Moksha Is Disappearing In The Universal Consciousness – Ancient Hindu Teaching – Modern Day Relevance
Moksha is a Sanskrit term meaning liberation, release, or emancipation, and is one of the four Purusharthas, or goals of human life, in Hinduism. It signifies the end of the cycle of rebirth and the realization of one's union with the divine, merging with the Universal Consciousness or Brahman. Moksha is the ultimate goal in Hindu spiritual practice and philosophy.
The Concept of Moksha in Hinduism
In Hindu tradition, the cycle of life and death, known as Samsara, is driven by karma—the sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence. Moksha represents the freedom from this cycle, where the individual soul (Atman) becomes one with Brahman, the unchanging reality amidst and beyond the world.
The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most important texts in Hinduism, discusses moksha extensively. Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna:
"When a man is free from all attachments, when his mind is fixed on knowledge, and when his actions are performed as a sacrifice to the divine, that man attains moksha."
(Bhagavad Gita 4.23)
This highlights the importance of detachment, knowledge, and selfless action as paths to attaining moksha.
Pathways to Moksha
Hindu philosophy prescribes multiple paths (Yogas) to achieve moksha:
Jnana Yoga (Path of Knowledge): This involves deep contemplation and understanding of the self and the nature of the universe. It's often associated with the teachings of the Upanishads, where self-realization leads to the recognition of one's unity with Brahman.
"He who sees all beings in his own self, and his own self in all beings, loses all fear."
(Isha Upanishad 6)Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion): This path emphasizes loving devotion towards a personal god. It is described as the most accessible path in the Bhagavad Gita:
"By devotion alone, one truly understands who I am, and who I truly am. Thereafter, having understood me in truth, he enters into me."
(Bhagavad Gita 18.55)Karma Yoga (Path of Action): This involves performing one's duty without attachment to the results. According to the Gita, karma yoga purifies the heart and prepares it for the reception of knowledge, which eventually leads to moksha.
"Perform your duty with a mind focused on the Divine, abandoning all attachment to success or failure."
(Bhagavad Gita 2.47)Raja Yoga (Path of Meditation): Focused on controlling the mind and senses through meditation and ethical living, Raja Yoga, as outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, offers a systematic approach to attain spiritual liberation.
"Yoga is the suppression of the activities of the mind."
(Yoga Sutras 1.2)
Modern-Day Relevance of Moksha
In the modern world, where materialism often overshadows spiritual values, the concept of moksha holds significant relevance. It offers a counterbalance to the incessant pursuit of wealth, fame, and power by emphasizing inner peace, self-realization, and harmony with the universe.
The teachings of moksha can be seen as promoting mental well-being, reducing stress, and fostering a deeper sense of purpose in life. As individuals seek more meaningful lives in the midst of chaos, moksha provides a framework for understanding one's place in the cosmos and achieving true contentment.
Stories and Illustrations of Moksha
One of the famous stories illustrating the concept of moksha is that of King Janaka, a revered figure in Hindu lore. Janaka was a wise and just king who ruled his kingdom while remaining detached from the material world. He was known for his realization of the self while performing his kingly duties. When a sage questioned his spiritual knowledge, Janaka responded that he was fully aware of the ultimate reality even while ruling his kingdom, embodying the ideal of karma yoga.
Another story is that of Nachiketa, found in the Katha Upanishad. Nachiketa, a young boy, questions Yama, the god of death, about the nature of the soul and the afterlife. Through his earnest quest for truth, Nachiketa is taught about the imperishable self and the path to moksha.
"The self-existent Brahman is not attained by the study of the Vedas, nor by intelligence, nor by much learning. He whom the Self chooses, by him is the Self attained."
(Katha Upanishad 1.2.23)
Importance of Moksha in Hindu Practice
Moksha is not just a theoretical concept; it is the driving force behind many Hindu rituals, practices, and ethics. The idea that life is transient and that one's ultimate goal is spiritual liberation influences Hindu views on death, morality, and the meaning of life.
During the Antyeshti (last rites) ceremony, for instance, prayers are offered for the departed soul to attain moksha, reflecting the belief that liberation from the cycle of rebirth is the highest goal.
In addition, festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Diwali are also seen as opportunities for devotees to seek divine grace and take steps closer to moksha.
Lesser-Known Aspects of Moksha
Jivanmukti: This is the concept of achieving moksha while still alive. A Jivanmukta is someone who has realized their unity with Brahman and lives without ego or desires, yet continues to exist in the world. This concept challenges the idea that moksha only occurs after death, suggesting that liberation is possible here and now.
Moksha in Other Indian Religions: While moksha is primarily a Hindu concept, it is also significant in Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, though each interprets it differently. In Jainism, for instance, moksha is the release of the soul from the bondage of karma, leading to its ascent to the Siddhashila, a state of pure consciousness.
Moksha vs. Nirvana: In Buddhism, Nirvana is often equated with moksha, but the two are distinct. Nirvana refers to the extinguishing of desire, ignorance, and suffering, leading to liberation from the cycle of rebirth. While both concepts involve liberation, their philosophical underpinnings differ.
Moksha, as the ultimate goal of human existence, remains a profound and timeless aspect of Hindu philosophy. Its teachings encourage a life of balance, detachment, and spiritual inquiry, offering a pathway to eternal peace and unity with the divine. In a world increasingly dominated by external pursuits, the pursuit of moksha remains as relevant as ever, reminding humanity of the importance of inner realization and universal consciousness.