MOKSHA PATAM

!! About !!

This is a board game made by the rishis from India. It is based on the timeless wisdom of the Vedas.
Thousands of years of collective, evergreen knowledge on a single board.
Its exact date is unknown. Neither is the author.
The author is considered a pen instrument in hands of the Lord. That’s why most Upanishads are author-less.
Each square represents the player’s understanding of the scheme of things.
For example in block 6 – general understanding is:
“Best use of MY existence is to accumulate for MYSELF. More for MY family, less for others”.
The strong notion of “my” and “mine” is universal ignorance in all ages.
No one is born free of it.
Right from childhood, “My body, My pain, My toys, My epiphany, My thoughts”.
Then in adulthood, it gets more sophisticated, “My enlightenment! My samādhi. My knowledge. My ignorance”.
Words have changed. Ignorance remains.
Through the course of time, this unquestioned notion gets stirred up.
For example in block 19 – attitude evolves to:
“Noblest use of living is to contribute this person’s unique skills to the society. This way everyone benefits, including myself”.
The mindset of 19 has exponentially higher rewards over 6.
Although players in 6 won’t immediately recognize how honesty for less is better than cheating for more. Especially when there’s little risk of being caught.
This is because the mind hasn’t expanded at a level of 19. Stuck in competition mode.
And remember – everyone at 19 was once at 6.
Therefore if 19 dismisses a 6 as clueless – it’s because 19 hasn’t yet matured to 22. Etc…
So no matter how high the player gets, one is NOT immune to making additional mistakes that cause a fall — symbolized by snakes on the board.
We’re students until last breath.
This is the meaning of humility, which ultimately blesses the player with a guru who removes the beginningless ignorance of nature of “I” — leading to mokṣa (freedom/liberation).

!! Purpose !!

The original intention of the game was to educate how to discern right from wrong. Truth from falsehood. And what is “right” and “wrong” in the first place?
The game was meant to show that all pain, suffering, and devolution in life is due to mixing up right-wrong, truth-falsehood.
The process is entirely in our hands because we’re given a powerful instrument of discernment (Viveka).
As dharmic discernment is refined, it’s what cultivates wisdom.
And a wise person is qualified to assimilate and hold the higher Upanishadic teachings of self-knowledge (Brahma Vidya).

Summary: Dharma > Moksha. That’s the intent of the game.
One of the oldest names given is moksha patam.
“Patam” means going, falling, flying. The meaning player can go either up or down — depending on one’s actions in the game.

!! Ready to play !!

Actually the player – you – have been playing this game since the beginningless beginning.
The only difference is this time you’ll see how every decision leads to either progression or regression. Happiness or sorrow. Intelligence or ignorance. Strength or insecurity.
But what determines your decision? Knowledge.
Meaning, an informed decision is only as good as what you know or don’t know.
The driver can only choose a different road, long as a map is available.
Otherwise, the driver is choicelessly bound to the same road, putting up with the traffic jam.
And what determines the quality of your knowledge? Education.
Then how do we gain the right education which leads to prosperity in life? By playing the game. And inquiring into every square (experience) you find yourself in.
It’s true in the early years, most decisions are unconscious, impulsive, motivated by instant gratification.
But through hard work, every human being, irrespective of background, culture, privileges — can lift themselves by themselves.
This is what the game is meant to convey. Go and play to find out…