Wk 171 – Purusarthas – 4 Desires – 4. Moksha
Moksha is the desire to become liberated or spiritual emancipated which entails the removal of ignorance (avidya), gaining direct insight into the nature of reality and the illusion that veils it. This is the ultimate desire, aim or goal of many yogis. It represents the liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara) which is at the root of human suffering (dukkha) as well as the freedom from karma which means that the yogi is no longer bound by the effects of past actions and is free from the cycle of cause and effect.
Moksha is the realisation of one’s true nature, often described as union with the divine, Brahman, pure consciousness or the realisation of the Self (Atman). This realisation transcends the illusion of individual identity or personality which is the limited ego (ahamkara), and dissolves the separateness between self and other. This awakening to not just who you are but what you are leads to a deep sense of interconnectedness with all existence. Moksha is characterised by a state of eternal bliss, peace, and contentment, a profound sense of inner tranquility and harmony that is not dependent on external circumstances .
Achieving Moksha is said to be a transformative spiritual journey engage in various yoga practices to purify the mind, body, and energy. These practices may include- Hatha Yoga (physical postures and breath-work),
- Raja Yoga (meditation and mind control),
- Jnana Yoga (path of knowledge and self-inquiry),
- Karma Yoga (selfless service)
- Bhakti Yoga (path of devotion and surrender),
- Tantra (weaving it all together and accumulating Prana powers in the desire to experience Moksha)
Yogis purify their minds from negative emotions, attachments, and ego-driven desires by practicing yoga, meditation, self-reflection, self-inquiry (vichara) and cultivating virtues like compassion, love, and forgiveness. Whatever form of Yoga practice is chosen, Yogis seek to know their true self beyond the limitations of the body, mind, and ego.
Through this process, Yogis refine their ability to practice non-attachment to worldly desires and possessions. Aparigraha and Vairagya, allows the Yogi to detach with love, recognising that clinging to material things and transient experiences can hinder spiritual progress. This is why Karma and Bhakti Yoga is necessary in fulfilling the desire of Moksha as when a Yogi engage in selfless service and acts of kindness without attachment to the results, but by offering their actions to a higher purpose, they refine the mind and cultivate a sense of oneness with all beings. If fulfilling this desire is something you aspire to, I would advise you to study spiritual scriptures like the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutras, Geranda Samhita, Shiva Sutras and other philosophical texts. These texts offer profound insights into the nature of reality and the path to Moksha. Yet there are other western texts that can awaken this process too. So keep seeking, studying, learning and growing Many yogis seek the guidance of a guru or spiritual teacher who has already attained Moksha or is on an advanced spiritual path. A guru, teacher or mentor provides invaluable guidance, support, and wisdom on the journey towards liberation. I recommend developing an intimate connection with your inner guru, buddhi as it will guide you to fulfilling your soul’s longing, your deepest and most virtuous desires. Aligning you to live a life aligned with Dharma creating the ideal environment for spiritual growth. To connect with the inner guru, buddhi, Yogis practice mindfulness in their daily lives, being fully present in each moment, listening, observing and feeling it all as a teacher. Mindfulness helps them develop clarity and a deeper understanding of one’s thoughts and emotions, leading to self-awareness and inner transformation. Buddhi guides you across your humanity back home to the beloved where you form a direct experience to the Isvara. Devotion to the divine or a chosen form of the divine is an integral part of the journey to Moksha. Through devotion and surrender, yogis develop an intimate relationship with the divine, transcending the ego and merging with the ultimate reality. Attaining Moksha is a profound and individual journey Yogis may take different paths to reach this ultimate goal. The key is to cultivate a sincere and dedicated spiritual practice with a deep yearning for self-realisation and liberation from the cycle of suffering. It is believed that with persistent effort and divine grace, the yogi eventually experiences Moksha and becomes free from the cycle of birth and death experiencing a state of profound liberation, realisation, and transcendence.
