What is Moksha?

Sanskrit words Moksha and Mukti simply mean liberation or Freedom.

There are two kinds of Moksha or Mukti.

One is known as Jeevan-Mukti - while living in this world in the physical body.

The other is Moksha after the death of the physical body.

Jeevan-Mukti is Freedom from fear - sorrow, and misery while living in the world.

Moksha after death means free of everything, including the mind - 

which experiences all the emotions such as desires, attachment, expectations, and ego - 

and in turn, these emotions bring sorrow and misery.

                Jeevan-Mukti - Moksha 

According to the ancient Hindu Shastras - the Scriptures, Moksha is not located in some other Loka or planet.

It is a state of mind.

     Mokshasya na hi vaaso-asti na graamantarmeva va

     Agyaan-Hriday-Granthi Naasho Moksha iti Smritah

                                   (Shiv Geeta)

Meaning:

Moksha is not located in some other Loka - another planet - or another plane of existence. 

It does not belong to a particular place - a city, a village, or a house.

The elimination of the veil of Agyaana - ignorance and false knowledge that clouds the mind - 

is known as Moksha.'

In other words, it is a delusion, misconception that we will only achieve Moksha after death - 

That we will be living on a different plane of existence or turn into a different kind of Being.

That we will be free from all sufferings and misery - and be in a state of bliss for eternity.

This thought seems to be influenced by the western concept of Salvation. 

Usually, when interpreting the Sanskrit words Mukti and Moksha in English, we translate them as Salvation. 

However, if we analyze deeply - we will find that the concept of Salvation is very different than of Moksha. 

Salvation seems to be more like being rescued from this mortal world of suffering - And taken to another world called Heaven - where the souls will live in the presence of God - in a state of total bliss till eternity.

However, this concept does not coincide with the ideology of Indian Sanatan holy scriptures. 

Bliss - no matter how beautiful it sounds - is a state of mind after all.

It is the mind and body that feel and experience all emotions. 

And according to our ideology - in the state of Moksha, Atma is free of both - the body and mind. 

Usually, during everyday conversations, we often use some words figuratively. 

Similarly, while defining Moksha, we may sometimes use the words such as bliss, joy, everlasting happiness, etc. Although, it can not be really described by any physical or mental emotions.  

Perhaps, the closest word to define the state of Moksha is Param-Shanti - the everlasting Peace.

Now - Peace by itself is not an emotion - it's is the absence of all emotions. 

Being free of all other emotions is called Param Shanti or Peace.

 (Read more about emotions and Peace at

https://rajansachdev.blogspot.com/2014/12/nav-rasa-nine-emotions.html

Lord Krishna says:

      निर्ममो निरहङ्कार: स शान्तिमधिगच्छति

      Nirmamo NirHankaarah Sa Shantimadhigachhati 

                         (Bhagavad Geeta 2- 71)

Being free of attachment and expectations - by being free of ego - peace is achieved. 

Usually, we are prisoners of our desires, ​​attachments, and expectations - hence we are not liberated.

Moreover, we also become prisoners of certain beliefs and concepts.

It is good to have some beliefs - but it is not good to become their prisoners. 

If we do, then we cannot see beyond the boundaries of those beliefs. Our vision becomes very limited. 

Truth cannot be realized by a closed mind - with a limited vision.

Therefore - we must break all the prisons. 

By eliminating the veil of Agyaana - ignorance and false knowledge or concepts -

By lighting the lamp of Gyana in our hearts and minds -

And thus, achieving the state of enlightenment - free from all delusions and attachments -

is called Moksha. 

                                  ' Rajan Sachdeva '

Note:

The three ancient Indian schools of thought known as Advait, Vishishta Advait, and Dvait - have slightly different views on the Moksha after the death. 

Though the basic ideology is pretty much the same. 

All later religions and sects of India are basically the extensions of one or the mixture of all the above three ideologies.