The Path to Moksha

At last Garud asked the greatest question: Lord, how is one freed forever from this cycle of birth and death? The Lord said: Garud, this is called moksha. In moksha the soul is not born again; it merges with God in supreme peace and joy.

The Lord explained that the cause of bondage is the sense of 'I' and 'mine'. When a person understands that they are not the body but the eternal soul, and that everything belongs to God, their bonds begin to loosen. This understanding does not come only from books, but from good conduct and a calm mind.

The Puran calls devotion the simplest path to moksha. Taking God's name, hearing His stories, keeping good company and offering every action to Him all purify the mind. Tradition also honours seven sacred cities as givers of moksha: Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Kashi, Kanchi, Ujjain and Dwarka.

But the Puran also says that moksha is not something only for old age or the moment of death. One who does their duty honestly every day, loves others, lessens greed and anger and remembers God begins to taste peace in this very life.

A family's greatest prayer for the one who has gone is this: O Lord, give them a place at Your feet; grant them sadgati. The reading of the Garud Puran is completed with this prayer.