Means of release in Advaita

According to this doctrine, the self is already a part of Brahman and hence moksha is not a state to be attained by the self, but Avidya is the limiting factor of the self in its condition to experience the same. When avidya is removed, Brahman alone remains. The followers of this doctrine seek spiritual liberation through acquisition of vidya- jnana of one’s true identity of atma and Brahman . They rely on three textual sources. These sources—Upanishads, Brahma Sutras and Bhagavad Gita—form part of prasthana trayi. The process of acquiring this knowledge is achieved through anubhava—immediate intuition. This direct awareness is construction-free and not construction-filled. So self-knowledge brings awareness about Brahman and not an identity of non-dualism with Brahman. Sravana (listening), manana (deep inward thinking) and nidhidhyashana (meditation) are the paths of liberation. Gurus are considered essential to take one towards the goal of Shri Sankara-Advaitic non-dualism which advocates that Jnana and Jnana alone–leads one to total and complete release.