Is liberation possible only through a human birth?











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In the Gita we see that even after the attainment of any loka one has to come back (as a human being) - Aabrahma bhuvanallokaah (8.16) and Ksheene punye martya lokam vishanti (9.21).



It seems therefore that liberation/moksha is possible only during human birth (Jeevan Mukti) or just after (videha mukti). Is this true ? In other words do we have any evidence that suggests that liberation/moksha is not possible in other births - even of devas etc..?



Note: Vivekachudamani does extoll human birth a lot, but does not specifically say that liberation/moksha is possible only during human birth. Or am I mistaken ?










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  • Yes only a human birth fetches liberation except in few cases as state by rickross below... some curse etc... where animals have been liberated... That's why human birth is praised... that too with proper functioning of organs of humans is even more praised!!!
    – Akshay Kumar S
    yesterday










  • Jatayu - a bird, got moksha for helping Rama. Kabandha - a rakshasa got moksha for fighting Rama. If Rama decides he can grant it to anyone.
    – ram
    yesterday















up vote
7
down vote

favorite
1












In the Gita we see that even after the attainment of any loka one has to come back (as a human being) - Aabrahma bhuvanallokaah (8.16) and Ksheene punye martya lokam vishanti (9.21).



It seems therefore that liberation/moksha is possible only during human birth (Jeevan Mukti) or just after (videha mukti). Is this true ? In other words do we have any evidence that suggests that liberation/moksha is not possible in other births - even of devas etc..?



Note: Vivekachudamani does extoll human birth a lot, but does not specifically say that liberation/moksha is possible only during human birth. Or am I mistaken ?










share|improve this question
























  • Yes only a human birth fetches liberation except in few cases as state by rickross below... some curse etc... where animals have been liberated... That's why human birth is praised... that too with proper functioning of organs of humans is even more praised!!!
    – Akshay Kumar S
    yesterday










  • Jatayu - a bird, got moksha for helping Rama. Kabandha - a rakshasa got moksha for fighting Rama. If Rama decides he can grant it to anyone.
    – ram
    yesterday













up vote
7
down vote

favorite
1









up vote
7
down vote

favorite
1






1





In the Gita we see that even after the attainment of any loka one has to come back (as a human being) - Aabrahma bhuvanallokaah (8.16) and Ksheene punye martya lokam vishanti (9.21).



It seems therefore that liberation/moksha is possible only during human birth (Jeevan Mukti) or just after (videha mukti). Is this true ? In other words do we have any evidence that suggests that liberation/moksha is not possible in other births - even of devas etc..?



Note: Vivekachudamani does extoll human birth a lot, but does not specifically say that liberation/moksha is possible only during human birth. Or am I mistaken ?










share|improve this question















In the Gita we see that even after the attainment of any loka one has to come back (as a human being) - Aabrahma bhuvanallokaah (8.16) and Ksheene punye martya lokam vishanti (9.21).



It seems therefore that liberation/moksha is possible only during human birth (Jeevan Mukti) or just after (videha mukti). Is this true ? In other words do we have any evidence that suggests that liberation/moksha is not possible in other births - even of devas etc..?



Note: Vivekachudamani does extoll human birth a lot, but does not specifically say that liberation/moksha is possible only during human birth. Or am I mistaken ?







moksha human birth






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Sarvabhouma

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  • Yes only a human birth fetches liberation except in few cases as state by rickross below... some curse etc... where animals have been liberated... That's why human birth is praised... that too with proper functioning of organs of humans is even more praised!!!
    – Akshay Kumar S
    yesterday










  • Jatayu - a bird, got moksha for helping Rama. Kabandha - a rakshasa got moksha for fighting Rama. If Rama decides he can grant it to anyone.
    – ram
    yesterday


















  • Yes only a human birth fetches liberation except in few cases as state by rickross below... some curse etc... where animals have been liberated... That's why human birth is praised... that too with proper functioning of organs of humans is even more praised!!!
    – Akshay Kumar S
    yesterday










  • Jatayu - a bird, got moksha for helping Rama. Kabandha - a rakshasa got moksha for fighting Rama. If Rama decides he can grant it to anyone.
    – ram
    yesterday
















