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Significance of Moksha

Moksha is a key concept in Indian philosophy that represents liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). In Buddhism, it is associated with achieving Nirvana, while in Hinduism, it is seen as the ultimate goal achieved through self-realization and divine union. Jainism views Moksha as the highest spiritual liberation acquired through righteousness, whereas Vaishnavism emphasizes it as liberation through God's grace. Across different traditions, Moksha signifies liberation, spiritual freedom, and bliss, marking the end of suffering and the realization of one's true nature.1
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Synonyms: Liberation, Emancipation, Salvation, Release, Enlightenment, Awakening, Nirvana, Freedom, Transcendence

In Dutch: Moksha; In German: Moksha; In Finnish: Moksha; In Spanish: Moksha; In Swedish: Moksha; In Malay: Moksha; In French: Moksha

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Moksha'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Moksha signifies liberation from the cyclical existence of samsara, achieved through understanding one's actions, ultimately leading to Nirvana, the supreme state of peace that Buddha encourages all to seek.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) The state of liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara) that individuals seek to achieve by understanding the consequences of their deeds.[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Buddhism (general):

From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)

(1) The most excellent state of liberation and peace, termed Nirvana, which Buddha invites Yasas to pursue.[2]

Hindu concept of 'Moksha'

Hinduism Books

Moksha in Hinduism signifies liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara), representing the ultimate goal of spiritual practice, characterized by freedom from desire, suffering, and union with the divine through self-realization.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha

(1) The liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara), attained through higher understanding and practices.[3] (2) Liberation or freedom from the cycle of rebirths and worldly suffering.[4] (3) The ultimate spiritual liberation or release that the mind aims to achieve by merging with Atma.[5] (4) The ultimate goal of liberation and freedom from the cycle of life and death in Hindu philosophy.[6] (5) The ultimate liberation or release from the cycle of life and death, achieved through true knowledge.[7]

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) Liberation or emancipation from the cycle of birth and death, achieved through realization of the true self.[8] (2) Liberation or salvation from the cycle of Samsara; an ultimate goal of spiritual practice in the text.[9] (3) Liberation or release from the cycle of birth and death, which Vyasa Deva hopes his son can achieve.[10] (4) Liberation or freedom from the cycle of Samsara, considered the ultimate goal of spiritual practice.[11] (5) Liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth, an ultimate goal often sought by those engaged in spiritual practices.[12]

From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)

(1) Liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth, usually associated with the realization of the Self.[13] (2) The concept of liberation or release from the cycle of birth and rebirth, a central theme in the Bhagavadgita.[14] (3) The term for liberation or release from the cycle of birth and rebirth, a key goal of the teachings in the Gita.[15] (4) The state of liberation or release from the cycle of birth and death, as understood within the context of Samkhya philosophy.[16] (5) Release or liberation; the ultimate goal which is to be attained by transcending the material plane.[17]

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) The ultimate goal of liberation and salvation from the cycles of birth and death.[18] (2) The liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, representing the ultimate goal of human existence in Hindu belief.[19]

From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

(1) A synonym for liberation, emphasizing the release from the cycle of transmigration and the realization of ultimate truth.[20] (2) The ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth, associated with spiritual realization.[21]

From: Harivamsha Purana

(1) The ultimate liberation or emancipation, described as the goal of the rishis, obtainable through specific hymns.[22]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Taittiriya Upanishad

(1) The spiritual liberation or release from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, as mentioned in various philosophical reflections.[23] (2) Liberation or release from the cycle of samshara (birth, death, and rebirth) achieved through right knowledge of Brahman.[24] (3) Liberation or the final spiritual goal of life in the Vedantic tradition, achieved through Self-knowledge.[25] (4) The ultimate goal in Vedanta, referring to liberation or freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara).[26] (5) Liberation or ultimate freedom, which cannot be achieved through mere actions but requires profound knowledge and understanding of Brahman.[27]

