These were some of the final words of Sri Ramana Maharshi.
Let the body, the result of fructifying karma, rest or move about, live or die, the Sage who has realized the Self is not aware of it, just as one in drunken stupor is not aware of his clothing.
The jnani who has found himself as formless pure Awareness is unaffected though his body be cleft with a sword. Sugar-candy does not lose its sweetness though broken or crushed.
"When we have finished a meal do we keep the leaf-plate on which we have eaten it?" A jnani rejoices to be relieved of the body by death as a servant rejoices to lay down his burden at the place of delivery.
They take this body for Bhagavan and attribute suffering to him. What a pity! They are despondent that Bhagavan is going to leave them and go away; where can he go, and how?"
Do you know what moksha (Liberation) is? "Getting rid of nonexistent misery and attaining Bliss which is the only existence, that is the definition of moksha.”
The Supreme Self, the Blissful Pure Consciousness sporting within the Heart of all Gods and creatures, is Arunachala Ramana.
Additional Teachings And Explanation:
Moksha, or liberation, is a profound concept rooted in the spiritual and philosophical traditions of India, particularly in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. As Sri Ramana Maharshi puts it: "Getting rid of nonexistent misery and attaining Bliss which is the only existence, that is the definition of moksha." This brief but potent statement captures the essence of moksha, yet it invites deeper exploration into its meaning, symbolism, modern-day relevance, and parallels in other traditions.
Meaning and Significance of Moksha
Moksha is the ultimate goal in Hindu philosophy, representing liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). It signifies freedom from the illusions and suffering of material existence, referred to as maya, and the realization of one's true nature as atman (the inner Self) which is eternal, pure consciousness. Moksha is often described as the state of eternal bliss (Ananda), where the individual soul merges with the absolute reality or Brahman, the unchanging, infinite, and omnipresent consciousness.
Sri Ramana Maharshi, a renowned sage and proponent of Advaita Vedanta, emphasizes that misery is nonexistent because it is an illusion created by ignorance (avidya) of one’s true nature. From the perspective of the Self, there is no suffering, only bliss. Moksha, therefore, is the direct experience of this Bliss, where one transcends all dualities—pleasure and pain, life and death, and self and other.
Symbolism of Moksha
In Hindu symbolism, moksha is often represented by:
- Light: The soul's journey from darkness (ignorance) to light (knowledge of the Self) represents the path to moksha.
- The lotus: This symbolizes spiritual awakening and purity, as the lotus grows in muddy waters but rises above it, much like the soul rising above the material world.
- An open sky: Representing the boundless nature of consciousness and freedom.
Importance of Moksha in Hinduism
Moksha is one of the four main purusharthas (goals of human life) in Hinduism, the other three being dharma (righteous living), artha (material prosperity), and kama (pleasure or desire). While dharma, artha, and kama deal with worldly life, moksha is the transcendent goal. It is the ultimate liberation that provides release from the karmic cycle, offering eternal peace and freedom from the sufferings of the world.
Practicality and Relevance in Modern Life
In today’s fast-paced, materially driven world, the concept of moksha might seem distant or irrelevant to many. However, its principles offer immense practical value:
- Detachment from materialism: In a world often obsessed with accumulation, moksha teaches that true peace and happiness cannot be found in external objects but must be sought within. This understanding can help individuals reduce stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction by focusing on inner fulfillment rather than outward achievements.
- Self-awareness: The path to moksha involves deep self-inquiry and meditation. In modern life, practices like mindfulness, yoga, and meditation, which are rooted in the pursuit of moksha, are widely adopted to alleviate mental suffering and cultivate a deeper connection to the present moment.
- Resilience to suffering: By understanding the impermanent and illusory nature of worldly suffering, individuals can develop resilience, accepting life’s challenges with greater equanimity.
- Freedom from ego: Moksha encourages transcending the ego, the sense of “I” and “mine” that is at the root of much personal conflict. In modern contexts, this can promote more harmonious relationships and reduce conflicts driven by egoistic behavior.
Similar Thoughts in Hinduism and Other Cultures
In Hinduism, moksha is closely related to concepts like nirvana in Buddhism and kaivalya in Jainism.
- Nirvana (Buddhism): Like moksha, nirvana is the ultimate release from the cycle of birth and rebirth. It is a state of enlightenment where one is free from all desires and suffering. In Buddhism, the path to nirvana involves the cessation of craving, ignorance, and the illusion of the self.
- Kaivalya (Jainism): In Jain philosophy, kaivalya represents absolute isolation of the soul from karmic matter and worldly attachments, leading to infinite knowledge and bliss, similar to moksha.
- Sufism (Islamic mysticism): The goal of Sufism is fanaa, or the annihilation of the ego and merging with the Divine. It echoes the Hindu and Buddhist goal of dissolving the individual self to realize unity with the Ultimate.
- Gnosticism (Christianity): Early Gnostic Christians sought salvation through direct personal experience of the Divine, often describing liberation from the material world in a way that parallels the Hindu pursuit of moksha.
Benefits of Moksha in Personal and Social Life
- Personal Liberation: On an individual level, moksha provides profound inner peace, removing the suffering caused by attachment to the impermanent aspects of life—such as wealth, relationships, and status. It leads to a state of unconditional happiness, self-realization, and contentment.
- Spiritual Growth: The pursuit of moksha requires spiritual discipline, including meditation, ethical living, and self-inquiry. These practices foster a deeper understanding of life and one’s purpose, promoting wisdom and compassion.
- Harmonious Society: When individuals seek moksha, they tend to adopt more compassionate and altruistic behaviors, contributing to the well-being of society. The virtues cultivated on the path to liberation—such as non-violence, truthfulness, and generosity—enhance social harmony.
Modern-Day Relevance
In modern times, people may seek moksha not necessarily in the traditional religious sense but as a metaphor for inner freedom and peace. Moksha can symbolize breaking free from the mental conditioning that leads to stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction in modern life. With increasing interest in meditation, mindfulness, and yoga, many individuals pursue a state of inner balance and well-being that aligns with the essence of moksha.
Philosophers like Ramana Maharshi remind us that suffering is based on the false identification of the Self with the body and mind, both of which are transient. In a world constantly grappling with existential questions, environmental crises, and the pursuit of meaning in a consumer-driven society, the timeless wisdom of moksha offers a way to transcend misery and realize lasting bliss, making it more relevant than ever.
In summary, moksha is not merely a religious goal; it is a profound spiritual ideal that promotes self-realization, emotional freedom, and inner peace. Its principles, while deeply rooted in ancient traditions, have universal relevance and can offer a practical, transformative path in today's world.