Indian Philosophy v2.c27.s8.23

v2.c27.s8.23

Release, according to the Bhāgavata, consists in a restoration to the pure spiritual existence (svarūpeṇa vyavasthitiḥ), after casting off the unessential forms (anyathārūpam).⁴ It is fellowship with God, and not identification with him. If the distinction between the jīva and the Lord is not perceived, as in deep sleep or destruction of the world, it is not a state of release.¹ The freed retain their consciousness of individuality both in pralaya and creation. In the state of release, we have the absence of pain as well as the presence of positive enjoyment. But the soul is not capable of rising into equality with God. It is entitled only to serve him. If salvation is said to be becoming one with Brahman, it is only in a qualified sense that it has a vision of Brahman. Absolute one-ness is not intended by the passages which declare that “he who sees Brahman becomes Brahman.”² The released are all of one will and purpose.³ They have, no doubt, real desires; but their desires are one with those of the supreme Lord. They perform meditation at their pleasure.⁴ They realise their wishes without any effort.⁵ They assume a body of pure matter (śuddhasattva) of their own accord, though this body is not the product of karma; nor do they develop any attachment to the bodies they assume. Even if they do not assume such a body, they can experience bliss as we do in the case of dreams.⁶