MOKSA

Moksha and Samsara

To understand moksha, which means 'liberation,' one must first understand several other
important ideas in Hinduism - particularly, samsara. Samsara is a Sanskrit word that refers to the
cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, to the passing of the soul from one life to another. As the soul
transitions between these lives, the next incarnation is informed by the deeds of the previous life.
This is the Hindu belief of the concept of karma. You may have heard people talk about karma
and the idea that people's choices will come back to affect them one way or another in the future.
The Hindu concept of karma is similar to the popular use, but a person's responsibility for her/his
actions, good or bad, is dealt with in the next life, not the current one.

The end of the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) is the ultimate point of existence in
Hinduism. There are four goals, collectively called purusartha, aimed at achieving samsara, with
the fourth of these being the ultimate goal of obtaining moksha. As people move through the first
three goals (dharma, artha, and kama), they release attachments to worldly possessions and
desires, leading to the goal of achieving moksha. Sound familiar? The Hindu concept of moksha
is similar to the Buddhist concept of nirvana.

A visual representation of the concept of moksha can be seen in this Hindu painting which shows
the elephant Gajendra experiencing moksha. Instead of focusing on the suffering from the
crocodile biting his leg, he focuses on Vishnu, who liberates him.

It is important to note here that there are several different schools of thought in Hinduism, each
having its unique perspective on moksha. While some view moksha as liberation from the cycle
of birth, death, and rebirth altogether, others view moksha more generally as liberation from
suffering during life on earth, leading to a life of perfect bliss. Some even use an alternate name
to refer to moksha such as kaivalya.
 Hindus believe that the soul passes through a cycle of successive lives and its next
incarnation is always dependent on how the previous life was lived.

Moksha

Hindus believe that the soul passes through a cycle of successive lives (samsara) and its next
incarnation is always dependent on how the previous life was lived (karma).

Burning funeral pyres on the banks of the River Ganges

In a lifetime people build up karma, both good and bad, based on their actions within that
lifetime. This karma affects their future lives and existences. People must take responsibility for
their actions either within this life time or the next. Death is a key part of this cycle and is treated
with specific importance. Death is the last samsara (cycle of life) referred to as the 'last sacrifice'.

Moksha is the end of the death and rebirth cycle and is classed as the fourth and ultimate artha
(goal). It is the transcendence of all arthas. It is achieved by overcoming ignorance and desires. It
is a paradox in the sense that overcoming desires also includes overcoming the desire for moksha
itself. It can be achieved both in this life and after death.

What happens after death

It is preferable for a Hindu to die at home. Traditionally a candle is lit by the head of the
deceased. The body is then placed in the entranceway of the house with the head facing south.
The body is bathed, anointed with sandalwood, shaved (if male) and wrapped in cloth. It is
preferable for cremation to take place on the day of death. The body is then carried to the funeral
pyre by the male relatives and prayers are said to Yama, the god of death. Sometimes the name
of God (Ram) is chanted. While doing this the pyre is circled three times anti-clockwise. This is
usually done by the male relatives of the family, lead by the chief mourner.

On the funeral pyre the feet of the body are positioned pointing south in the direction of the
realm of Yama and the head positioned north towards the realm of Kubera, the god of wealth.
Traditionally it is the chief mourner who sets light to the pyre. This is done by accepting flaming
kusha twigs from the Doms' who are part of the Untouchable Hindu caste responsible for tending
to funeral pyres. The body is now an offering to Agni, the god of fire.
Water is sacred

After cremation the ashes are collected and usually scattered in water. The River Ganges is
considered the most sacred place to scatter ashes. Similarly, Benares (the home of Siva, Lord of
destruction) is a preferred place of death because it takes the pollution out of death and makes it
a positive event. Anyone who dies here breaks the cycle of life and achieves moksha
(enlightenment or release).

It is important to remember that Hinduism is not only a religion but also a cultural way of life.
Some practices and beliefs may not be common to all Hindus as regional differences occur.

The city of Benares

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