Mokṣa

Definition

Mokṣa is the concept of liberation or release from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara) in Indian philosophy. It represents the ultimate goal of spiritual practice, where an individual achieves self-realization and unites with the divine or true nature, leading to freedom from suffering and the constraints of worldly existence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mokṣa is considered the highest goal in many Indian philosophies, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, though interpretations vary between traditions.
2. In Jain philosophy, mokṣa is achieved through rigorous ascetic practices and the purification of the soul from karmic particles.
3. The paths to mokṣa can include knowledge (jnana), devotion (bhakti), and disciplined action (karma), depending on the philosophical context.
4. In Nyāya philosophy, mokṣa is understood as the ultimate cessation of suffering through right knowledge and correct reasoning.
5. Mīmāṃsā emphasizes that fulfilling one's dharma is essential for achieving mokṣa, as righteous actions lead to a favorable rebirth and eventual liberation.

Review Questions

• How does the understanding of mokṣa differ between Jainism and Nyāya philosophy?
  • In Jainism, mokṣa is attained through strict asceticism and the complete liberation of the soul from karmic bondage. This involves a profound commitment to non-violence and truth. Conversely, Nyāya philosophy views mokṣa primarily as a state achieved through right knowledge and reasoning. While both traditions recognize the importance of liberation, their paths emphasize different aspects: Jainism focuses on ethical conduct and personal discipline, whereas Nyāya emphasizes intellectual clarity.
• Discuss how dharma contributes to the attainment of mokṣa in Mīmāṃsā philosophy.
  • In Mīmāṃsā philosophy, dharma is central to achieving mokṣa as it encompasses the duties and ethical responsibilities one must fulfill in life. By performing one's dharma correctly—whether it pertains to rituals, social duties, or moral obligations—individuals can accumulate good karma. This accumulation helps create favorable conditions for spiritual progress. Ultimately, adherence to dharma paves the way for liberation by ensuring that one's actions align with cosmic order.
• Evaluate the different pathways to mokṣa across various Indian philosophical schools and their implications for practitioners.
  • Different Indian philosophical schools propose varied pathways to mokṣa that reflect their unique teachings. For example, Jainism emphasizes severe ascetic practices for purification; Hinduism offers diverse paths such as devotion (bhakti), knowledge (jnana), or disciplined action (karma); while Buddhism focuses on ethical living and mindfulness leading to enlightenment. These diverse approaches highlight individual choice in spiritual practice but also suggest that understanding one's nature and circumstances is crucial. As practitioners engage with these philosophies, they can choose paths that resonate with their beliefs and lifestyle while still aiming for liberation from samsara.

Related terms

Samsara: Samsara refers to the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that all beings experience until they attain mokṣa.

Karma: Karma is the law of moral causation, which holds that a person's actions in this life and past lives determine their future experiences and rebirths.

Dharma: Dharma represents one's duty or righteousness, which varies according to an individual's class, stage of life, and circumstances, and plays a crucial role in attaining mokṣa.