The Truth about Bondage and Liberation

The Ashtavakra Samhita discusses spiritual wisdom, spiritual liberation and dispassion. These were the subjects for which King Janaka sought clarity from sage Ashtavakra.

Scriptures says that only by knowledge one can have liberation. We have to understand that bondage itself is a myth, a concept of our mind. When the mind is not illumined enough, then we assume we are bound and seek liberation. In knowledge, we examine our bondage and through enquiry we understand that what we fear is not there at all.

The body hosts an inner personality with mind, intelligence, and ego and everything is experienced here. Swarga and naraka are pictures drawn by our mind, in itself. Our body, the world, all are mental creations.

Bondage and moksha are conceptual and imaginary and therefore non existent. The Ashtavakra Samhita tells us to introspect deeply on this and find answers within. Swamiji says that a seeker must think: “I am of the nature of Sentience.” Realizing this is our liberation, freedom.

Shlokas Chanted in the Track:

शरीरं स्वर्गनरकौ बन्धमोक्षौ भयं तथा ।
कल्पनामात्रमेवैतत्किंमे कार्यं चिदात्मनः ॥
Ashtavakra Samhita 2.20

PR 28 Jan 2017