Yes only a human birth fetches liberation except in few cases as state by rickross below... some curse etc... where animals have been liberated... That's why human birth is praised... that too with proper functioning of organs of humans is even more praised!!!
– Akshay Kumar S
yesterday




Yes only a human birth fetches liberation except in few cases as state by rickross below... some curse etc... where animals have been liberated... That's why human birth is praised... that too with proper functioning of organs of humans is even more praised!!!
– Akshay Kumar S
yesterday












Jatayu - a bird, got moksha for helping Rama. Kabandha - a rakshasa got moksha for fighting Rama. If Rama decides he can grant it to anyone.
– ram
yesterday




Jatayu - a bird, got moksha for helping Rama. Kabandha - a rakshasa got moksha for fighting Rama. If Rama decides he can grant it to anyone.
– ram
yesterday










2 Answers
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Yes, usually that's what is stated in the scriptures. But in certain exceptional circumstances (may be due to compassion/grace of God) even animals or beings lower than humans can also get it.




Chaturashitilakshesu Sarireshu SaririnAm |
Na Manushyam VinA
Annyatra Tatva GyAnantu Labhyate ||



Among the 84 lacs kinds of bodies (wombs) Tatva Gyana (Brahma
Gyana-the knowledge of self that liberates) is achieved only in the
human body and not in any other kinds of bodies.



Kularnava Tantram, Chapter 1, Verse 14.




So, here Lord Shiva quite clearly says that it's only in a human birth that Tattva Gyana is achieved. So, that would mean only in a human birth liberation can be achieved. That's why a human birth is such highly praised in the scriptures and it's even said that gods too long for it.



Related post: Is mukthi possible from world's other than bhuloka(ie. From swarga and naraka)






share|improve this answer






























    up vote
    2
    down vote













    In Uddhava Gita of 11th Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, Lord Krishna says the following verse




    SB 11.20.17 — The human body, which can award all benefit in
    life, is automatically obtained by the laws of nature, although it is
    a very rare achievement. This human body can be compared to a
    perfectly constructed boat having the spiritual master as the captain
    and the instructions of the Personality of Godhead as favorable winds
    impelling it on its course. Considering all these advantages, a human
    being who does not utilize his human life to cross the ocean of
    material existence must be considered the killer of his own soul.




    Also this chapter of 7th Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam describes importance of human form of life.



    No doubt human life is most suitable and since animals are covered by mode of ignorance, it is difficult. But even animals and humans almost living animal lufe can get liberated in certain circumstances.




    SB 2.7.46 te vai vidanty atitaranti ca deva-māyāṁ
     strī-śūdra-hūṇa-śabarā api pāpa-jīvāḥ yady
    adbhuta-krama-parāyaṇa-śīla-śikṣās  tiryag-janā api kim u
    śruta-dhāraṇā ye



    Women, sudras, Hunas, Sabaras and other sinfully born persons also
    certainly cross over the material world and know the Lord if they
    learn about the qualities of the devotees of the Lord. If even
    animals can understand
    , how much more quickly can humans, who hear
    from the mouth of guru, understand the Lord?



    SB 2.4.18 — Kirāta, Hūṇa, Āndhra, Pulinda, Pulkaśa, Ābhīra, Śumbha,
    Yavana, members of the Khasa races and even others addicted to sinful
    acts can be purified by taking shelter of the devotees of the Lord,
    due to His being the supreme power. I beg to offer my respectful
    obeisances unto Him.




    Even gods in heaven aspire for human form of life



    SB 5.19.21: Since the human form of life is the sublime position for spiritual realization, all the demigods in heaven speak in this way: How wonderful it is for these human beings to have been born in the land of Bharata-varsa. They must have executed pious acts of austerity in the past, or the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself must have been pleased with them. Otherwise, how could they engage in devotional service in so many ways? We demigods can only aspire to achieve human births in Bharata-varsa to execute devotional service, but these human beings are already engaged there.






    share|improve this answer































      2 Answers
      2






      active

      oldest

      votes








      2 Answers
      2






      active

      oldest

      votes









      active

      oldest

      votes






      active

      oldest

      votes








      up vote
      7
      down vote



      accepted










      Yes, usually that's what is stated in the scriptures. But in certain exceptional circumstances (may be due to compassion/grace of God) even animals or beings lower than humans can also get it.




