The Astavakra Geeta, one of the most profound spiritual texts in Indian philosophy, often shocks the seeker with its radical simplicity. Among its core teachings is the bold assertion that bondage and freedom are illusions—concepts created by the mind. What does this mean, and how can it shift the way we see life? Let’s dive into this powerful teaching.
Bondage: A Creation of the Mind
We often say, “I feel trapped in my job,” or “I am bound by responsibilities.” The Astavakra Geeta, however, challenges this assumption. It declares that bondage is not caused by external circumstances but by identification with the body and mind.
The moment you think, “I am this body” or “I am this mind,” you create boundaries and limitations. These self-imposed labels weave a net of bondage around you. Astavakra points out that once you recognize yourself as the infinite Self—pure consciousness—bondage disappears instantly.
Freedom: Another Side of the Illusion
If bondage is an illusion, then what about freedom? The Geeta surprises us by saying freedom is just another illusion. Why? Because freedom implies the existence of bondage. If you claim to be “free,” it means you once considered yourself “bound.”
For the enlightened one, there was never bondage in the first place, so the idea of freedom doesn’t even arise. In this state, the Self simply is—beyond dualities, beyond concepts.
The Radical Truth of Non-Duality
At its heart, the Astavakra Geeta reveals a radical truth: bondage and freedom are both products of ignorance. Reality, as experienced by the Self, is non-dual and beyond all opposites.
This doesn’t mean we deny our worldly roles. Instead, it’s an invitation to shift our inner perspective. You can continue to work, love, and live fully—yet from the realization that you were never bound to begin with.
A Practical Reflection
Take a quiet moment today. Ask yourself: What is it that feels bound? Is it your body, your thoughts, or your emotions? Then ask: Who is aware of all this? That witnessing awareness—the one noticing everything—has never been bound and doesn’t need liberation.
This simple reflection can open the doorway to experiencing the truth that Astavakra points to: your Self is ever-free, unconditioned, and limitless.
Conclusion
The Astavakra Geeta strips away comforting illusions, even the cherished idea of freedom. By doing so, it invites us to see reality as it is: vast, limitless, and already free. When you realize this, you stop chasing liberation and instead rest in the truth of your own being.
The question then is not, “How do I become free?” but rather, “Who told me I was bound in the first place?”
👉 Stay tuned for Post 7 of this series, where we will explore how the Astavakra Geeta guides us to live life effortlessly, free from struggle.