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Bondage or Liberation Depends On The Mind - Vivekachudamani

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Clouds are brought in by the wind and again driven away by the same agency. Similarly, man's bondage is caused by the mind and liberation too is caused by that alone.

The mind is the only cause that brings about man's bondage or liberation: when tainted by the effects of Rajas it leads to bondage, and when pure and divested of the Rajas and Tamas elements it conduces to Liberation.


In the forest-tract of sense pleasures there prowls a huge tiger called mind. Let good people who have a longing for liberation never go there.

When mind is purified, Liberation is as easy of access as a fruit on the palm of one's hand.

He who by means of one-pointed devotion for Liberation roots out the attachment for sense- objects, renounces all actions, and with faith in the Real Brahman regularly practices hearing etc., succeeds in purging the Rajasic nature of the intellect.

Vivekachudamani

Explanation : 

"Bondage or Liberation Depends On The Mind" is a profound teaching from the Vivekachudamani, an important text in Advaita Vedanta, attributed to the philosopher Adi Shankaracharya. This phrase captures the essence of the work's exploration of human consciousness and spiritual liberation. Let's delve deeper into this concept by examining its philosophical roots and implications.

Understanding the Context

Vivekachudamani means "The Crest-Jewel of Discrimination." It is a didactic poem composed of 580 verses that guide spiritual aspirants toward the realization of the Self (Atman) and liberation (Moksha). The text emphasizes discernment (Viveka) between the real (the eternal Brahman) and the unreal (the transient world).

The Role of the Mind in Bondage and Liberation

  1. Nature of the Mind:

    • In Advaita Vedanta, the mind is considered a powerful instrument that can either bind a person to the cycle of birth and death (Samsara) or liberate them from it.
    • The mind is responsible for perceiving and interpreting the world, but it can be clouded by ignorance (Avidya) and desires (Kama).

  2. Bondage (Bandha):

    • Bondage arises when the mind is attached to worldly pleasures, material possessions, and egoistic pursuits.
    • Ignorance leads the mind to identify with the body and the ego, creating a sense of separation from the universal consciousness (Brahman).
    • This attachment results in desires and aversions, which further entangle the individual in Samsara.

  3. Liberation (Moksha):

    • Liberation is the realization of one's true nature as Brahman, which is eternal, infinite, and blissful.
    • A purified and disciplined mind, cultivated through practices like meditation (Dhyana), self-inquiry (Vichara), and detachment (Vairagya), can perceive this ultimate truth.
    • Discrimination (Viveka) between the real and the unreal helps in transcending the illusory nature of the material world and realizing the Self.

Practical Application

  1. Self-Inquiry:

    • Regular self-inquiry into the nature of the Self helps in dismantling the ego and recognizing the impermanent nature of the material world.
    • Questions like "Who am I?" and "What is the nature of the Self?" guide one toward self-realization.

  2. Detachment:

    • Practicing detachment from sensory pleasures and material possessions helps in freeing the mind from desires and aversions.
    • This does not mean renouncing the world but maintaining a balanced and unattached perspective.

  3. Meditation and Mindfulness:

    • Regular meditation practices calm the mind, making it a fit instrument for discerning the truth.
    • Mindfulness in daily activities ensures that the mind remains anchored in the present moment, reducing unnecessary mental chatter.

  4. Ethical Living:

    • Living a life aligned with ethical principles (Yamas and Niyamas) purifies the mind and prepares it for higher spiritual experiences.

The teaching "Bondage or Liberation Depends On The Mind" encapsulates the essence of the Vivekachudamani. It highlights that the mind, though a source of bondage, is also the key to liberation. By purifying and disciplining the mind through self-inquiry, detachment, and meditation, one can transcend ignorance and realize the ultimate truth of non-duality (Advaita), achieving liberation from the cycle of birth and death. This profound insight from Adi Shankaracharya continues to inspire spiritual seekers on the path to self-realization.