Moksha
In Hinduism and Jainism, moksha (Sanskrit: liberation) or mukti (Sanskrit: release) refers to liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth.Beliefs as to how moksha may be achieved differ considerably from tradition to tradition. Overall, three distinct approaches or margas (Sanskrit: paths) are recognized:
- Karma Marga ("the path of action"): This path draws its inspiration from the Vedas and the teachings of Brahmans. It does not require one to pay visit to a temple or shrine or anything of the sort. All that is required is behaviour that results in the resolution of one's karma.
- Jnana Marga ("the path of knowledge"): intense meditation and self-reflection. This path draws its inspiration from the Upanishads and the gurus that teach them.
- Bhakti Marga ("the path of devotion"): this breed is more popular than the difficult second path. It is the identification of a worshipper with a particular God. In effect, it is the total devotion to a single God, usually Rama or Krishna. The first great text of "devotionalism" is the Bhagavad Gita ("The Song of God"). Krishna appears in this text and says: "only with love can you come to me".
