What is Moksha?
Moksha is attained when the soul becomes free from all karma and the body. This liberation doesn’t happen randomly—there’s a systematic process that leads to it. Let’s explore this.
The Eight Attributes of the Soul and the Eight Karmic Veils
The soul inherently possesses eight infinite attributes:
- Infinite Knowledge (Anant Jnān)
- Infinite Perception (Anant Darshan)
- Infinite Conduct (Anant Charitra)
- Infinite Bliss (Avyābādha Sukh)
- Passionlessness (Vītarāgatā)
- Eternal Existence (Akṣay Sthiti)
- Formlessness (Amūrti)
- Lightness (Agurulaghutva)
These are veiled by eight karmas:
- Jñānāvarṇiya (Knowledge-Obscuring Karma)
- Darśanāvarṇiya (Perception-Obscuring Karma)
- Mohanīya (Deluding Karma)
- Antarāya (Obstructive Karma)
- Vedanīya (Feeling-Producing Karma)
- Āyuṣya (Lifespan-Determining Karma)
- Nāma (Body-Determining Karma)
- Gotra (Status-Determining Karma)
We can classify them as follows:
- Related to the Soul’s Attributes:
Jñānāvarṇiya, Darśanāvarṇiya, Mohanīya, Antarāya. - Related to the Body:
Vedanīya, Āyuṣya, Nāma, Gotra.
When Do These Karmas Dissolve?
The four soul-related karmas can be destroyed here in this life through proper spiritual practice:
- Jñānāvarṇiya Karma → Dissolved by Pursuit of Knowledge (Jnān Sādhanā)
- Darśanāvarṇiya Karma → Dissolved by Right Faith (Darshan Sādhanā)
- Mohanīya Karma → Dissolved by Right Conduct (Charitra Sādhanā)
- Antarāya Karma → Dissolved by Austerity (Tap Sādhanā)
The remaining four body-related karmas are only destroyed at the time of death and final liberation.
The Practical Spiritual Path
The journey begins with cultivating these four practices:
- Jnān (Right Knowledge): Study scriptures, practice the eight disciplines of knowledge such as humility and timing. Start with the Six Essentials (Chha Avashyakas)—like Pratikraman and Samayik.
- Darshan (Right Faith): Visit and revere the Enlightened Ones (Dev, Guru, Dharma), develop conviction and realization.
- Charitra (Right Conduct): Begin with small disciplines like mindful speech, consumption, movement (five samitis and three guptis).
- Tap (Austerity): Start with small fasts or Ratri Bhojan Tyag (renouncing night meals), progressing toward Ekāsan, Upavās, and eventually, internal austerities.
Faith in the Self and Moksha
Before walking this path, one must believe:
- The soul exists
- The soul is eternal
- Karma is real, and the soul is both its creator and experiencer
- Moksha exists, and it’s desirable
Many may speak of Moksha but do not desire to leave attachments, passions, or comfort. But a true seeker aspires to leave the cycle of birth and death.
The Three Levels of Practice
- Initial Practice – Chha Avashyak
- Intermediate Practice – Mastery of the Eleven Angas
- Ultimate Practice – Study of the Fourteen Purvas
By progressing through these, and gradually purifying the soul, Kevaljnān (omniscience) is achieved here itself—this is Bhāva Moksha.
The final four karmas—Vedanīya, Āyuṣya, Nāma, and Gotra—are shed at death, leading the soul to Siddha Shila, the realm of the liberated.
Conclusion:
The path to Moksha is not abstract—it’s deeply scientific and systematic. By consciously pursuing knowledge, cultivating faith, maintaining conduct, and practicing austerity, we begin to dissolve the karmic layers veiling the pure soul.
Let us begin this transformative journey today, not merely by intention but through consistent spiritual practice. Start with the Six Essentials, and let each step take you closer to your true, liberated self.