The book mentions both bondage and liberation. What is the relationship between them, and what is the ultimate state I should aim for?

Chapter 17 presents a nuanced view on bondage and liberation, stating, "Where there is liberation, there is bondage; where there is bondage, there is liberation." Instead of choosing one over the other, the text advises that one should transcend both of these dualistic states. The ultimate goal is to remain in your 'pure, self-controlled state.' This is achieved by discarding all ignorance related to happiness and sorrow and acquiring 'special knowledge (Vijnana).' The text affirms that the knowledge of Brahman is always near you. By ceasing to identify with the body and its entanglements, you can move beyond the concepts of being bound or freed and simply exist in your true, pure nature.