Moksha
Moksha (Sanskrit: मोक्ष), also known as *mukti* and *apavarga*, is a pivotal concept in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It refers to liberation, emancipation, or release from the cycle of *samsara* (birth, death, and rebirth). Moksha signifies the end of suffering (dukkha) and the attainment of spiritual enlightenment, characterized by the realization of one's true nature and the unity of the self (Atman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman in Hinduism, Nirvana in Buddhism). This state transcends the limitations of the material world and the ego, allowing for a state of eternal bliss and peace. The path to Moksha varies among the different philosophical schools, including yoga, meditation, selfless action (karma yoga), and devotional practices (bhakti yoga). The concept of Moksha is therefore the ultimate goal, or liberation from the suffering of the human condition, for the adherents of these religions. It’s the cessation of the endless cycle of repeated existence and the consequent suffering inherent in repeated lives.
Moksha meaning with examples
- For devout Hindus, the ultimate aspiration is to achieve Moksha, transcending the endless cycle of birth and death. They strive for spiritual understanding, practicing meditation and other yogic techniques to facilitate the path towards enlightenment.
- The Buddhist monk dedicated his life to the pursuit of Moksha, seeking liberation from the cycle of suffering through the practice of the Eightfold Path, with practices of right meditation and awareness. This brought him inner peace.
- Jain ascetics often endure extreme forms of self-discipline, including fasting and renunciation, in order to purify their karma and ultimately attain Moksha, to sever the bonds of material attachment to overcome suffering.
- The guru explained to his disciples that achieving Moksha requires selfless service, detachment from material possessions, and unwavering devotion to a higher power. This selfless devotion helps transcend the ego.
- The spiritual seeker understood that Moksha was not a reward but a transformation, the cessation of suffering attained by dismantling the illusion of a separate self to achieve enlightenment, a true awakening.