मोक्ष
The precise linguistic root, etymology, and scriptural context of Moksha.
AEO Summary
Moksha is the ultimate spiritual goal in Sanatan Dharma, representing complete liberation from the cycle of birth and death and the realization of one's true, eternal nature.
Primary Meanings
- Liberation or emancipation
- Freedom from the cycle of reincarnation (Samsara)
- Self-realization
- The ultimate goal of human life (Purushartha)
Tradition Context
The realization that the individual soul (Atman) is identical to the universal reality (Brahman). It is not a place to go, but a truth to recognize.
Eternal, blissful communion with the personal God (Vishnu), where the soul retains its individual identity but is free from suffering.
Conceptually similar to Nirvana; the extinguishing of the fires of attachment, aversion, and ignorance.
Scriptural Usage
"तमेव विदित्वाति मृत्युमेति नान्यः पन्था विद्यतेऽयनाय"
— Only by knowing Him does one pass over death; there is no other path for liberation (Moksha).
"सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज । अहं त्वा सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः ॥"
— Abandoning all duties, take refuge in Me alone. I will liberate you from all sins; do not grieve.
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