What is Moksha?

For a Hindu, the ultimate triumph is to be freed from the cycle of birth. The highest level of being is the freedom from an impermanent human life. At this stage, one has achieved enlightenment and the soul has attained salvation. Reaching Moksha is the main driving aspect for every deed a Hindu commits.

The liberation from the serfdom of karma, from the vicious cycle of birth and death is enlightenment. This becomes possible when we establish absolute control over the five senses. The mind is a mixture of senses; it is a concentrated Indriya. An Indriya is a mind in manifestation. The mind reaches the stage of Nirvikalpa Samadhi, the stage of nothingness. It is the absolute wisdom. This is when the soul attains Moksha.

To have a better picture, the concept of Samsara needs to be understood. It is the cycle of life, the passing of the soul from one life to another. As the soul moves towards its goal, the new incarnation is informed by the deeds of the previous life. This is Karma.

Exemption from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) is the ultimate goal of life in Hinduism. There are four goals in Hinduism, collectively called Purusartha, and the fourth and ultimate goal is the attainment of Moksha. As people move through the first three goals (dharma/ religion, artha/ money, and kama/ deeds), they release attachments to worldly possessions and desires, leading to the goal of achieving Moksha.