From: Thirty minor Upanishads

(1) The annihilation of thoughts of bondage through discrimination between eternal and non-eternal.[28] (2) The spiritual goal of liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth, achieving union with the divine.[29] (3) The liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth, attained through devotion to Narayana.[30] (4) Salvation or liberation that arises through the combined practice of yoga and jnana.[31] (5) Salvation or liberation from the cycle of rebirth and the realization of one's true nature.[32]

From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)

(1) Refers specifically to the liberation from the cycle of birth and death, synonymous with Mukti.[33] (2) Moksha represents liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth, an essential attainment sought by sincere seekers of truth.[34] (3) Liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth, achieved through spiritual practice and control of the mind and senses.[35]

From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika

(1) The state of eternal liberation and freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth, which is characterized as inherently achieved.[36] (2) The state of liberation attained by realizing the nondifference between Brahman and Atman.[37]

From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)

(1) The ultimate liberation or spiritual goal that noble souls strive for, which involves the contemplation of the Highest Reality.[38] (2) Liberation or eternal peace that comes from understanding the true nature of the mind as non-dual with Brahman.[39]

From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)

(1) The state of liberation or salvation that one seeks after recognizing one's true nature or obtaining Sakshatkara.[40]

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)

(1) Moksha, or final release, is an eternally and essentially disembodied state, differing from the fruits of action, and it is the same as Brahman in the enquiry being engaged.[41]

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)

(1) Liberation or emancipation from the cycles of birth and rebirth, achieved through knowledge of Brahman.[42]

From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)

(1) The ultimate goal of human existence according to Indian philosophy, denoting liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.[43]

From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)

(1) Spiritual liberation that can be achieved through understanding the nature of existence and the Supreme.[44]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) The cleansed and clarified state that the Lord grants to devotees, representing liberation.[45] (2) The state of liberation and ultimate freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth, granted by Lord Krishna.[46] (3) A state of liberation or salvation that the Alvar desires from the Lord.[47] (4) Liberation or spiritual freedom granted by the Supreme Lord, enabling one to transcend the cycle of birth and death.[48] (5) A type of liberation which can lead to self-enjoyment as opposed to the bliss of Divine Service.[49]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) The term used in the text to describe the ultimate liberation from the bondage of material existence.[50] (2) Liberation or freedom from all suffering and the cycle of birth and death.[51] (3) The ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of birth and death, anticipated by the sages.[52] (4) The ultimate liberation that can be attained through the performance of sacred practices, especially through chanting the holy name.[53] (5) impersonal liberation; a state of freedom from material suffering and existence.[54]

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) Moksha signifies liberation or emancipation from the cycle of birth and rebirth, representing a spiritual goal in various philosophical traditions.[55]

From: Bhajana-Rahasya

(1) Moksha refers to liberation from the cycle of birth and death and is traditionally sought but is secondary to the ultimate goal of loving service.[56]

From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)

(1) Liberation or freedom from the cycle of birth and death, often sought but viewed as contemptuous if pursued selfishly.[57]

From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya

(1) A state of liberation and ultimate reunion with the divine, often sought after in Hindu philosophy.[58]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (鈥榯en avatars of Vishnu鈥�).

Significance in Shaktism (Shakta philosophy):
Shaktism Books

From: Shakti and Shakta

(1) The state of liberation or release from the cycle of birth and rebirth in Indian philosophy.[59] (2) The liberation or release from the cycle of Samsara, signifying a state of ultimate bliss and freedom from worldly suffering.[60] (3) Liberation or release from the cycle of birth and death, achieved through spiritual realization.[61] (4) The ultimate goal in Hindu philosophy, representing Liberation from the cycle of rebirth and suffering.[62] (5) Moksha is the ultimate goal of spiritual practice, denoting liberation from the cycle of birth and death and realization of one's true divine nature.[63]

Shakta or Shaktism (shaktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.