      Chaturashitilakshesu Sarireshu SaririnAm |
      Na Manushyam VinA
      Annyatra Tatva GyAnantu Labhyate ||



      Among the 84 lacs kinds of bodies (wombs) Tatva Gyana (Brahma
      Gyana-the knowledge of self that liberates) is achieved only in the
      human body and not in any other kinds of bodies.



      Kularnava Tantram, Chapter 1, Verse 14.




      So, here Lord Shiva quite clearly says that it's only in a human birth that Tattva Gyana is achieved. So, that would mean only in a human birth liberation can be achieved. That's why a human birth is such highly praised in the scriptures and it's even said that gods too long for it.



      Related post: Is mukthi possible from world's other than bhuloka(ie. From swarga and naraka)






      share|improve this answer



























        up vote
        7
        down vote



        accepted










        Yes, usually that's what is stated in the scriptures. But in certain exceptional circumstances (may be due to compassion/grace of God) even animals or beings lower than humans can also get it.




        Chaturashitilakshesu Sarireshu SaririnAm |
        Na Manushyam VinA
        Annyatra Tatva GyAnantu Labhyate ||



        Among the 84 lacs kinds of bodies (wombs) Tatva Gyana (Brahma
        Gyana-the knowledge of self that liberates) is achieved only in the
        human body and not in any other kinds of bodies.



        Kularnava Tantram, Chapter 1, Verse 14.




        So, here Lord Shiva quite clearly says that it's only in a human birth that Tattva Gyana is achieved. So, that would mean only in a human birth liberation can be achieved. That's why a human birth is such highly praised in the scriptures and it's even said that gods too long for it.



        Related post: Is mukthi possible from world's other than bhuloka(ie. From swarga and naraka)






        share|improve this answer

























          up vote
          7
          down vote



          accepted







          up vote
          7
          down vote



          accepted






          Yes, usually that's what is stated in the scriptures. But in certain exceptional circumstances (may be due to compassion/grace of God) even animals or beings lower than humans can also get it.




          Chaturashitilakshesu Sarireshu SaririnAm |
          Na Manushyam VinA
          Annyatra Tatva GyAnantu Labhyate ||



          Among the 84 lacs kinds of bodies (wombs) Tatva Gyana (Brahma
          Gyana-the knowledge of self that liberates) is achieved only in the
          human body and not in any other kinds of bodies.



          Kularnava Tantram, Chapter 1, Verse 14.




          So, here Lord Shiva quite clearly says that it's only in a human birth that Tattva Gyana is achieved. So, that would mean only in a human birth liberation can be achieved. That's why a human birth is such highly praised in the scriptures and it's even said that gods too long for it.



          Related post: Is mukthi possible from world's other than bhuloka(ie. From swarga and naraka)






          share|improve this answer














          Yes, usually that's what is stated in the scriptures. But in certain exceptional circumstances (may be due to compassion/grace of God) even animals or beings lower than humans can also get it.




          Chaturashitilakshesu Sarireshu SaririnAm |
          Na Manushyam VinA
          Annyatra Tatva GyAnantu Labhyate ||



          Among the 84 lacs kinds of bodies (wombs) Tatva Gyana (Brahma
          Gyana-the knowledge of self that liberates) is achieved only in the
          human body and not in any other kinds of bodies.



          Kularnava Tantram, Chapter 1, Verse 14.




          So, here Lord Shiva quite clearly says that it's only in a human birth that Tattva Gyana is achieved. So, that would mean only in a human birth liberation can be achieved. That's why a human birth is such highly praised in the scriptures and it's even said that gods too long for it.



          Related post: Is mukthi possible from world's other than bhuloka(ie. From swarga and naraka)







          share|improve this answer














          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer








          edited yesterday

























          answered yesterday









          Rickross

          44.6k363171




          44.6k363171






















              up vote
              2
              down vote













              In Uddhava Gita of 11th Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, Lord Krishna says the following verse




              SB 11.20.17 — The human body, which can award all benefit in
              life, is automatically obtained by the laws of nature, although it is
              a very rare achievement. This human body can be compared to a
              perfectly constructed boat having the spiritual master as the captain
              and the instructions of the Personality of Godhead as favorable winds
              impelling it on its course. Considering all these advantages, a human
              being who does not utilize his human life to cross the ocean of
              material existence must be considered the killer of his own soul.




