Moksha in Hinduism: Realizing Meaning and Purpose of Life

Abstract

Moksha is unique to Indian tradition and it is rooted in the understanding that human beings have the
inherent capability to transcend the limitations imposed by the nature and attain freedom in an absolute
sense. Moksha is about getting off the wheel of samsara or the cycle of suffering caused by birth, death,
and rebirth. Moksha is the union of the atma (individual soul) with the Brahman (world soul). This union,
however, is not easy as the individual soul, filled with desire, incessantly reincarnates itself through
rebirths. Even if residual desire remains, moksha is difficult to attain. As the soul finds unity with the
Supreme Being and a person exits the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, self-realization occurs. In the
process of achieving moksha, one loses the focus on the ego and the body and is able to focus on her or
his own divine self. This research paper tries to examine the relevance of the concept of Moksha as an
ultimate and supreme goal of human life. Also, the purpose of the paper is to establish a link between
Western concepts such as Maslow’s need hierarchy theory, character strengths and virtues and Eastern
concepts of Hinduism such as Moksha.