every one, if he takes an inner look, will find his mind assailed strongly by such clinging. If the clinging is treated and made thinner and thinner, the seeker will begin to taste his innate freedom. That will encourage him to enhance his asaṅga in every way. It becomes a matter of experience to him. And that strengthens his discrimination and the effort to be free of even the vestiges of saṅga. The mind irresistibly becomes free, liberated!
Select Chapter and Verse
