Sarvopādhi-vinirmuktaṁ - Becoming Free from Designations
In the material world, everyone is busy defending their identity. People fight wars over borders, race, and religion, convinced that these temporary labels define who they are. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that this is the primary illusion of material existence. He introduces the Sanskrit term upādhi, meaning "designation." A designation is a title or role that has no permanent reality for the soul. The essence of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is to help humanity rise above these artificial divisions and return to their original, pure identity. This article explores the Vedic injunction of sarvopādhi-vinirmuktaṁ—becoming free from all designations.
Nature of Designations
We are born into a certain family, nation, and culture, and we immediately accept these as our identity. We say, "I am American," "I am Indian," "I am Hindu," or "I am Christian." Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that these are merely bodily concepts. The soul is neither white nor black, neither male nor female. Just as a person changes clothes, the soul changes bodies. Therefore, identifying with the body is as foolish as identifying with one's shirt.
- Everyone is under the impression that "I'm this body." "I am Indian," "I am American," "I am Hindu," "I am Muslim," "I am Christian" - bodily upadhi, designation. He does not become free from the designation.
- This is bhakti definition. When one becomes freed from all designation. "I am American." This is designation. "I am Indian." This is designation. "I am brahmana." This is designation. "I am ksatriya." This is designation.
True Liberation
Many people search for mukti or liberation, thinking it involves acquiring mystic powers or merging into the light. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda gives a practical and immediate definition: mukti means giving up designations. As soon as one understands, "I am not this body, I am spirit soul, servant of God," they are liberated. This shift in consciousness brings instant relief from the anxieties of defending a false identity.
- When you give up this designation, that is called mukti. Mukti does not mean that you get some extraordinary position. Mukti means to become free from these material designations. It is same attachment, diversion of attachment to Krsna.
- A diseased man, when he gets back his healthy life, he becomes very happy. Similarly, as soon as we become freed from this designation life, we come to the real life of spiritual life.
Basis of Universal Unity
The modern world speaks of peace and brotherhood, but it tries to achieve this on the material platform. Śrīla Prabhupāda argues that unity is impossible as long as we hold onto our designations. An American will naturally see a Russian as different; a Hindu will see a Muslim as different. Real unity can only be established on the spiritual platform, where every living entity is seen as an eternal part and parcel of Kṛṣṇa.
- The modern civilization is based on bodily designation - American, India, German - but our proposition is to become free from these artificial designations, and unless one becomes free from these artificial designations there can't be any God-consciousness.
- To become free from designation means "I do not belong to any of these categories (I am Hindu, I am Muslim, I am Christian). I am eternal servant of God." If you come to that position, then that is the common platform.
Science of Purification
How does one remove these deep-rooted designations? It is not a mental exercise. It requires a practical engagement of the senses. This process is called bhakti-yoga. By employing the eyes to see the Deity, the tongue to taste prasādam, and the ears to hear the holy name, the senses are purified. When the senses are purified (nirmalam), they naturally let go of material labels and engage in their constitutional function: serving the Master of the senses, Hṛṣīkeśa.
- One has to become freed from such designative (material) activities (sarvopadhi-vinirmuktam (CC Madhya 19.170)) and become pure in order to serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead through purified senses.
- When we become free from these designations, sarvopadhi-vinirmuktam tat-paratvena nirmalam. And you become purified, nirmala. Mal means dirt and nirmala means without any dirt, without any dirty things, simply spiritual.
Conclusion
To be Kṛṣṇa conscious means to be free from the limitations of geography, race, and creed. It is the science of the soul. By stepping out of the small circle of "I am American" or "I am Indian" and entering the unlimited circle of "I am Kṛṣṇa's," one attains the perfection of life.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Becoming Free From Designations. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.