              Also this chapter of 7th Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam describes importance of human form of life.



              No doubt human life is most suitable and since animals are covered by mode of ignorance, it is difficult. But even animals and humans almost living animal lufe can get liberated in certain circumstances.




              SB 2.7.46 te vai vidanty atitaranti ca deva-māyāṁ
               strī-śūdra-hūṇa-śabarā api pāpa-jīvāḥ yady
              adbhuta-krama-parāyaṇa-śīla-śikṣās  tiryag-janā api kim u
              śruta-dhāraṇā ye



              Women, sudras, Hunas, Sabaras and other sinfully born persons also
              certainly cross over the material world and know the Lord if they
              learn about the qualities of the devotees of the Lord. If even
              animals can understand
              , how much more quickly can humans, who hear
              from the mouth of guru, understand the Lord?



              SB 2.4.18 — Kirāta, Hūṇa, Āndhra, Pulinda, Pulkaśa, Ābhīra, Śumbha,
              Yavana, members of the Khasa races and even others addicted to sinful
              acts can be purified by taking shelter of the devotees of the Lord,
              due to His being the supreme power. I beg to offer my respectful
              obeisances unto Him.




              Even gods in heaven aspire for human form of life



              SB 5.19.21: Since the human form of life is the sublime position for spiritual realization, all the demigods in heaven speak in this way: How wonderful it is for these human beings to have been born in the land of Bharata-varsa. They must have executed pious acts of austerity in the past, or the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself must have been pleased with them. Otherwise, how could they engage in devotional service in so many ways? We demigods can only aspire to achieve human births in Bharata-varsa to execute devotional service, but these human beings are already engaged there.






              share|improve this answer



























                up vote
                2
                down vote













                In Uddhava Gita of 11th Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, Lord Krishna says the following verse




                SB 11.20.17 — The human body, which can award all benefit in
                life, is automatically obtained by the laws of nature, although it is
                a very rare achievement. This human body can be compared to a
                perfectly constructed boat having the spiritual master as the captain
                and the instructions of the Personality of Godhead as favorable winds
                impelling it on its course. Considering all these advantages, a human
                being who does not utilize his human life to cross the ocean of
                material existence must be considered the killer of his own soul.




                Also this chapter of 7th Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam describes importance of human form of life.



                No doubt human life is most suitable and since animals are covered by mode of ignorance, it is difficult. But even animals and humans almost living animal lufe can get liberated in certain circumstances.




                SB 2.7.46 te vai vidanty atitaranti ca deva-māyāṁ
                 strī-śūdra-hūṇa-śabarā api pāpa-jīvāḥ yady
                adbhuta-krama-parāyaṇa-śīla-śikṣās  tiryag-janā api kim u
                śruta-dhāraṇā ye



                Women, sudras, Hunas, Sabaras and other sinfully born persons also
                certainly cross over the material world and know the Lord if they
                learn about the qualities of the devotees of the Lord. If even
                animals can understand
                , how much more quickly can humans, who hear
                from the mouth of guru, understand the Lord?



                SB 2.4.18 — Kirāta, Hūṇa, Āndhra, Pulinda, Pulkaśa, Ābhīra, Śumbha,
                Yavana, members of the Khasa races and even others addicted to sinful
                acts can be purified by taking shelter of the devotees of the Lord,
                due to His being the supreme power. I beg to offer my respectful
                obeisances unto Him.




                Even gods in heaven aspire for human form of life



                SB 5.19.21: Since the human form of life is the sublime position for spiritual realization, all the demigods in heaven speak in this way: How wonderful it is for these human beings to have been born in the land of Bharata-varsa. They must have executed pious acts of austerity in the past, or the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself must have been pleased with them. Otherwise, how could they engage in devotional service in so many ways? We demigods can only aspire to achieve human births in Bharata-varsa to execute devotional service, but these human beings are already engaged there.






                share|improve this answer

























                  up vote
                  2
                  down vote










                  up vote
                  2
                  down vote









                  In Uddhava Gita of 11th Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, Lord Krishna says the following verse




                  SB 11.20.17 — The human body, which can award all benefit in
                  life, is automatically obtained by the laws of nature, although it is
                  a very rare achievement. This human body can be compared to a
                  perfectly constructed boat having the spiritual master as the captain
                  and the instructions of the Personality of Godhead as favorable winds
                  impelling it on its course. Considering all these advantages, a human
                  being who does not utilize his human life to cross the ocean of
                  material existence must be considered the killer of his own soul.




