The Maharshis who grasped the Atmadharma declared that Sath, Chith and Ananda are the basic characteristics of the Self. Therefore, those great Vijnanis can be said to have attained Brahmam, which is Sath-Chith-Ananda Itself. For liberation, clearness of vision to see the Atman is enough; that is the essential thing, not caste or colour. How to get that clear vision? The answer is: through the practice of Dharma, the Dharma which is conditioned by caste and asrama! Dharma enables the Atma to be realised, without any mist or fog hiding it from view. The practice of Dharma fills you with experience; through that experience, truth is established; the Truth reveals clearly and the Vision grants liberation; persons who are free from such inner encumbrances hiding the Atma, may belong to any caste or asrama; that does not matter; they do attain liberation. This Anthahkarana Suddhi is what the Sastras extol, when they speak of salvation.

Those who have attachment and hatred, even if they dwell in the forest, cannot escape harm. Those who have conquered the senses, even if they are householders, can be thapaswis. If engaged in acts which are not harmful or condemned, then they are entitled to be called Jnanis. The home is the thapovana for attaining non-attachment. Liberation cannot be won by progeny, or by charity or by riches or by Yajna or Yoga; what is wanted for liberation is the cleansing of the self.

In order to decide what is right action and wrong, the Sastras alone are the authority; whatever the stage of life, whatever the Asrama, if the person has the realisation of Brahmam as the goal, and if he seeks to realise Swaswarupa, that is, his own real Reality, he will succeed in removing the veil of ignorance and know himself as Brahmam. Attention fixed on one's Atma - that is the means of liberation.

Understanding this lesson that the Vedas teach, practising the principles of living laid down for the particular stage of one's life, any one, whatever the caste, can attain the Paramapada, the Highest Stage. If there is the will and the strength to adhere strictly to Dharma, if there are no difficulties in acquiring Jnana, one can, without entering Sanyaasa Asrama, remain as a householder and yet be liberated.