In Indian philosophy moksha is one of
the four purusharthas, or aims of life;
the others are artha (wealth, power, and
prosperity), kama (desire), and dharma
(righteousness). Moksha literally means
“release”—the human soul’s (atman)
final liberation from the cycle of reincarnation (samsara). The quest for liberation involves questioning and ultimately
detaching oneself from pursuits of
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Moksha
normal social life. Although all four
purusharthas are legitimate and sanctioned, liberation is usually seen as the
ultimate goal, the last goal to be pursued
after fulfilling the pleasures and pains
stemming from the other three. Moksha
is also unchanging, bringing one complete and absolute freedom, whereas
the other three are ultimately transient, for they are pursued within the
ever-changing world of desires.