                  Also this chapter of 7th Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam describes importance of human form of life.



                  No doubt human life is most suitable and since animals are covered by mode of ignorance, it is difficult. But even animals and humans almost living animal lufe can get liberated in certain circumstances.




                  SB 2.7.46 te vai vidanty atitaranti ca deva-māyāṁ
                   strī-śūdra-hūṇa-śabarā api pāpa-jīvāḥ yady
                  adbhuta-krama-parāyaṇa-śīla-śikṣās  tiryag-janā api kim u
                  śruta-dhāraṇā ye



                  Women, sudras, Hunas, Sabaras and other sinfully born persons also
                  certainly cross over the material world and know the Lord if they
                  learn about the qualities of the devotees of the Lord. If even
                  animals can understand
                  , how much more quickly can humans, who hear
                  from the mouth of guru, understand the Lord?



                  SB 2.4.18 — Kirāta, Hūṇa, Āndhra, Pulinda, Pulkaśa, Ābhīra, Śumbha,
                  Yavana, members of the Khasa races and even others addicted to sinful
                  acts can be purified by taking shelter of the devotees of the Lord,
                  due to His being the supreme power. I beg to offer my respectful
                  obeisances unto Him.




                  Even gods in heaven aspire for human form of life



                  SB 5.19.21: Since the human form of life is the sublime position for spiritual realization, all the demigods in heaven speak in this way: How wonderful it is for these human beings to have been born in the land of Bharata-varsa. They must have executed pious acts of austerity in the past, or the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself must have been pleased with them. Otherwise, how could they engage in devotional service in so many ways? We demigods can only aspire to achieve human births in Bharata-varsa to execute devotional service, but these human beings are already engaged there.






                  share|improve this answer














                  In Uddhava Gita of 11th Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, Lord Krishna says the following verse




                  SB 11.20.17 — The human body, which can award all benefit in
                  life, is automatically obtained by the laws of nature, although it is
                  a very rare achievement. This human body can be compared to a
                  perfectly constructed boat having the spiritual master as the captain
                  and the instructions of the Personality of Godhead as favorable winds
                  impelling it on its course. Considering all these advantages, a human
                  being who does not utilize his human life to cross the ocean of
                  material existence must be considered the killer of his own soul.




                  Also this chapter of 7th Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam describes importance of human form of life.



                  No doubt human life is most suitable and since animals are covered by mode of ignorance, it is difficult. But even animals and humans almost living animal lufe can get liberated in certain circumstances.




                  SB 2.7.46 te vai vidanty atitaranti ca deva-māyāṁ
                   strī-śūdra-hūṇa-śabarā api pāpa-jīvāḥ yady
                  adbhuta-krama-parāyaṇa-śīla-śikṣās  tiryag-janā api kim u
                  śruta-dhāraṇā ye



                  Women, sudras, Hunas, Sabaras and other sinfully born persons also
                  certainly cross over the material world and know the Lord if they
                  learn about the qualities of the devotees of the Lord. If even
                  animals can understand
                  , how much more quickly can humans, who hear
                  from the mouth of guru, understand the Lord?



                  SB 2.4.18 — Kirāta, Hūṇa, Āndhra, Pulinda, Pulkaśa, Ābhīra, Śumbha,
                  Yavana, members of the Khasa races and even others addicted to sinful
                  acts can be purified by taking shelter of the devotees of the Lord,
                  due to His being the supreme power. I beg to offer my respectful
                  obeisances unto Him.




                  Even gods in heaven aspire for human form of life



                  SB 5.19.21: Since the human form of life is the sublime position for spiritual realization, all the demigods in heaven speak in this way: How wonderful it is for these human beings to have been born in the land of Bharata-varsa. They must have executed pious acts of austerity in the past, or the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself must have been pleased with them. Otherwise, how could they engage in devotional service in so many ways? We demigods can only aspire to achieve human births in Bharata-varsa to execute devotional service, but these human beings are already engaged there.







                  share|improve this answer














                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer








                  edited 20 hours ago

























                  answered yesterday









                  RaRa

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