The Jivanmukti Viveka or the Path to Liberation in this Life

Book Details:

• Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications

• Author: M.N. Dvivedi

• Language: English Translation

• Pages: 207

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 22.5 cm x 14.5 cm

• Weight: 420 gm

• Edition: 2008

• ISBN: 9788170308843

About the Book:

The Jivanmukti-Viveka or "Path of Liberation in this Life" is a comprehensive compilation drawn from the works of the great scholar Vidyaranya. A seminal figure in the fourteenth century, Vidyaranya is renowned for his extensive writings on Vedanta, theology, and philosophy. His teachings on liberation, or Jivanmukti, explore the spiritual journey of renunciation, offering a path toward enlightenment and inner freedom.

This book delves into the nature of Jivanmukti, presenting it as the realization of liberation while still alive. Vidyaranya’s work is rooted in the idea that true liberation can be achieved in this lifetime through the dissolution of the ego, the control of desire, and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge. The first chapter opens with a discussion on the nature of renunciation, and the subsequent chapters build on this concept, emphasizing the importance of mental discipline, the cultivation of self-awareness, and the destruction of worldly desires.

Vidyaranya divides renunciation into two categories: the renunciation of the seeker and the renunciation of the accomplished. The former is a preparatory stage, while the latter marks the attainment of true liberation. Through various philosophical arguments, examples from scriptures, and detailed explanations, the book explores the practicalities of living a life dedicated to spiritual liberation, transcending the material world without retreating from it.

From the Book:

The book emphasizes that liberation is not merely an escape from the world but a profound transformation of consciousness. It suggests that the liberated individual does not remain detached from the world out of disdain or avoidance but experiences the world with a higher understanding, free from attachment and the cycle of desire. In Vidyaranya's vision, true liberation comes not from performing rituals or ascetic practices, but from the transcendence of the self, resulting in a state of peace and inner freedom.

The Jivanmukti-Viveka challenges the conventional notion of liberation, offering a practical guide to achieving spiritual freedom while engaging in worldly life. Vidyaranya’s teachings are not just theoretical but deeply practical, providing a roadmap for anyone seeking to understand and realize their true nature. This work is an essential read for anyone interested in Vedantic philosophy, the pursuit of spiritual wisdom, and the path to personal liberation.