Moksha

Moksha (Sanskrit: मोक्ष, Mokṣa), also known as mukti (Sanskrit: मुक्ति), is a term in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism for various forms of emancipation, enlightenment, liberation, and release. It refers to freedom from Saṃsāra, the cycle of death and rebirth.

Etymology

The term Moksha comes from the root, muc, which means free, let go, release, liberate. In Vedas and early Upanishads, the word Moksha means liberation, salvation or emancipation of soul.

Concept

In Hindu traditions, Moksha is a central concept and included as one of the four aspects and goals of human life; the other three goals are Dharma (virtuous, proper, moral life), Artha (material prosperity, income security, means of life), and Kama (pleasure, sensuality, emotional fulfillment).

Paths to Moksha

Hindu traditions classify Moksha into four categories:

• Jnana - This is the path of knowledge, wisdom, introspection and contemplation. It involves deep exploration of the nature our being by realizing the eternal truth that there's a divine essence in us which is Atman.
• Bhakti - This is the path of devotion, emotion, love, compassion, and service to God and others. All actions are done in the context of remembering the divine.
• Karma - This is the path of action, service to others, mindfulness, and remembering the levels of our being while fulfilling our actions or karma in the world.
• Raja Yoga - This is the path of meditation. It is considered the royal path that leads to self-realization.

Moksha in Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism

In Buddhism, the concept of liberation is Nirvana, a term that also appears in Hindu texts but is used differently. In Jainism, liberation or Moksha is achieved through realization of the self, realization of the universe, and the innate Tirthankara nature. In Sikhism, Moksha is attained by living a life of virtuous deeds, service and remembering God at all times.

See also

• Nirvana
• Samsara
• Dharma
• Karma
• Atman (Hinduism)
• Tirthankara