Significance in Yoga (school of philosophy):
Yoga Books

From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)

(1) The ultimate goal of liberation or freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth, closely linked with spiritual awakening.[64] (2) The ultimate goal in spiritual practices, representing liberation from the cycle of existence.[65]

From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)

(1) The ultimate liberation or release from the cycle of birth and rebirth, achieved through understanding and self-realization.[66] (2) The concept of absolute spiritual freedom and liberation, which is the ultimate goal of Yoga practice.[67]

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as asanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

Significance in Kama-shastra (the science of Love-making):
Kamashastra Books

From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)

(1) The ultimate goal of liberation or spiritual enlightenment in Indian philosophy, often contrasted with material desires.[68] (2) The ultimate goal of human existence in Hindu thought, representing liberation, peace, and true happiness, often linked to the results of fulfilling desires.[69]

Kamashastra deals with ancient Indian science of love-making, passion, emotions and other related topics dealing with the pleasures of the senses.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) A term that signifies liberation or release, interpreted here as knowledge or jnana, influencing one's understanding of spiritual goals.[70]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Vaisheshika (school of philosophy):
Vaisheshika Books

From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali

(1) Final Deliverance or liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara), characterized by complete cessation of suffering.[71]

Vaisheshika refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. Vaisheshika deals with subjects such as logic, epistemology, philosophy and expounds concepts similar to Buddhism in nature

Significance in Hinduism (general):

From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha

(1) The ultimate liberation or release from the cycle of birth and death, achieved when past actions no longer bind the soul.[72]

Jain concept of 'Moksha'

Jainism Books

Moksha in Jainism signifies the ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death, achieved through right knowledge and conduct, leading to eternal happiness, freedom from suffering, and the ultimate goal of spiritual progression.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) The state of liberation or freedom from the cycle of karmic actions and samsara.[73] (2) A state of liberation or spiritual release attained by some of the Cakrins.[74] (3) Moksha is the state of liberation or emancipation from samsara, characterized by the absence of suffering, old age, and death, alongside eternal happiness and omniscience.[75] (4) A state of liberation or release, referred to in the context of the Ikshvaku family members' transition.[76] (5) The spiritual liberation or release from the cycle of samsara.[77]

From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)

(1) Liberation or freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth, often achieved through pious acts.[78] (2) The state of liberation or salvation that one aims to achieve through right knowledge and conduct.[79]

From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)

(1) Liberation or the ultimate good of the soul, being the primary subject matter of 'Tattvarthasutra'.[80]

From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)

(1) The state of liberation or release from the cycle of birth and death, which Skandaka sought through his acts of penance and asceticism.[81]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, 鈥榮elf-reliance鈥�) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Moksha in local and regional sources

History Books

Moksha is a central concept in Hinduism representing liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It symbolizes ultimate spiritual freedom, achieved through practices such as renunciation, knowledge cultivation, and self-realization, uniting the soul with the divine.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The ultimate aim of self-realization and liberation discussed in the context of Eastern spiritual traditions.[82] (2) The goal of freedom and liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth, universally accepted by Indian philosophers as an essential facet of life.[83] (3) A key concept in Indian philosophy referring to liberation or release from the cycle of life and death, viewed critically by some European philosophers.[84] (4) The spiritual liberation or the release from the cycle of birth and rebirth in Hindu philosophy.[85] (5) The liberation from the cycle of birth and death in Hindu belief, considered a surrogate focus in many philosophical systems.[86]

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) This term refers to the liberation from the cycle of birth and death, which is a central concept in Hinduism.[87] (2) This is the attainment of which will come to the liberated soul after, and Vyasa makes the remark that none will get the power of creating, ruling, and dissolving the universe.[88] (3) This is the liberation from the cycle of birth and death, which some believed could only be attained through the knowledge of the Self and the renunciation of all actions.[89]

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) Moksha is liberation from transmigration, which is a key aim of Yoga traditions, and it is often considered an obstacle to liberation, in so much as it can obstruct the practice of Yoga.[90] (2) This is the moment of release, and it is the point on the outer circle where the center of the eclipsing body is located, and it is also determined by the valana values.[91]