Significance of Bondage and liberation
Bondage and liberation are central concepts across various philosophical traditions, including Buddhism, Jainism, Vaishnavism, and others. These terms characterize the states of being confined by attachments and ignorance (bondage) versus the experience of being free from these constraints (liberation). In these contexts, bondage often relates to suffering and material existence, while liberation signifies spiritual freedom or enlightenment. Ultimately, various teachings suggest that these dual aspects may be illusory, with true liberation stemming from a deeper understanding of one's true nature beyond attachments and desires.
Synonyms: Restraint and freedom, Captivity and freedom
In Dutch: Slavernij en bevrijding
In Finnish: Orjuus ja vapautuminen
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Bondage and liberation'
Bondage and liberation in Buddhism represent a philosophical duality: bondage involves ignorance and attachment to worldly desires, while liberation signifies freedom from these constraints achieved through wisdom and the practice of Dharma, transcending the perceived dichotomy.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Concepts representing the contrasting states of being trapped by desires and attachments (Bondage) and the state of being free from those constraints (Liberation), which are explored in the context of philosophical thought.[1] (2) Concepts that are discussed in relation to ignorance and attachments; bondage refers to the state of being bound by these negative influences, while liberation signifies freedom from them.[2] (3) The established process whereby Ignorance leads to bondage and subsequent actions and practices lead to liberation, creating a series of pure cognitions.[3] (4) Philosophical concepts often discussed in the context of actions and their results, indicating the states of being tied to or freed from cycles of action and consequence.[4] (5) Two opposing concepts that are argued not to coexist in the same substratum, as everything is considered momentary.[5]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) Key concepts in the text emphasizing that true bondage does not exist, nor does liberation, from the inception of bewilderment.[6] (2) The dichotomy of being trapped in samsara and the state of freedom, which does not exist in the primordially pure state of mind-as-such.[7] (3) The philosophical concepts discussed in relation to the reality of the buddhas, where neither exists in the ultimate sense.[8]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) States of being where 'bondage' refers to attachment and ignorance, while 'liberation' is the release achieved through wisdom.[9] (2) The state of being trapped in the cycle of suffering (samsara) versus the state of freedom from suffering and ultimate peace (nirvana).[10] (3) The states of being bound by suffering and ignorance versus being free and enlightened, respectively.[11]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The contrasting states of attachment to worldly existence versus the freedom attained through the practice of the Dharma.[12]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Concepts often associated with the state of being tied down by existence (bondage) and the experience of freedom from that condition (liberation); however, the text presents a viewpoint where reality transcends these dichotomies.[13] (2) The dualistic states that individuals experience—being bound by attachment and fixation versus achieving freedom from these binds.[14] (3) The concepts that define suffering and freedom; without fixations, neither bondage nor liberation exists.[15]
Hindu concept of 'Bondage and liberation'
In Hinduism, bondage and liberation symbolize the illusory states of material existence versus spiritual freedom. Bondage arises from desire, while liberation signifies self-realization, transcending worldly attachments through understanding and spiritual practices.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The states of being tied to worldly concerns and the freedom that comes from detaching oneself from such concerns.[16] (2) The concepts of being trapped by one’s ego and desires versus the freedom achieved through self-awareness and knowledge.[17] (3) Concepts that are refuted as real within the context of a world viewed through ignorance, suggesting all experiences stem from reflections of the Divine Intellect.[18] (4) Concepts relating to the soul's entrapment to objects and the pursuit of freedom.[19] (5) The concepts of being bound or imprisoned, either physically or spiritually, and the state of being set free from such constraints.[20]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Concepts that relate to the cycle of life and death, dependent on the goddess's will as presented in the text.[21] (2) The cycle of attachment and freedom in spiritual context, where bondage refers to material attachments and liberation signifies ultimate salvation.[22] (3) The dual aspects of existence that are influenced by the powerful force of Shakti in the cosmic scheme.[23] (4) The states of entrapment and freedom that creatures may experience, with Shiva being portrayed as transcending both states, thus existing beyond the influence of Kala.[24] (5) The concept of being tied up by the noose of eightfold primary essences and the state of being freed from them, respectively.