moksha

Moksha A concept of Indian religious philosophy. The word ‘Moksha’ generally means eternal salvation from a sorrowful or painful state. The living beings attain peace and completeness by reaching this state. Therefore, apart from the adherents of Carvaka, all communities of Indian philosophy including the atheists and theists recommend efforts for attaining ‘Moksha’. The four ends of life are: Dharma (religion), Artha (wealth), Kama (libidinal pleasure) and Moksha. These four elements are essential for bringing nourishment and completeness in life.
There are differences of opinion regarding the meaning of ‘Moksha’. According to some, the destruction of ‘Avidya’ (ignorance) leads to Moksha. Some opine, the elimination of desire is Moksha. Some others hold the view that the erosion of familial joy and sorrow as well as delinking of attachments developed for other objects result in Moksha. In other words, the snapping of bonds is Moksha. In addition, some people say that Moksha is a state of joy and ultimate peace. But most Indian philosophers hold the view that Moksha is the ultimate goal in life, that is nothing else is needed once Moksha is attained; all other needs become redundant. The value of Dharma-Artha-Kama is superficial, but the value of Moksha is constant.
There are differences of opinion among Indian Philosophers regarding the shape and nature of Moksha. According to Buddhist philosophy, it is possible to extinguish suffering even if the world is full of suffering. The cessation of this suffering is called ‘Nirvana’. Nirvana and Moksha are synonymous. Gautama Buddha had identified ‘Avidya’ (ignorance) as the main cause of suffering. According to him, Nirvana is possible through application of ‘Astabgika Marga’ (Eight-fold Path): Samyak Drishti (right understanding), Samyak Sangkalpa (right resolve), Samyak Bak (right speech), Samyak Karmanta (right action), Samyak Ajiva (right livelihood), Samyak Vayama (right effort), Samyak Smrti (right