Why Do Dharmic Religions Ponder Escaping Rebirth with Moksha and Nirvana?

Human birth, be it rich or poor, is characterized by suffering in one form or another. This suffering is an inherent part of the human experience, as various cultural and religious beliefs suggest. Specifically, in Dharmic religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism, the ultimate goal is often the escape from the cycle of rebirth. This is achieved through the concepts of Moksha and Nirvana, which respectively signify freedom from the cycle of rebirth in Hinduism and Buddhism. The journey towards these states of liberation is seen as essential for ultimate fulfillment and enlightenment.

The Urgency Behind Escaping Rebirth

Central to the teachings of Dharmic religions is the idea that a human life, rich or poor, is fraught with challenge and suffering. Whether it is the struggles of poverty, the pain of loss, or the constant striving for material success, human existence is ridden with tribulations. This grim reality is why Dharmic religions place such a heavy emphasis on the idea of escaping the confines of the wheel of life, or Samsara. By seeking Moksha or Nirvana, practitioners aim to find ultimate relief from these endless cycles of birth and death.

The Assumption of a Predominantly Happy and Fulfilling Life

Your assumption that one will have a predominantly happy and fulfilling life in every birth is a significant misinterpretation of the teachings. It is important to understand that traditional viewpoints in these religions do not promise a life of perpetual happiness or liberation in every incarnation. Instead, they emphasize the reality that life is characterized by suffering, joy, and a range of experiences.

Many argue that the cycle of births and deaths is necessary to learn and grow, and that too many births mean too many painful deaths. This perspective views the cycle as a necessary phase of spiritual evolution, where each birth is an opportunity to learn and improve oneself. Throughout this journey, one needs to accumulate and purify karma, which will determine the conditions of one's next life.

The Ocean of Samsara: The Need for Moksha

The vision of human life as a sea of suffering is deeply rooted in Dharmic religions. This is where the idea of the Ocean of Life comes into play, emphasizing the relentless nature of life's trials and tribulations.

References from Mahabharata

The concept of the Ocean of Life is often referenced in ancient texts such as the Mahabharata, specifically in the Santi Parva, Section CCCIII. Here, it is implied that the cycle of birth and death, the Samsara, is like an unending ocean filled with various currents and storms that one must navigate through. In this metaphor, the ultimate goal is to find a way to escape from the tumultuous waves and currents of the ocean, seeking a safe haven beyond such challenges.

The following excerpt from the Mahabharata underlines this idea:

Moksha, the liberation from the endless cycle of rebirth, is the ultimate refuge. It is the cessation of the ceaseless journey of Samsara.

Santi Parva, Section CCCIII

By attaining Moksha, one is believed to merge with the Supreme Consciousness, transcending the boundless sorrow and tyranny of repeated births and deaths.

In conclusion, the focus on Moksha and Nirvana in Dharmic religions is motivated by the recognition that human existence is filled with suffering. These ultimate goals provide a path to liberation and enlightenment, which are seen as essential for leading a truly fulfilling and peaceful life beyond the endless cycles of Samsara.