- August 8, 2024
- Student Blog
Today, we are witnessing a spiritual awakening, with more and more individuals drawn to the idea of spiritual liberation (moksha). This concept aims to free oneself from the eternal cycle of life and death. According to Hinduism and Jainism, the ultimate goal of any living being is to attain liberation from this ‘Samsara’. In Sanskrit, a person focused on attaining liberation—a seeker of truth and knowledge—is known as a Mumukshu.
The Role of Knowledge in Attaining Moksha
Knowledge is pivotal in the process of attaining moksha. It drives our thoughts (vichara), which in turn guide our actions (achara). Only through performing the right actions (dharma) can one attain moksha. This supreme knowledge can be acquired through various methods mentioned in religious scriptures, but one’s heart must be free from malice such as greed, hatred, lust, and ignorance. These negative emotions harden the heart, making it unable to absorb the nectar of pure knowledge. Instead, one’s heart should be filled with compassion and love, making it soft like cotton (kapaas) to fully soak in this essence of knowledge.
The Journey of a Mumukshu
A Mumukshu meditates on the idea of the self, recognizing that knowledge is the innate nature of the soul. Everything one seeks is already deep within. By questioning existence and seeking the reasons behind all happenings, a Mumukshu learns to disassociate from worldly things and practice detachment. They participate in worldly activities but do not become indulgent, focusing on performing their duties wholeheartedly without attachment to the results.
The Light of Knowledge
Just as the rays of the sun cause water to evaporate, the light of self-knowledge frees one from worldly ties, leading to pure bliss. This doesn’t mean the enlightened person avoids responsibilities; rather, they perform their duties without letting their mind become entangled in worldly activities.
The True Essence of Moksha
Moksha is not about entering another dimension to find eternal bliss and peace. It is about freeing oneself from ignorance and falsehoods, attaining complete control over one’s senses and mind so that no external factor can control you. This is the actual liberation. Everyone who seeks this liberation is a “Mumukshu”.
By embarking on this journey, we can discover our true nature and attain the ultimate goal of liberation. This path requires dedication, self-awareness, and a heart open to the transformative power of knowledge.
Manan Saraswat
MBA Student
Universal Ai University
