The ultimate aim of life is to attain freedom from the cycle of birth and death, or union with God. This union can be achieved through true knowledge (jnana), devotion (bhakti), or righteous action(karma). Purity, self-control, truthfulness, non-violence, and faith are the necessary prerequisites for self- realization. The Indian Culture emphasizes the importance of a true guru (spiritual master) for the attainment of true knowledge of the soul and God.
