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Chapter 1 - Verse 1: Wherever it is, both right knowledge and the means to attain it are definitely present.
Question: The development of spiritual qualities is liberation, and right knowledge and the means to attain it are just the development of the soul's specific qualities. What then is the difference between liberation and its means?
Response: There is no difference.
Question: If there is no difference, then how can we understand the means and the three jewels of right knowledge, etc., as related to the goal, since the means and the goal appear to be distinct entities?
Response: In terms of the state of the seeker, liberation and the three jewels are called means to the goal, but not in terms of the perfected state. Though the complete three jewels may signify liberation for the seeker, its attainment occurs only through the gradual development of the three jewels. This scripture is for the seeker, not for the perfected. Thus, this speaks only to the practical means useful for the seeker.
Question: If happiness in the world is directly visible through wealth, women, etc., then why is there a discourse on liberation for the sake of indirect happiness?
Response: The teaching of liberation is because it provides true happiness. Happiness can be found in the world, but it is not true happiness; it is merely an appearance of happiness.