Spirit : Moksha - freedom and liberation

In this article we come to the final one of the Purusharthas - the 4 goals or values of human life.  The yogic texts invite us (and they are just guidelines rather than rules) is to create a balanced life for ourselves.  When we life a life with purpose and meaning that is true to our personal values we are living our Dharma (Purushartha no. 1. Things feel more harmonious and we become more contended.  When we feel more contented we might find that we feel secure with what we have in life and are less envious and grasping of the things that we don't have.  This is Artha (Purushartha no. 2) - skilful management of our wealth and propsperity.  Dharma and Artha together guide Kama (the 3rd Purushartha) which is concerned with pleasure and how we enjoy our lives.  When we can be creative, loving, compassionate, grateful for life itself and enjoy it all without slipping into greed, addiction and therefore suffering, we have reached Moksha, Purushartha no. 4.  Moksha is freedom, understanding, wisdom and peace. It is the ability to live with permanent awareness, openness and pure love.  

Reaching a state of Moksha isn't easy and can take a lifetime of self-study.  Sometimes we might experience Moksha in fleeting moments such as a beautiful sunset or a stunning view, the perfect moment spent with those who mean the most to us or in the bliss of Savasana.  Ultimately, when living in a state of Moksha, the soul is released from any sense of ego. It transcends all of the joys, pain, and sorrow of the physical body and the material world. and enlightenment is reached. 

Please note that my understanding of the four Purusharthas is very limited and they are very complicated!  I have tried to distil centuries of writings into a very basic nutshell and I would therefore recommend further exploration if you are interested.