What Are You Curious About?
I Am Curious About Liberation
Liberation from the cycle of births.
I am curious about knowing the reality.
I am curious about Advaita Vedanta, which teaches us that we are connected in this fabric of Cosmos.
This cosmos is cyclic.
Beyond space and time.
I am birthless; that is my reality.
What is liberation?
Understanding Moksha with Quotes from the Bhagavad Gita & Upanishads helps us explore the deeper meaning of self-realization and freedom from worldly bondage. Liberation (moksha) is not just a concept but the ultimate goal of spiritual life. It is the state where one completely transcends the endless cycle of birth and death (Samsara) and attains oneness with the Supreme.
To begin with, Moksha is often described as the highest state of consciousness, where the mind is free from desires, attachments, and ignorance. In this liberated state, the individual soul (Atman) realizes that it was never separate from the Brahman—the eternal, unchanging reality. This realization, according to Advaita Vedanta, is the key to breaking free from the illusion (Maya) that binds us to the material world.
Moreover, the Bhagavad Gita (2.16) beautifully explains this eternal truth:
“नासतो विद्यते भावो नाभावो विद्यते सतः।
उभयोरपि दृष्टोऽन्तस्त्वनयोस्तत्त्वदर्शिभिः॥”“That which is unreal never comes into existence, and that which is real never ceases to exist. The seers of truth have concluded this by studying the nature of both.”
This verse emphasizes that the self is eternal and unchanging, beyond the fluctuations of birth and death. However, because of ignorance (avidya), we identify ourselves with the body and mind, leading to suffering. Liberation, therefore, is the process of dissolving this ignorance and realizing our true nature.
The Path to Liberation
Significantly, the Upanishads teach that attaining Moksha is not automatic; it requires a dedicated path of spiritual discipline and wisdom. The Katha Upanishad (1.2.23) states:
“नायमात्मा प्रवचनेन लभ्यो
न मेधया न बहुना श्रुतेन।
यमेवैष वृणुते तेन लभ्यः
तस्यैष आत्मा विवृणुते तनूँ स्वाम्॥”“The Self cannot be attained through mere study, nor by intellect, nor by hearing explanations. It is attained only by those whom the Self chooses. To them, the Self reveals its true nature.”
This means that Moksha requires more than intellectual understanding; it demands direct realization, which comes through deep meditation (Dhyana), self-inquiry (Jnana), and selfless action (Karma Yoga).
Additionally, the Bhagavad Gita (6.23) describes detachment as essential for liberation:
“तं विद्याद् दुःखसंयोगवियोगं योगसञ्ज्ञितम्।”
“Know that to be true yoga, which is the disconnection from union with sorrow.”
This highlights that true liberation is not just about escaping the cycle of rebirth but also freeing oneself from suffering in this very life.
Why Seek Liberation?
Not only does Moksha grant eternal peace, but it also liberates us from the fear of death and suffering. Once the Self is realized, one remains in a state of bliss (Ananda), beyond the disturbances of the world. This is why Vedantic teachings emphasize inner awakening rather than external achievements.
To sum up, liberation is the ultimate goal of life, and it is accessible to all who seek it with sincerity. The path requires self-discipline, wisdom, and surrender, but the reward is eternal freedom and joy.
🕉 What is pure consciousness, and how can one attain it?
Spiritual liberation is deeply connected to the realization of pure consciousness, which transcends the body and mind. To explore this profound concept further, read:
🔗 Pure Consciousness: How Can One Attain It?
The Quest for Liberation (Moksha) in Advaita Vedanta
In the vast ocean of existence, the soul (Atman) remains bound by Karma and ignorance (Avidya), moving endlessly through birth and death. But those who seek liberation (moksha) break free from this cycle, realizing their eternal nature.
The Katha Upanishad (1.2.23) declares:
नायमात्मा प्रवचनेन लभ्यो
न मेधया न बहुना श्रुतेन।
यमेवैष वृणुते तेन लभ्यः
तस्यैष आत्मा विवृणुते तनूं स्वाम्॥
Nāyam ātmā pravachanena labhyo
Na medhayā na bahunā śrutena।
Yamevaiṣa vṛṇute tena labhyaḥ
Tasyaiṣa ātmā vivṛṇute tanūṁ svām॥
🔹 “The self is not attained by mere discourse, nor by intellect, nor by vast learning. It is realized only by those whom the Self chooses; to them, the Self reveals its true nature.”
This profound verse highlights that intellectual knowledge alone does not lead to liberation—it requires deep contemplation, devotion, and self-inquiry (Atma Vichara).
The Fourfold Path to Liberation (Sādhana Chatuṣṭaya)
In Advaita Vedanta, liberation is attained through self-preparation. The seeker must cultivate:
1. Viveka (Discrimination)
The ability to distinguish between the real (Nitya) and the unreal (Anitya). The world of names and forms is transient, but the self is eternal.
2. Vairagya (Detachment)
Letting go of temporary pleasures and focusing on the higher goal of self-realization.
