etymology.today
01.02.2025 | see previous words
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"moksha"
Sanskrit
> DEFINITION:
Liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth (samsara) in Indian religions.
> ETYMOLOGY:
Origin: The word 'moksha' originates from Sanskrit, where it literally means 'release' or 'liberation'.
Historical and Cultural Context: Moksha is a key concept in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, representing the ultimate goal of life. It emerged in ancient India, with roots in the Vedic texts dating back to around 1500 BCE.
Evolution: Over centuries, the concept of moksha evolved to encompass not just liberation from the physical cycle of life and death, but also freedom from ignorance and the attainment of self-realization and enlightenment.
Modern Relevance: Today, moksha is still a central tenet in Indian spiritual practices, often associated with meditation, yoga, and philosophical inquiry. It is seen as the ultimate spiritual goal, transcending material existence.
Historical and Cultural Context: Moksha is a key concept in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, representing the ultimate goal of life. It emerged in ancient India, with roots in the Vedic texts dating back to around 1500 BCE.
Evolution: Over centuries, the concept of moksha evolved to encompass not just liberation from the physical cycle of life and death, but also freedom from ignorance and the attainment of self-realization and enlightenment.
Modern Relevance: Today, moksha is still a central tenet in Indian spiritual practices, often associated with meditation, yoga, and philosophical inquiry. It is seen as the ultimate spiritual goal, transcending material existence.
> FUN_FACT:
In Jainism, moksha is achieved by eliminating all karmic bonds, and it is believed that the soul then resides in a state of eternal bliss at the top of the universe.
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