Drg-Drshya-Viveka - 9

"The natural identification between the mutually related (ego and reflection of Consciousness) cannot be annihilated. But the other two (due to karmas and delusion) are eliminated with the exhaustion of karma and with direct knowledge respectively." -- Verse 9

Excerpt From The Commentary

Here, it should be understood that the natural identification goes naturally. No effort can be put forth nor is there a need to exert ourselves to end it. When the Self is realized, this identification drops automatically. It is like the Sun which cannot reflect in an empty bucket. Only when there is water in the bucket, does the reflection automatically come into being.

When the results, for which the body is taken up get exhausted, the identification (of the sentient ego) with that body ceases. The water and the bucket are related as long as the water is in contact with the bucket. When it is poured into another bucket, the relation with previous ends and with the latter commences. Is there no end to this game of birth and death? Exhausting infinite karmas one by one is impossible. Vedanta says that they all end with knowledge.

"O Arjuna, all karmas without exception end in knowledge." - Gita 4.33

The notion of finitude is due to ignorance of the Self, like the non-apprehension of the rope, which causes the misapprehension that it is a snake or a hosepipe. Ignorance can only be removed by knowledge and not be actions, like the knowledge of the rope alone removes the snake notion, and not hitting it with a stick. In order to know the rope, we have to see it with our eyes. As discussed earlier, the means for Self-knowledge is vedanta. When this knowledge is heard (shravana) at the feet of a realized master well versed in the scriptures, reflected upon as taught (manana) and meditated upon (nididhyasana), the seeker comes to experience his own Infinite nature directly. Lack of discrimination has brought us to bondage, and proper inquiry alone will liberate us. All efforts should be put forth to know the Self. 

"It is good if the Reality is known in this life, if not then there is a great loss. The wise see the Self in all beings and having departed, become immortal." - Kenopanishad.

Realization (of the Self) only negates the ego and its identification with the body. Man is thereafter not bound by the body. The body may remain or drop away, just like the pilgrim is not bound by the dog on the wayside. It may or may not follow. This is called jivan-mukti- liberation while living.