Characteristics of a jivanmukti.

Jivanmukti, a term derived from Sanskrit, refers to a person who has attained spiritual liberation (Moksha) while still living in the physical body. This state is described in various spiritual traditions, including Advaita Vedanta, Yoga, and Tantra. Here are the key characteristics of a jivanmukti, a fully liberated person, according to spiritual traditions:

1. Realization of the Self (Atma-Jnana):
   • A jivanmukti has realized their true nature as pure consciousness (Atman) and is no longer identified with the ego, body, or mind.
   • This realization is not merely intellectual but a direct, experiential knowing that transcends duality and ignorance (Avidya) (Vivekachudamani, Verse 484).
2. Absence of Cravings and Aversions (Vairagya):
   • A jivanmukti is free from cravings (Raga) and aversions (Dvesha), having transcended the dualities of pleasure and pain, gain and loss, honor and dishonor.
   • They remain equanimous and composed in all situations, as they no longer seek happiness from external sources (Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 56).
3. Detachment from Worldly Affairs (Vairagya):
   • A jivanmukti is detached from worldly objects, desires, and attachments, seeing them as mere illusions (Maya) that do not truly exist.
   • They are content and satisfied with their own Self, finding no need to seek fulfillment elsewhere (Vivekachudamani, Verse 485).
4. Freedom from Karma (Karma-Sannyasa):
   • A jivanmukti is free from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara) and the law of karma, as they have transcended the cause and effect relationship between actions and their consequences.
   • They have fulfilled their karmic duties and are no longer bound by the fruits of their actions (Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 18, Verse 66).
5. Absence of Egoism (Ahamkara):
   • A jivanmukti is completely free from the sense of "I" or ego, which is the root cause of ignorance and suffering.
   • They no longer identify with the body or mind, realizing that their true nature is pure consciousness (Atman) (Vivekachudamani, Verse 486).
6. Perfect Discrimination (Viveka):
   • A jivanmukti has perfect discrimination between the real and the unreal, the eternal and the transient, the Self (Atman) and the non-Self (Anatman).
   • They can effortlessly distinguish between what is truly worth pursuing and what is not, leading to a life of wisdom and discernment (Vivekachudamani, Verse 487).
7. Bliss (Ananda):
   • A jivanmukti experiences constant bliss and joy, regardless of external circumstances, as they are always connected to the source of all happiness within.
   • This bliss is not dependent on external factors and is experienced as an ever-present, natural state (Vivekachudamani, Verse 488).
8. Love and Compassion (Prema):
   • A jivanmukti radiates unconditional love and compassion towards all beings, as they see the same consciousness (Atman) in everyone.
   • This love is not based on personal gain or expectation but is a natural expression of their true nature (Vivekachudamani, Verse 489).
9. Freedom from Fear (Abhaya):
• A jivanmukti is completely free from fear of death, disease, old age, or any other worldly phenomena, as they understand that they are eternal and indestructible.
• They have direct knowledge of the ultimate reality and are no longer afraid of the unknown (Vivekachudamani, Verse 490).

Source : Mike Adams, https://brightu.ai