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moksha

In Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist philosophy, liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth.

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Where does the word "moksha" come from? It comes from Sanskrit moksha, and was adopted directly into English (19th-20th c.).

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Where does the word "moksha" come from? It comes from Sanskrit moksha, and was adopted directly into English (19th-20th c.).

Moksha’s story begins in Sanskrit: moksha meant “liberation, release.” From a root meaning 'to free oneself', denoting release or liberation. It reached English by 19th-20th c. as moksha. Adopted in English writing on Hindu and Jain philosophy. Today, moksha means in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist philosophy, liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth.

  1. Stage 1 · Sanskrit · ancient moksha "liberation, release", from a root meaning 'to free oneself', denoting release or liberation.
  2. Stage 2 · English · 19th-20th c. moksha "liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth", adopted in English writing on Hindu and Jain philosophy.

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