Moksha: The Ultimate Spiritual Goal

All living things are in search of happiness. A kid plays with toys because he is looking for happiness. When he grows, he studies hard so that he can live a happy life in the future. Based on his education, he looks for a job to achieve the things that will lead to his satisfaction. Then, he marries with the expectation to become a 'happy man'. During all these stages, he feels happy for a while, but that ‘happiness’ does not last long. Thus, his search for happiness continues. No amount of money, praise, achievement or any level of success gives him solace. When he realizes that all these are bondages or sources of temporary happiness, the search for everlasting joy begins. This permanent happiness is Moksha, also known as salvation, mukti, or freedom from bondage.

It is due to bondage that one feels unhappy.

"From the moment one becomes aware of 'I am bound', after that moment, he will desire to become free (from this worldly life) & attain ultimate liberation (Moksha)" - Param Pujya Dada Bhagwan

Bondage is the fruit of ignorance of the Self (Soul), while Moksha is the fruit of the knowledge of the Self. The path of Moksha or the Moksha marg begins when one attains Self-realization and knows 'Who am I.' Moksha or liberation is in your hand from the moment the ignorance of the Self goes away. Liberation is the end of the spiritual path.

Who does not allow you to attain Moksha?

What does not let a gourd covered with mud float? It is the mud that weighs it down. In the same way, there are 'parmanus' (sub-atomic particles of the body complex) that cover the Soul. These 'parmanu' heavily weigh down the Soul and drag it into lower life forms. It is the veil of these particles that do not allow you to achieve Moksha.

After Self-realization, one becomes free from all attachments of worldly atoms, including the sub-atomic particles. All these atoms around the Soul shed off, and the Soul floats to Siddha Kshetra (the permanent abode of absolutely liberated Souls). This is the ultimate liberation, which is possible only by the grace of a Gnani Purush.

A Gnani Purush is the one who has reached the state of permanent happiness. Isn't it easy to reach the airport if we are with someone who knows the way to the airport? Similarly, the path to Moksha becomes straightforward when we meet the Gnani Purush.

Read on to get a clear understanding on the various questions related to Moksha.