[25]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The states of entrapment within physical existence and the freedom achieved through spiritual understanding.[26] (2) The dual concepts of being trapped in worldly desires and achieving freedom through detachment and realization of the Self.[27] (3) The concepts regarding the entrapment of the Soul in material existence and its potential for freedom.[28]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The dual concepts of being trapped in the cycle of life and death versus being freed from it, linked to the lord Shiva.[29] (2) Key themes in the text, representing states of attachment versus freedom.[30]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The state of being entangled in worldly karma contrasted with the freedom attained through spiritual practices.[31]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The state of being bound by worldly attachments versus the state of being free from those attachments through realization.[32] (2) Attributes of the Buddhi that ignorant people mistakenly attribute to Reality.[33] (3) Concepts that are created by Maya and do not have actual existence in the true essence of the Atman.[34] (4) The concepts that can be discussed only in the context of presence or absence of a covering veil.[35] (5) The concepts discussed in relation to the presence or absence of a covering veil, indicating the state of being bound or freed.[36]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) In Gaudapada's teachings, both concepts are described as illusory under the perspective of non-duality, where no true bondage or liberation exists.[37] (2) Concepts explored within the Samkhya philosophy where the Purushas fall into bondage through contact with Prakriti, but achieve liberation through realization.[38] (3) The state of being confined within worldly experiences and the pursuit of freedom from those experiences.[39]
From: Ashtavakra Gita
(1) Bondage and liberation are concepts of illusion that cease to exist upon the recognition of one's true nature as consciousness.[40]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) The dual concepts reflecting the real state of jivas and ishvaras, who are bound by ignorance and can attain liberation through spiritual effort.[41]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) Bondage arises from desire, while liberation ensues from the absence of desire, in accordance with teachings of the Shruti.[42]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Bondage refers to being entangled in material existence, while liberation indicates the release from this entanglement, often associated with spiritual freedom.[43] (2) The dual outcome of the mind's focus: attachment to material nature leads to bondage, while attachment to the Supreme leads to liberation.[44]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The conditions of living entities, where bondage refers to material existence and liberation signifies the return to service of the Supreme Lord.[45]
From: Lakulisha-Pashupata (Philosophy and Practice)
(1) The state of being bound to ignorance (bondage) versus achieving spiritual freedom and realization of the self through the grace of Siva (liberation).[46]
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) The central theme of the research, exploring the concepts of being bound by innate impurities and the quest for freedom and ultimate bliss as depicted in the Shaiva Siddhanta philosophy.[47]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) A concept in Sankhya that explores the false identity and consequent suffering of purusha and the realization of liberation from it.[48] (2) Concepts in Advaita Vedanta that explore the state of being trapped in the illusion of separateness and the realization of freedom through knowledge.[49]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) Concepts in Vedanta referring to the entrapment of consciousness through ignorance versus the state of spiritual freedom attained through realization.[50]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) Concepts in Jain philosophy pertaining to the entrapment of the soul in the cycle of birth and death, and the release from this cycle.[51]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Concepts relating to the condition of being bound by kleshas and actions versus the state of freedom from such limitations; inapplicable to the Supreme Lord.[52]
Jain concept of 'Bondage and liberation'
In Jainism, bondage signifies being entangled in karmic cycles, while liberation represents the state of freedom achieved by transcending these cycles, ultimately reflecting the soul's journey towards enlightenment and spiritual emancipation.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The states of being bound by karmic cycles versus the release or freedom from such cycles.[53]
The concept of Bondage and liberation in local and regional sources
Bondage and liberation reflects the artistic duality of struggle, contrasting the confinement of sorrow with the pursuit of freedom, showcasing the complex emotions and experiences inherent in the journey towards self-discovery and emancipation.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The duality depicted in art representing the struggle between being trapped in sorrow and achieving freedom.[54]