Moksha
मोक्ष (Mokṣa)
“What is the ultimate human aspiration and the nature of absolute spiritual freedom?”
Canonical Definition
Moksha signifies liberation, release, and freedom from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara), ignorance (Avidya), and all suffering, resulting in the realization of supreme peace and oneness.
Moksha is the ultimate aim among the four Purusharthas (Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha). While religions differ on the post-mortem heaven, Sanatana Dharma views Moksha as achievable even while living in the body (Jivanmukti). It is the awakening from the dream of separation to the truth of one’s eternal divine nature.
☸Philosophical Schools & Interpretations (दर्शन भेद)
Advaita Vedanta School
advaitaMoksha is not the production of a new state, but the removal of ignorance that unveils the timeless identity of Atman and Brahman.
Vishishtadvaita School
vishishtadvaitaMoksha is Sayujya Mukti — blissful eternal communion and devotional union with Lord Narayana in the transcendental realm of Vaikuntha.
Yoga School
universalMoksha is Kaivalya — the total isolation and autonomy of pure consciousness (Purusha) from material nature (Prakriti).
📜Scriptural Passages (शास्त्र प्रमाण)
स यो ह वै तत् परमं ब्रह्म वेद ब्रह्मैव भवति ॥
“He who knows that Supreme Brahman verily becomes Brahman.”
Significance: The celebrated declaration of the experiential unity achieved upon direct realization of the ultimate reality.