Moksha According to Yogic Philosophies

Moksha is a term used in many Indian religions.soon find the truth about themself and their karma
Someone who is thought to experience Moksha isdisappears wheter it was good or bad before they
absolved of the suffering and constant rebirthstarted practicing.
(reincarnation) that life brings. Constantly going through2. Advaita Vedanta Branch - This is a branch that
life and death is not considered to be a good thingsees no separation between realities and god.
according to many religious Indian people.These are only two branches of many. I used them as
In Hinduism, Moksha cannot be obtained until oneexamples because they are two of the largest
reaches a state of full self realization. A Hindu is likelyschools as of today. No matter which branch (or
to practice at least one form of Yoga. They alsoschool) one decides to follow they must do so under
realize that God shows up in many different formsthe guidance of a Guru or Siddha. However, the
and is unlimited. He shows up personally andteacher is not allowed to intervene they are only
sometimes impersonally.around to inspire.
Four Yogas will take someone on the path to Moksha:Once an individual reaches a state of Moksha they
1. Karma Yoga - Work for the supreme.are finally at total peace (Shanti), enlightenment
2. Jnana Yoga - Realize the supreme.(Kaivalya) and knowledge (Videh). This is the end result
3. Raja Yoga - Meditation on the supreme.of a very long road of practice. The Yoga practitioner
4. Bhakti Yoga - Serve the supreme with love andmust be careful not to acquire any Siddhis (spiritual
devotion.power) because they can be a hindrance to achieving
Depending on which school of Hindu one decides toMoksha.
follow they will be required to follow one path orIf you are familiar with Buddhism then you have likely
another. There are two major schools that areheard the word enlightenment. Moksha is very similar
followed nowadays.to enlightenment with the main difference being that
1. Bhakti Branch - This branch sees God as a highlyenlightenment is an end goal for Buddhism and Moksha
worshipped object of love. Every single aspect of Godfor Yogic practices. Putting the end to the endless
is worshipped the same because every single thingrebirth and suffering we experience on this planet
about him is the same as a ray of beautiful sunlight.sounds like a wonderful thing to experience.
When one follows this branch they are believed to