Sambodhi 1990 Vol 17

Author(s): H C Bhayani
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 16

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possibility of solipsistic liberation. In solipsistic liberation the Absolute is conceived as 'self-liberated' and the whole external world is reduced to the Absolute and it is believed that Absolute is nothing but the self. But this is a negative type of liberation. It is not the aspiration of self to get such a liberation. It is probable that in case of seeking for liberation and in devotion to personal God the self is denied and subsequently to reinforce this there is the permanet relation between self and Absolute. It is necessary to mention this as the Absolsute has many aspects. In the state of liberation such as 'solipsistic liberation' one may feel totally absorbed in the self with the result that in such a state the rest of the aspects of Reality such as knowledge, life and value are lost sight of. Reality is here not looked upon as 'Object' but as pure subject and to conceive of it as given is. forgotten by the self. Here the main object is considered to be the state of self and the measure and object of liberation are set aside. There is no odject and its consciousness as well as Reality are negated. The seeker and aspirant of liberation is content with the solitary state of self and element such as the 'Other' is not accepted therein. However this position regarding Supreme Reality is defective for if that is the position regarding Supreme Reality then even Supreme Reality remains an object. Therein 'I' or self is required to be related with the Other. Even Nothingness as Supreme Reality is a predicate of Reality. Therefore it is not proper to find contentment in this state of liberation. It may be said that Lord Buddha recognised such a solipsistic state of liberation and in order to avoid it and let the seeker of liberation rise higher to realize the lifty object of liberation he exhorted his diciples., for I go to the resort of the organisation.' There is an object distinct from self in case of liberation and this is the import of Lord Buddha exhorting his disciples.
There are three states of liberation-Jeevan Mukta, Identity with featureless Absulte and surrendering to Personal God; and in these three states of the aspirant of liberation one can observe certain common moral and elevatory characteristics conducive to abiding cultivation of self and other ideal values. These qualities are internal peace of mind, steadiness of purpose, equanimity, internal joy, friendliness and creative endeavour. It is difficult to say in advance which one of these three paths would be adopted and followed by the seeker of liberation to achieve his goal. It depends to a large extent upon the temperament and inclination of the individual. However it is to be borne in mind that in these different paths of liberation there are certain similarities which look upon and result from the endeavour and path of liberation as moral purification and social uplift. He would find contentment in the path of Jeevan Mukta and accpeting the