When I Went Within, I Was Liberated
Human life is often experienced as an endless pursuit, chasing wealth, recognition, relationships, and fleeting pleasures. From dawn to dusk, our attention is pulled outward, to events, achievements, and distractions. Yet, amidst this restless chase, there comes a moment of realization: everything we seek outside is temporary, impermanent, and incapable of providing lasting peace. The eternal truth, the treasure of joy, freedom, and fulfillment, resides not outside, but within.
The profound phrase “मैं भीतर गया ~ मैं भी तर गया” or “When I went within, I was liberated” captures this timeless wisdom. It is not merely a statement; it is a map, a guide, and an invitation. To go within is not to renounce life, but to discover its deepest essence. It is to find the silent source from which all of existence arises, and in doing so, to experience liberation in the here and now.
“The greatest pilgrimage is not to distant lands, but into the unexplored temple of your own soul.” ~ Adarsh Singh
The Ancient Call to Turn Inward
Since ancient times, the Rishis of Bharat have guided seekers toward the inner path. The Vedas and Upanishads are not just scriptures; they are guides to self-realization. The Upanishads declare the eternal truth: “Tat Tvam Asi” ~ “Thou art That.” This is the revelation that the infinite, eternal, and absolute reality is already within every being.
In the Chandogya Upanishad, the sage Uddalaka Aruni teaches his son Shvetaketu that the essence of all existence is Brahman, the ultimate consciousness, and that realizing one’s unity with this reality is the highest knowledge. The journey inward is thus the journey toward recognizing the self as the eternal, unchanging witness behind all phenomena.
Adi Shankaracharya, the great exponent of Advaita Vedanta, emphasized that liberation is not an external acquisition, but a realization of our own true nature. He wrote in his commentaries:
“Brahman{ब्रह्म} alone is real; the world is illusory; the self is pure consciousness.” ~ Adi Shankaracharya
The Bhagavad Gita reinforces this wisdom, as Krishna explains to Arjuna that the body, mind, and senses are transient, but the self, the Atman, is eternal, beyond birth and death. By turning inward, one can rise above fear, attachment, and suffering.
“Going within is not a withdrawal from life; it is the discovery of life’s true essence.” ~ Adarsh Singh
The Layers of the Inner Journey
The inner journey unfolds gradually, layer by layer, like peeling an onion to reach the core of truth:
From Noise to Silence
Modern life bombards the senses with constant stimuli, news, notifications, conversations, and responsibilities. Yet, the Upanishads teach that silence is not mere absence of sound; it is the presence of consciousness, the space where the soul speaks.
Practicing Mauna (intentional silence) daily allows the mind to settle. Even a few minutes of conscious quiet can open the doors to self-awareness and reveal the subtle vibrations of the soul.
“Silence is not emptiness; it is fullness waiting to be experienced.” ~ Adarsh Singh
From Thought to Witnessing
The Gita advises cultivating detachment from thoughts and emotions:
“The wise one is undisturbed by pleasure or pain, he remains the witness of all events.” ~ Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2
Observing the mind without being absorbed in its fluctuations reveals that we are not our thoughts, we are the observer, the eternal consciousness witnessing them. This step is crucial because it allows freedom from reactive patterns and the constant turbulence of the mind.
From Ego to Essence
The ego is built on identity: roles, possessions, achievements, and societal labels. The moment we recognize that our true self is beyond all these temporary constructs, liberation begins.
Adi Shankaracharya repeatedly emphasized Aham Brahmasmi ~ “I am Brahman{ब्रह्म}.” This statement is not a boast; it is the realization that our essence is infinite, boundless, and free from all limitations.
“The drop suffers until it realizes it is the ocean itself.” ~ Adarsh Singh
From Fear to Freedom
Fear is born from identification with the temporary, the body, the mind, relationships, and possessions. Liberation occurs when one identifies with the eternal self rather than the transient aspects of life.
The Gita reminds us:
“The soul is never born; it never dies. It is eternal, ever-existing, and primeval.” ~ Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 20
When we internalize this truth, fear dissolves naturally. Challenges no longer bind us, and life becomes an expression of our liberated consciousness.
Liberation Beyond the Surface Life
Most people live at the surface level, reacting to events, chasing desires, and securing temporary pleasures. Beneath this surface, however, lies a vast, tranquil ocean of peace and joy.
