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What is the difference between Nirvana and Moksha?

edited April 2016 in History & Culture
1-are nirvana and moksha same concepts in Hinduism?
2-buddism denied moksha but defined nirvana.
Does Buddhism consider both things as different?

Moksha means getting rid of cycle of death and birth.if I understand correctly in Hinduism it is obtained after death .what is nirvana in hinduism then?is it same like moksha in Hinduism??

Nirvana means getting rid of cycle and birth in the lifetime itself ,by following moral code.this is as per Buddhism.
Buddism denied moksha.

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Comments

  • Philosophy,history, spiritual people.plz enlighten me,by throwing some ray .
  • @Usainbolt @Captain_Peroxide

    Nirvana is the state of supreme realisation. Ultimate bliss or happiness. A mind free from all emotions..namely anger, worry, lust etc. In this state lies what Buddha called as "Enlightenment".

    Moksha refers to transendence of Soul. In simpler terms salvation from cycle of birth and death.

    In Buddhism, following, eight fold path leads to Nirvana.

    Attaining Nirvana, is a step further towards Moksha.

    Only an Enlightened person can attain Moksha.

    This is from my understanding. A philosophy student can give a better picture.
  • The definition of Moksha also varies from philosophy to Philosophy.

    For Advaita Vedanta ( a subpart of Vedanta school) moksha is assocaited with concept of "Jeevanmukata" which in a way relates to "Enlightened person" but no such emphasis on "salvation form cycle of birth and death".

    For them, Atama and Parmatama are same and understading of this fact can bring them liberation while they are living. This understanding is though very hard to come. :)
  • edited April 2016
    Yes .
    Six schools of philosophy and other various like dvait,advait,dvait advait,vishishtaadvait,shuddaadvait philosophies etetc. have their own ways to achieve salvation. All have same objective but path chosen is different.
    But my question is still not clear.
    Thanks @IWRA @Captain_Peroxide @MISSION for giving your insight.
  • I think here when we compare nirvana of Buddhism and moksha of Hinduism ,we need to include or for that matter consider the point of transmigration of soul.
    In Buddhism transmigration of soul is not accepted, whereas in Hinduism transmigration of soul is considered.
    So ,in Buddhism since no transmigration of soul so attain nirvana in lifetime itself, but in Hinduism there is concept of transmigration so moksha is after death.
    I thing is a connecting link,and the basis for difference.
    What do you say @IWRA @MISSION .
  • @Usainbolt yes..u got it right..this is the connecting link.

  • Buddha's Dharma doesn't believe in soul as is believed in all other religions i.e. an invisible infinitely small entity living inside body separate from it. It believes in consciousness/mind which is property of body being in nature/universe. So, it doesn't believe in Vedic concept of transmigration i.e. soul going from body to body after death.

    So as MISSION above said Nirvana is supreme realisation of nature of reality and mind and results in genuine happiness. It is a state of mind free from all negative emotions like anger, hate, delusion, pride, worry, lust etc. which leaves one with only positive emotions like love, kindness, humility, understanding, peace etc. One who discovers/realises Nirvana by himself is called a Buddha. So, Buddha is a title and not a name. One who reaches Nirvana with help of Buddha is called Arhat/Arahant.

    Whereas Advaita Vedanta (major strand of present hinduism) which is based on Vedas believes in individual soul - Atman and an universal soul - Brahman. Until individual souls inside bodies of living beings don't achieve Moksha they reincarnate/transmigrate based on actions of previous life in an higher or lower being. When an individual realises that he was all along a part of Brahman, he achieves Moksha and is freed from cycle of birth and death when he dies.

    So, strictly speaking there is no Moksha in Buddhism and no Nirvana in Hinduism but lay people use them interchangeably.

    Sorry for such long reply but I think it is necessary to clear doubts. Hope your questions are answered. o:)
  • @srikanth_theseeker thanks for elaborating it further and making it clear.

    As you mentioned one who realises himself is called Buddha.
    Is this sentence hinting towards Bodhisattva?
  • The definition of Moksha also varies from philosophy to Philosophy.

    For Advaita Vedanta ( a subpart of Vedanta school) moksha is assocaited with concept of "Jeevanmukata" which in a way relates to "Enlightened person" but no such emphasis on "salvation form cycle of birth and death".

    For them, Atama and Parmatama are same and understading of this fact can bring them liberation while they are living. This understanding is though very hard to come. :)
    If that understanding dawned upon a person, one would definitely 'renounce' upsc.
  • I want to read philosophy for knowledge purpose only not for exams. Kindly suggest some good books where I can develope a basic understanding of philosophy( specially hindi books). TIA
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