Jīvanmukti-viveka
The Jīvanmukti-viveka (Discrimination on Liberation-in-Life) is a philosophical treatise by Vidyāraṇya that explores the concept of liberation while still living (jīvanmukti), a central doctrine of Advaita Vedānta.
Overview
Composed in the 14th century CE, the text systematically examines the possibility of attaining liberation while still embodied, analyzing the relationship between knowledge (jñāna) and the cessation of suffering. It is closely related to the Pañcadaśī, which was composed by the same author.
Content and Structure
The Jīvanmukti-viveka defines the nature of liberation, explains how Self-knowledge destroys ignorance (avidyā) and its effects, and describes the characteristics of the liberated being (jīvanmukta). It analyzes the three states of consciousness, the five sheaths, and the process by which the Self realizes its identity with Brahman. The text also addresses the question of whether the liberated being still experiences the body and its pleasures and pains.
Significance
The text is significant for its detailed analysis of the concept of jīvanmukti, which distinguishes Advaita Vedānta from many other Indian philosophical traditions. It has been widely studied in traditional Vedānta schools and remains an important reference for understanding the Advaita concept of liberation.
Verification Notes
- Composed by Vidyāraṇya; closely related to the Pañcadaśī.
- Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).