b. What is self realization?

The ultimate purpose and goal for a Hindu’s religious and spiritual practice is to attain moksha. Moksha is Self-realization (atma-jnana) or realization of one’s true divine nature. Hindus Consider each individual (anything living) to be a divine self (atman, soul, life principle, consciousness), but that spiritual ignorance leads one to identify the self completely with the body and ego, thereby forgetting the divine nature of not only one’s self, but all of existence.  Self realization is knowledge of the true self beyond both delusion and identification with material phenomena.

Other reading material:

Relevant videos: Swami Nikhil Anand Hinduism Q & A: What is Self Realization

Contribution: Kaushik Macherla