Quote of the day by Adi Shankaracharya: "The Mind is the cause of both bondage and liberation”

Adi Shankaracharya, one of the great philosophers and saints from 8th century. He was born in the southern Indian state of Kerala and is now regarded as one of the most important Hindu philosophers in history. His organizational prowess and deep philosophical understanding not only brought Hinduism back to life but also permanently altered India's intellectual environment. He introduced Advaita Vendanta philosophy to the people. Once he wrote "The mind is the cause of both bondage and liberation" and in this article we will understand that what he wanted to convey through this statement and what was his meaning.

The meaning of "The Mind is the cause of both bondage and liberation"

This statement refers that the sufferings and freedom comes from your mind and not from the outside world. Your state of mind decides that you want freedom or bondage. Vivekachudamani, and Atma Bodh are the two important books where he talks about the mind, self knowledge, and mental discipline and teaches that these are the paths that lead you towards liberation.

Why did he say this?

He was born at a time when people believed that liberation could be achieved by performing japa, rituals, fast, and external worship but he refused this and emphasized on doing the internal work. According to Adi Shankaracharya, ignorance is the root cause of the bondage. Your mind plays an important role in shaping your future because this is your mind that gives you fear, ego and body works accordingly but once your purify your mind with good thoughts, patience, detachment and knowledge then it opens the door of liberation. He meant that your mind is not your enemy but your ignorance is the real enemy. Bondage arises when your mind is driven by the desires, attachments, success and wealth. When your mind is full of ignorance then it will automatically reacts to the outer world and create sufferings even in calm situations. According to the Adi Shankaracharya, never think that your body is everything because this is temporary and when you think that way then your soul will repeat the cycle of getting involved in the outer world's emotions such as happiness, sorrow and other cravings. Your mind will become stressed and get indulged in the illusion (maya).

Understand that mind as the means of liberation

According to Adi Shankaracharya, you need to transform our mind towards liberation. You should make your mind disciplined, learn meditation and make the right decisions. Meditation encourages you to work on your inner self and then you will be able to recognize your true self. You need to learn detachment and understand the temporary pleasures.