3. Ṣaṭsampatti (Sixfold Discipline)
Developing mental and sensory control, faith, and single-pointed focus on the truth.
4. Mumukshutva (Intense Desire for Liberation)
Without a burning desire for Moksha, spiritual practice remains incomplete.
This path prepares the mind and intellect for the direct realization of the Self.
Liberation Through Knowledge—Bhagavad Gita’s Revelation
The Bhagavad Gita (2.23-24) beautifully describes the eternal nature of the Self:
नैनं छिन्दन्ति शस्त्राणि
नैनं दहति पावकः।
न चैनं क्लेदयन्त्यापो
न शोषयति मारुतः॥
Na enaṁ chindanti śastrāṇi, Na enaṁ dahati pāvakaḥ।
Na cainaṁ kledayantyāpo, Na śoṣayati mārutaḥ॥
🔹 “Weapons cannot cut it, fire cannot burn it, water cannot wet it, nor can wind dry it.”
The self (Atman) is beyond destruction—it was never born and never dies. Realizing this truth is true liberation.
Krishna further declares in Bhagavad Gita (4.39-40):
श्रद्धावान्लभते ज्ञानं
तत्परः संयतेन्द्रियः।
ज्ञानं लब्ध्वा परां शान्तिम्
अचिरेणाधिगच्छति॥
Śraddhāvān labhate jñānaṁ
Tat-paraḥ saṁyatendriyaḥ।
Jñānaṁ labdhvā parāṁ śāntim
Acireṇādhigacchati॥
🔹 “The one who has faith, who is devoted, and who has mastered the senses attains knowledge. Having gained this knowledge, one quickly attains supreme peace.”
Liberation and the Nature of True Joy
Many believe that happiness lies in external achievements, but true joy (Ānanda) is within. The Taittiriya Upanishad (2.7.1) teaches:
“Raso vai sah, Rasaṁ hy evāyaṁ labdhvā ānandī bhavati.”
🔹 “The self is of the nature of bliss; knowing this, one becomes truly joyful.”
This aligns with the theme in my post “What Is Joy,” where I explore the deeper meaning of bliss beyond material pleasures.
Breaking the Chains—Liberation from Bondage
How Does One Attain Liberation?
Liberation is not a distant goal but rather the recognition of one’s eternal nature. In fact, the great Advaita philosopher Adi Shankaracharya clearly explains this in Vivekachudamani (Verse 6):
“Brahma satyam, jagan-mithya, jivo brahmaiva nāparaḥ.”
“Brahman alone is real; the world is an illusion. The individual self is none other than Brahman.”
To put it differently, this profound truth reveals that what we perceive as reality is merely an illusion (Maya), and our individual existence is not separate from the ultimate reality (Brahman). As a result, once this realization dawns, the illusion of separateness completely dissolves, and one awakens to infinite consciousness.
Furthermore, this understanding is not just theoretical—it requires direct experience and inner transformation. Therefore, true liberation does not come simply from reading scriptures or engaging in philosophical debates. Instead, it arises from deep self-inquiry, meditation, and detachment from worldly illusions.
The Path to True Freedom
To achieve this state, one must practice Viveka (discernment), Vairagya (detachment), and spiritual discipline. Not only does this help in overcoming egoic limitations, but it also ensures that the mind remains centered and unwavering in the pursuit of truth.
Ultimately, the realization of Brahman liberates the soul from all bondage. Thus, when the ego dissolves, what remains is pure, boundless awareness—unchanging, eternal, and free.
Final Step—Transcending Birth and Death
The Katha Upanishad (1.3.15) beautifully concludes:
उत्तिष्ठत जाग्रत
प्राप्य वरान्निबोधत।
क्षुरस्य धारा निशिता दुरत्यया
दुर्गं पथः तत्कवयो वदन्ति॥
Uttiṣṭhata jāgrata
Prāpya varān nibodhata।
Kṣurasya dhārā niśitā duratyayā
Durgaṁ pathaḥ tat kavayo vadanti॥
🔹 “Arise! Awake! Seek the highest knowledge! The wise declare that the path to truth is as sharp as a razor’s edge—difficult to tread.”
This awakening is liberation—a return to one’s timeless, infinite self.
🕉 Advaita Vedanta: The Path to Non-Dual Awareness
Liberation (moksha) is the realization that the individual self (Jivatman) is none other than the Universal Self (Paramatman). This is the core teaching of Advaita Vedanta, which dissolves duality and unveils the oneness of existence. To dive deeper into this path of non-duality, read:
🔗 Advaita Vedanta: The Path of Non-Duality
For a more practical perspective on how to bring positive change through the teachings of Advaita Vedanta, you may want to read Positive Change through the Path of Advaita Vedanta. It complements this discussion by showing how inner transformation aligns with self-realization.
Conclusion
Liberation is not a future event—it is here and now. Through Viveka, Vairagya, discipline, and devotion, the illusion of birth and death dissolves, revealing the eternal Self beyond time and space.
✨ “I was never born; I shall never die. I am pure consciousness—limitless, free.” ✨