Enlightenment and Liberation
Many times the words enlightenment (Jnanodaya) and Liberation (mukti) are used interchangeably. They are not same.
Mukti - Liberation means becoming free. Free from our impressions (samskaras), tendencies (vasanas). It is becoming free from suffering caused by our own impressions. There is term called krama mukti used in ancient literature. Which indicates that there is gradual process of liberation. One becomes completely free when the deepest impression (avidya) which seperates one from the existence is removed. This is called Jivan Mukti - Living in Liberated state.
Jnanodaya - Enlightenment is all about illumination. Progressive intutive wisdom about ones self and the universe. Deeper intutive understanding of karma and how it is responsible for suffering, Dharma - Universal Laws, transient (mithya) nature of the world, maya - illusiory nature of existence, illusiory nature of individual self, connectedness of life is jnanodaya.
While mukti is by vairagya (dispassion) or tyaga ( dropping) Jnanodaya is through wisdom gained by discrimination (viveka). Both are required for complete freedom.
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