Moksha is the 4th and the final of the Four Purusharthas – or the pursuits of one’s life. It is the central concept in Hinduism and is considered the ultimate aim of life. Quite literally it means liberation from the mundane bondages of the mind and body into the freedom of the self and the divine; freedom from one’s doubts, anxieties and attachments. When one lives a life of Dharma, supported by Artha and Kama, Moksha dawns. When one attains Moksha, one is in contact with the true essence of the being and is self-realised. One is freed from the cycle of reincarnation (birth and death).
When one is said to attain Moksha, there is the complete realisation of the human potential and creativity. One is in a state of complete bliss and non-attachment, full of love and compassion. It is the awakening of the spirit to its real nature. One is in complete knowledge of the self and the universal consciousness or Brahma which pervades everything. However, this state is not easy to attain as it requires a tremendous amount of self-discipline, along with knowledge.
“The whole Universe exists within us, ask all from yourself.” – Rumi
Moksha is the gradual purification and refinement of the consciousness through continuous work on the self, when one’s faculties are turned completely inwards and one is unperturbed and shira – steady. “This liberation comes from a life lived with inner purity, alert mind, led by reason, intelligence, and realisation of the Supreme Self who dwells in all beings.”- Deepak Chopra
“At its root, moksha is the universal desire for healing, well-being, spiritual understanding, and the experience of our true nature. It is the hidden knowing, the sudden whisper we may hear when things have gone most wrong in our lives or when we are truly receptive, reminding us of our unbounded divine heritage.” – Yoga Journal
A self-realised person treats everyone with respect, never injures or harms any life form, is of a serene disposition, is never angry or resentful. Such a person is always soft with words and enjoys his own company.
Read more on the 4 Purusharthas, Dharma, Artha and Kama.