When I went within, I discovered that life’s struggles were not binding me; my attachment to them was. By observing life without clinging, liberation naturally arises. The Gita teaches that one who acts without attachment, dedicating actions to the divine, transcends bondage:
“He who has surrendered all actions to Me, while remaining unattached, is liberated from bondage.” ~ Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 5, Verse 10
True freedom comes when the inner self is realized, the source of joy that neither wealth, recognition, nor external circumstances can affect.
“The seeker who dives deep within finds a world untouched by time, untarnished by desire, and unbound by fear.” ~ Adarsh Singh
Historical Reflections: The Wisdom of the Rishis
The Rishis of Bharat were not content with superficial knowledge. They explored the mysteries of existence through meditation, reflection, and disciplined inquiry. Their insights remain timeless:
Chandogya Upanishad
Uddalaka Aruni teaches Shvetaketu that the essence of all things, from clay to humans, is the same eternal consciousness, Brahman.
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
Yajnavalkya elucidates that the self is beyond mind, senses, and even life itself; it is the eternal witness.
Bhagavad Gita
Krishna teaches that detachment and self-realization lead to ultimate freedom, emphasizing that liberation is available even amidst worldly action.
These ancient texts converge on one point: true fulfillment is an inward journey, accessible to anyone willing to explore their own consciousness.
“The journey inward is the most ancient pilgrimage, yet it is forever new for every seeker.” ~ Adarsh Singh
The Ripple of Inner Liberation
Liberation is not just personal; it naturally radiates outward. A liberated being carries serenity in presence, clarity in speech, and wisdom in action. Their life becomes a living teaching without any effort.
Adi Shankaracharya described such a sage as one whose mind is undisturbed by the outer world and whose actions, though immersed in life, are rooted in the eternal self. Their very being becomes a source of inspiration, calming minds and awakening hearts.
“The liberated soul does not preach loudly; its very presence is a sermon of peace.” ~ Adarsh Singh
Practical Steps to Begin the Inner Journey
While the philosophy may seem profound, the journey begins with simple daily practices inspired by Vedanta:
Daily Silence
Spend a few minutes each day in silence, focusing on your breath or simply being aware of the present moment.
Self-Inquiry
Ask yourself “Who am I beyond my name, roles, and thoughts?” This ancient practice, known as Atma Vichara, was popularized by Shankaracharya and later by Ramana Maharshi.
Meditation
Sit quietly, observe your mind, and let awareness expand beyond thoughts and emotions.
Detachment
Observe desires, fears, and attachments without being enslaved by them. Recognize that the self is beyond all transient experiences.
Study Sacred Texts
Reflect on the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and teachings of saints. Let their wisdom guide and inspire daily practice.
Even a few minutes of consistent practice creates a ripple effect, gradually transforming the mind, body, and consciousness.
“Meditation is not about controlling the mind; it is about realizing you were never the mind.” ~ Adarsh Singh
Modern Reflections: Applying Ancient Wisdom Today
In the fast-paced modern world, going inward may seem difficult, yet it is more necessary than ever. Our attention is fragmented, our desires amplified, and our mind rarely still. Yet, even in the midst of daily responsibilities, the inner journey can begin.
Take short pauses during work to breathe and observe.
Practice mindfulness in simple activities, eating, walking, or listening.
Let inner awareness guide decisions rather than reactive impulses.
Reflect each day on the impermanence of external circumstances, anchoring yourself in the eternal self.
Through these practices, the wisdom of the Upanishads becomes living, experiential knowledge rather than abstract philosophy.
“The soul is not found in the noise of the world; it is found in the stillness of the self.” ~ Adarsh Singh
The Journey That Frees
Going within is the ultimate pilgrimage. It transcends temples, rituals, and worldly achievements. It is the journey of awareness, reflection, and self-realization.
When I went within, I discovered that the source of life itself resided there. I was no longer thirsty, for I drank from the eternal river. I was no longer searching, for the seeker and the sought became one. I was free, utterly free.
The inner journey is timeless, available to every soul, and its rewards are beyond measure. It teaches that liberation is not a distant promise, but a present reality for those willing to dive within.
“I went within, and in that very moment, I was liberated. The inner journey is the only journey worth taking.” ~ Adarsh Singh
Thu Sep 4, 2025
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