Four Purusharth

Moksha, the ultimate goal and the highest ideal of Hindu philosophy, is a state of profound spiritual liberation and transcendence. It is the culmination of the soul's journey, a release from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) that Hindu scriptures describe as a bondage caused by ignorance (avidya) and desire (kama). The pursuit of moksha is a quest for eternal freedom, a union with the Supreme Brahman, and a realization of one's true, divine nature.

The Vedic Origins

The concept of moksha finds its earliest roots in the ancient Vedic scriptures, the foundational texts of Hindu thought and philosophy. The Upanishads, which form the concluding portions of the Vedas, are particularly rich in elucidating the idea of moksha and the means to attain it.

The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad states:

"Verily, this whole universe is Brahman. That tranquil Being is the immortal Self. Brahman alone is the immortal light in the heart of every creature." (4.4.19)

This verse highlights the fundamental tenet of moksha – the realization that the individual self (Atman) is one with the universal Self (Brahman), a state of non-duality (advaita) that transcends the limitations of the physical world.

The Chandogya Upanishad reinforces this notion:

"In that state, one becomes united with the Supreme Being, who is the ultimate source of all beings; one knows no second, distinct from oneself." (6.8.7)

Thus, the Vedic texts lay the foundation for the understanding of moksha as a state of oneness with the Supreme Brahman, a merging of the individual soul with the cosmic essence.

The Paths to Moksha

The various Hindu philosophical systems, including the six classical schools of thought (Shad Darshanas), offer diverse approaches and methods for attaining moksha. These paths are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary, catering to the diverse temperaments and inclinations of seekers.

1. The Path of Knowledge (Jnana Marga)

The path of knowledge, or Jnana Marga, emphasizes the acquisition of spiritual wisdom and the realization of the true nature of the Self. This path is primarily advocated by the Advaita Vedanta school of philosophy, which teaches the non-dualistic (advaita) nature of reality.

The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered scriptures of Hinduism, elucidates the path of knowledge:

"When one realizes the indestructible, transcendental nature of the soul, one attains the supreme goal of life." (2.25)

The Vivekachudamani, a renowned work by Adi Shankara, the great proponent of Advaita Vedanta, states:

"Just as the concept of a snake is removed by the knowledge of a rope, so the perception of the world is removed by the realization of Brahman." (147)

Through the study of scriptures, contemplation, and the guidance of a qualified guru, the seeker on the path of knowledge aims to dispel the veil of ignorance and realize the true, non-dual nature of existence.

2. The Path of Devotion (Bhakti Marga)

The path of devotion, or Bhakti Marga, is rooted in the intense love and surrender to the Divine. This path emphasizes the cultivation of unwavering devotion, faith, and devotional practices as a means to attain moksha.

The Bhagavad Gita extols the virtues of the path of devotion:

"For those who have fixed their minds on Me and worship Me with unwavering devotion, I provide the means to achieve the imperishable and eternal state of moksha." (9.22)

The Narada Bhakti Sutra, a renowned text on the philosophy of devotion, states:

"Intense love for the Lord, which arises from the realization of the Lord's greatness, is called bhakti." (2)

Through devotional practices such as worship, chanting, singing praises, and contemplating the divine qualities, the devotee seeks to develop an intimate connection with the chosen deity, ultimately leading to spiritual liberation.

3. The Path of Selfless Action (Karma Marga)

The path of selfless action, or Karma Marga, emphasizes the performance of one's duties and actions without attachment to the fruits of those actions. This path promotes selfless service, detachment, and the purification of the mind and heart.

The Bhagavad Gita expounds on the importance of selfless action:

"Renouncing all attachment to the fruits of action, ever content, and free from all dependence, one attains the imperishable state." (3.19)

The Ishopanishad reinforces the principle of selfless action:

"One should perform action without attachment, for the sake of the Lord. By renouncing the fruits of action, one attains the supreme state." (1)

By dedicating one's actions to a higher purpose and performing them with a spirit of detachment and selflessness, the seeker on the path of karma aims to purify the mind and achieve spiritual liberation.

4. The Path of Meditation (Raja Marga)

The path of meditation, or Raja Marga, is centered on the practice of intense concentration and meditation techniques. This path is closely associated with the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which outline an eight-fold path (Ashtanga Yoga) for attaining samadhi, or the highest state of consciousness.

The Yoga Sutras state:

"Then, the seer dwells in its own nature, which is pure consciousness, free from all modifications." (1.3)

The Bhagavad Gita also emphasizes the importance of meditation:

"The yogi whose mind is concentrated on Me, and who worships Me with unwavering devotion, is regarded as the highest of all." (6.47)

Through the practice of various meditation techniques, such as breath control (pranayama), physical postures (asanas), and concentration (dharana), the seeker on the path of meditation aims to still the fluctuations of the mind and attain a state of pure consciousness, ultimately leading to moksha.

The Nature of Moksha

While the paths to moksha may vary, the descriptions of the state of moksha itself share common themes across Hindu scriptures and philosophical traditions.

1. Freedom from the Cycle of Rebirth

One of the fundamental aspects of moksha is the liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad states:

"When all the desires that dwell in the heart are overcome, then the mortal becomes immortal and attains Brahman in this very life." (4.4.7)

The Bhagavad Gita also affirms this concept:

"Having attained Me, the great souls are no longer subject to rebirth, the impermanent abode of suffering." (8.15)

Moksha signifies the ultimate release from the bondage of samsara, the endless cycle of reincarnation driven by the accumulated karma (actions) and desires.

2. Union with the Supreme Brahman

Moksha is often described as a state of union or merger with the Supreme Brahman, the ultimate reality that underlies the entire universe. The Svetasvatara Upanishad proclaims:

"The one Supreme Lord, who resides within and without all beings, pervades the entire universe, and yet transcends it." (6.11)

The Bhagavad Gita reinforces this notion:

"Having attained Me, they are never reborn in this transient world of impermanence and suffering, for they have gained the supreme perfection." (8.16)

In the state of moksha, the individual soul (Atman) is said to realize its essential oneness with the universal Brahman, a state of non-duality (advaita) and eternal bliss.

3. Transcendence of Worldly Existence

Moksha is described as a state of transcendence beyond the limitations of the material world and the cycle of birth and death. The Katha Upanishad states:

"When the wise realize the Self, the indestructible, and immutable, they are free from the snare of death." (2.3.15)

The Bhagavad Gita echoes this sentiment:

"Those who have attained Me, the Supreme Abode,