---
title: "Aṣṭāvakra | Non-duality | Thought Archive"
number: "036"
slug: "036-astavakra"
author: "Wenzi / 文子"
language: "en"
canonical: "https://tongzai.space/en/thought-archive/036-astavakra/"
is_primary_text: true
---

# Aṣṭāvakra（Non-duality）



## Common research question

**Why does the Ashtavakra Gita describe liberation as already present?**

The Aṣṭāvakra Gītā uses uncompromising language of freedom and nonduality, yet these declarations emerge within a particular dialogical and textual tradition. Its account of freedom requires distinguishing claims about the self from the role of recognizing that self, while attending to dating and attribution uncertainties.

## Interpretive boundary

Saying freedom is original does not alone determine the necessity of recognition in completion.

## Archive evidence

- [E-13 ｜ Aṣṭāvakra Gītā 14.3: after recognizing the witness, no more anxiety about liberation](#E-13)
- [E-09 ｜ Aṣṭāvakra Gītā 2.18: bondage and liberation are not real either](#E-09)