Short answer: they’re closely related, but not always exactly the same, depending on the tradition.
In Advaita Vedānta (the most common context for
jīvanmukta
)
- Enlightenment = realization of one’s true nature as Ātman = Brahman (non-dual awareness).
- Jīvanmukta = a person who is enlightened while still living in the body.
👉 In this tradition, an enlightened person living here and now is a jīvanmukta.
So practically speaking, they refer to the same realization, but jīvanmukta emphasizes the state of freedom during embodied life.
Key distinction in Advaita terms
- Jīvanmukti: liberation while alive
- Videhamukti: liberation after the death of the body
Both come from the same enlightenment, but jīvanmukti highlights that freedom is not postponed until death.
In Buddhism
- The word jīvanmukta is not used.
- Enlightenment (nirvāṇa) refers to awakening to non-self, impermanence, and cessation of suffering.
- An enlightened being (e.g., an arahant or Buddha) is free while alive, which is functionally similar to jīvanmukti, but philosophically different (no eternal Self).
In general modern/spiritual usage
- “Enlightenment” is often used loosely for awakening, insight, or deep realization.
- “Jīvanmukta” is more precise and traditional, pointing to complete liberation from bondage while living.
Simple summary
- Same realization? Yes, in Advaita Vedānta
- Same word? No—jīvanmukta is a specific Indian philosophical term
- Different traditions? Meanings shift
If you want, I can explain how a jīvanmukta is described in texts (like behavior, mind, emotions), or compare this with Zen or Sufi enlightenment.
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