Mumukshutva: one of the four conditions for progress on the spiritual path Mumukshutva, translated from Sanskrit, means "the desire for liberation." This word can also refer to the wish, longing, or striving—in any case, the persistent longing toward freedom. Shankara's work "Tattvabodha" lists four prerequisites necessary for progress on the spiritual path. These important qualities of a spiritual disciple include discrimination (viveka), non-attachment (vairagya), the "six treasures" or sixfold noble virtues (shatsampat), and the strong desire for liberation (mumukshutva). Mumukshutva is the driving force but also the greatest and ultimate desire, superseding all others. According to the spiritual master Swami Sivananda, mumukshutva comes naturally when the other three qualities are already present. Then the aspirant is free from the cycle of birth and death and all the unwanted side effects of life, such as illness, worry, old age, and delusion. When the disciple has attained all four qualities, according to Sivananda, he possesses "a blessed divinity on this earth." Ultimately, however, the desire for liberation must be abandoned to attain true liberation.
The four important qualities of a spiritual student on the path to liberation
According to Swami Sivananda, it is important to adhere to the order in which the four qualities are attained. Before mumukshutva, the constant desire for liberation, becomes present, the following qualities must be attained through constant will and practice.
- Viveka: Is the power to distinguish between the transient and the eternal, between the self and the non-self, between pleasure and joy.
- Vairagya: This power is also called dispassion or desirelessness. It involves practicing non-attachment.
- Shatsampat: Also called "Sama Shatakam," it translates as "the six noble virtues." The six virtues begin with serenity.
- Mumukshutva: The desire for liberation also implies an intense longing for a higher truth. If this desire is stronger than all other desires, then the disciple can attain supreme realization in this present life. This liberation, or enlightenment, then comes quickly to those who have an intense longing for it.
In today's society, mumukshutva often no longer has any meaning. Many people strive for happiness, which they see in money, success, and transient things. But only those who truly strive to cultivate mumukshutva will understand that worldly happiness is impermanent. Those who understand this have attained viveka. Those who perceive it intensely possess the gift of vairagya. When the mind remains serene in every situation, the power of shatsampat is at work. Mumukshutva then arises naturally to bring the student to the highest.
What liberation and enlightenment truly mean
According to Sivananda, it helps to understand the meaning of the highest truth by taking a closer look at the lives of the sages and saints and comparing them with a worldly life. In a purely worldly life, one struggles with difficulties. Moments of happiness are found only in small things. However, the saints, of which there are many, have found lasting happiness. They have succeeded in experiencing infinity. This infinity means freedom, true liberation from attachment to material things, obligations, worries, toil, illness, and death. Anyone who considers the comparison between the worldly and spiritual lives will develop the desire for liberation. This is the best basis for developing Mumukshutva. However, it is important not to become discouraged on the path to Mumukshutva. Many students often find that achieving true liberation is not always so easy. Disillusionment is a natural process in the search for truth. Under no circumstances should one lose sight of the goal during such a phase. With regular meditation , pranayama , mantra chanting, healthy diet and regular practice anyone can attain the quality of Mumukshutva.
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