Moksa

Moksha is a concept in Indian religions, particularly Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, referring to liberation, release, or freedom. It is considered the ultimate goal of spiritual practice, representing an end to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, known as samsara.

In Hinduism, moksha is often understood as the realization of the true nature of the self (Atman) and its unity with the ultimate reality (Brahman). This liberation can be achieved through various paths, including karma yoga (the path of action), jnana yoga (the path of knowledge), bhakti yoga (the path of devotion), and raja yoga (the path of meditation). The attainment of moksha is seen as a state of eternal bliss and peace.

In Buddhism, the equivalent concept is nirvana. Nirvana signifies the cessation of suffering and the extinguishing of the fires of greed, hatred, and delusion, leading to liberation from samsara.

Jainism views moksha as the soul's release from karmic bondage, allowing it to regain its pure, omniscient, and blissful state. This is achieved through rigorous asceticism and adherence to the principles of non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession.

In Sikhism, liberation is achieved through devotion to God, righteous living, and the grace of the divine. It is a state of union with the divine, transcending the ego and the cycle of transmigration. The term mukti is often used in Sikhism, synonymous with moksha.