What Is Moksha? The Hindu Idea of Liberation
What Is Moksha? The Hindu Idea of Liberation Among the four goals of human life described in Hindu philosophy, Moksha (मोक्ष) is considered the highest spiritual goal. The Sanskrit word Moksha comes from the root muc (मुच्) , meaning: to release, to free, or to liberate. Therefore, Moksha means: Liberation from bondage. But what does Hindu philosophy mean by liberation? Is it freedom from worldly problems? Is it going to heaven after death? Is it escaping life itself? According to many Hindu philosophical traditions, Moksha is something much deeper: The realization of one's true nature as the eternal Self (Atman) and freedom from ignorance, suffering and the cycle of birth and death (Samsara). The Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and Vedanta traditions explore this profound question: Who am I beyond the body and mind? The Four Goals of Human Life: Purusharthas Hindu philosophy traditionally describes four major aims of human life, known as Purusharthas (पुरुषार...
