In Hinduism, the concept of a spiritually liberated soul, also known as a "mukta" or "jivanmukta," refers to an individual who has attained spiritual liberation or freedom from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). Here are some of the important characteristics of a liberated soul in Hinduism:
Atman Realization: A liberated soul has realized the true
nature of the self (Atman) and understands its oneness with the ultimate
reality, Brahman.
Freedom from Rebirth: A mukta is no longer subject to the
cycle of rebirth and death (samsara) and is free from the bondage of karma.
Transcendence of Ego: The liberated soul has overcome the
ego (ahankara) and recognizes the illusory nature of the individual self.
Equanimity: A mukta remains undisturbed by pleasure or pain,
success or failure, as they have transcended dualities and opposites.
Unconditional Love: A liberated soul embodies unconditional
love (prema) and compassion for all living beings, seeing the divine presence
in everyone.
Knowledge of Brahman: The mukta possesses direct
experiential knowledge (jnana) of Brahman, the ultimate reality, beyond the
limitations of intellectual understanding.
Detachment: While engaged in worldly activities, a liberated
soul maintains a sense of detachment, performing actions without attachment to
the fruits of those actions.
Selfless Service: A mukta engages in selfless service (karma
yoga) for the well-being of others without any personal desires or motives.
Peaceful Mind: The liberated soul experiences inner peace
and tranquility, unaffected by external circumstances.
Freedom from Ignorance: Having transcended ignorance
(avidya), a mukta lives in the light of spiritual wisdom and knowledge.
Union with the Divine: A liberated soul is in a state of
constant union (yoga) with the divine, recognizing the divinity within and
without.
Liberation in Life: Jivanmukti signifies liberation while
living. The mukta continues to live in the physical body but is free from the
limitations of worldly existence.
Non-Dual Awareness: A liberated soul sees the world as a
manifestation of the same divine consciousness and recognizes the oneness of
all existence.
Absence of Fear: Freed from the cycle of birth and death, a
mukta experiences fearlessness and a deep sense of security in the divine.
Ineffable Joy: The liberated soul experiences an inner joy
(ananda) that transcends the fleeting pleasures of the material world, deriving
happiness from the eternal source within.
It's important to note that the concept of a liberated soul
may vary across different schools of Hindu philosophy, such as Advaita Vedanta,
Bhakti, and others, each offering its unique perspective on spiritual
liberation.