Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s8.t3.1

v1.c7.s8.t3.1

*Vimukti* or *vimokùa* is an important part of the ancient Indian philosophy of religion. Many major religious sects also involve such content. Its early ideological form can be seen in Upanishad and other ancient Indian scriptures obviously. Brahmanism, Buddhism and Jainism all take it as the ultimate goal that everyone pursues. This concept is also introduced into China, exerting an influence on Chinese religion. Vimukti in Upanishad philosophy - *Vimukti* in ancient India mainly refers to freeing people from pain. Indian religions think that the specific form of life is *Samsara* which is filled with pain, while *Vimukti* is free from *Samsara*. The concept of *Vimukti* can be found earliest in Upanishad in India. Upanishad philosophy thinks that *Samsara* is painful in nature, while *Vimukti* is jumping out of the *Samsara* and getting rid of the pain. There are two approaches in Upanishad: pitr·yāna and devayāna. *Pitr·yāna* is the road to *Samsara*, while *devayāna* is the road to *Vimukti*.