Difference between revisions of "Enlightenment"

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'''Enlightenment''', '''''Moksha''''', or '''Gnosis''' are words used to describe various forms of spiritual liberation, self-realization, and self-knowledge. In a general sense, it expresses a blissful state of existence of a human soul. It is most-commonly found in connection with the Vedic religions: [[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]], and [[Jainism]]; however, it is also the expressed goal of numerous [[occult]] schools passed down from the early tradition of [[Gnosticism]].
[[File:Mahavira Enlightened.jpg|400px|thumb|Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of [[Jainism]], achieving enlightenment]]
'''Enlightenment''', '''''Moksha''''', or '''Gnosis''' are words used to describe various forms of spiritual liberation, self-realization, and self-knowledge. In a general sense, it expresses a blissful state of existence of a human soul. It is most-commonly found in connection with the main Indian religions: [[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]], and [[Jainism]]; however, it is also the expressed goal of numerous [[occult]] schools passed down from the early tradition of [[Gnosticism]].


''Nirvana'' and ''moksha'', in all traditions, represent resting in one's true essence.
''Nirvana'' and ''moksha'', in all traditions, represent resting in one's true essence.
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==In Hinduism==
==In Hinduism==
[[File:Lord Shiva.jpg|400px|thumb|Lord Shiva, abiding in an eternal state of perfect ''moskha'']]
''Moksha'' in [[Hinduism]] implies a setting-free of hitherto fettered faculties, a removing of obstacles to an unrestricted life, permitting a person to be more truly a person in the full sense. The concept presumes an unused human potential of creativity, compassion and understanding which had been blocked and shut out. ''Moksha'' is more than liberation from a life-rebirth cycle of suffering (''samsara''), it also includes psychological liberation from fear and ignorance or anything that is not true knowledge.
''Moksha'' in [[Hinduism]] implies a setting-free of hitherto fettered faculties, a removing of obstacles to an unrestricted life, permitting a person to be more truly a person in the full sense. The concept presumes an unused human potential of creativity, compassion and understanding which had been blocked and shut out. ''Moksha'' is more than liberation from a life-rebirth cycle of suffering (''samsara''), it also includes psychological liberation from fear and ignorance or anything that is not true knowledge.