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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Moksha and Nirvana?

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Moksha and Nirvana are similar concepts in Hindu and Buddhist philosophies, respectively, that describe the liberation from the cycle of birth and death. However, there are some differences between the two:

  1. Origin: Moksha is more prevalent in Hinduism, while Nirvana is more common in Buddhism.
  2. Nature of the Self: Nirvana starts with the premise that there is no Self, whereas Moksha starts with the premise that everything is the Self. In the state of Nirvana, there is no consciousness, but in the state of Moksha, everything is One unified consciousness.
  3. Liberation: Moksha is liberation from all sorrow and attainment of enlightenment. Nirvana, on the other hand, is the highest individual attainment in the life of an individual and a state of mind where hatred, greed, desire, and other negative emotions melt and dissolve.
  4. Path to Liberation: The path to Moksha in Hinduism involves various spiritual practices, such as yoga, meditation, and adherence to the teachings of the Vedas. In Buddhism, the path to Nirvana is through the Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

Despite these differences, both Moksha and Nirvana aim to free individuals from the cycle of suffering and rebirth, and they share a common goal of spiritual liberation.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Moksha and Nirvana?
  • Comparative Table: Moksha vs Nirvana

    • Comparative Table: Moksha vs Nirvana

    Here is a table summarizing the differences between Moksha and Nirvana:

    Feature Moksha Nirvana
    Definition Moksha is the liberation of the immortal soul from the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Nirvana is a state of enlightenment that free oneself from suffering.
    Emphasis Moksha focuses on liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Nirvana emphasizes the end of suffering.
    Stages Moksha happens in two stages: Liberation (from causes) and the second stage of liberation from the worldly life (effect). Nirvana is a single state of enlightenment.
    Result Upon attaining Moksha, the soul is called Siddha Bhagwan and resides in the Siddha Kshetra, an eternal abode for liberated souls. Attaining Nirvana does not necessarily result in the attainment of an eternal abode.
    Which faiths practice Moksha is primarily related to Jainism and Hinduism. Nirvana is primarily related to Buddhism.
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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.