Paper Title: A Philosophical Study of Mukti (Liberation) in the Godādhara School of Thought : With Reference to the Muktivāda Text
Author:
Abstract:
The present discussion, rooted in the principles of Nyāya philosophy, examines the nature of mokṣa (liberation), its relation to tattva-jñāna (true knowledge), and its status as the highest human goal (puruṣārtha). It begins by establishing that human activity is always guided by prayojana (purpose), and hence śāstras first declare their objective to inspire engagement. Mokṣa is identified as the ultimate purpose, attained indirectly through śāstra-jñāna and directly through tattva-jñāna. A major philosophical inquiry concerns the nature of liberation. Different views— such as mokṣa being duḥkha-prāgabhāva (prior absence of pain), atyantābhāva (absolute non-existence of pain), or duḥkha-dhvaṁsa (cessation of suffering)—are critically examined. The accepted view establishes mokṣa as the absolute cessation of suffering, characterized by the complete destruction of karmic bondage (durita). However, this destruction is not merely incidental but connected with the rise of true knowledge.
Keywords:Mukti, Liberation, Godādhara School, Muktivāda, Indian Philosophy
DOI Link – https://doi.org/10.63431/AIJITR/3.II.2026.226-243
Review By – Dr. Shiladitya Satpathi and Dr. Chandan Mandal