in Hinduism and Jainism, the ultimate spiritual goal, designating the individual soul's (soul) release from the bonds (bandha) of transmigration. The soul, once entered upon a bodily existence, remains trapped in a chain of successive rebirths (samsara) until it has reached perfection or the enlightenment that allows it release, or moksha. The methods by which release is sought after and attained differ from school to school, but most schools consider moksha to be a person's highest purpose in life.