Means of release in Vishishtadvaita

The postulate of “mukti ” or “moksha ” refers to a positive state of existence of the self in a supra-mundane realm (parama-pada) without losing its individuality. During this state, it enjoys paripurna-brahmanubhava—a perfect, complete bliss of enjoyment. The selfgets out of the shackles of karma to which it was tied up firmly. It becomes omniscient and so comprehends Brahman in His full splendor. Vedanta Deshika is of the view thatthe self attains a status of supreme equality in Bliss with Brahmanin moksha. This view of Vishistadvaita is important because it maintains that two different entities can neither be identical nor become single entity whereas advaita advocates the knower of super Bliss of Brahman becomes a single unit with Him.

Vishishtadvaita also emphasizes that in moksha ,the self is equal to Brahman in enjoyment of Supreme Bliss but not in respect of creation, sustenance and dissolution of the universe which is totally under the command of Lord Visnu. Also the state of “moksha ” does not confer total independence of the self. It is always dependant on paramatma and this dependence of the self on Brahman is called dasattva of the self to paramatma. This dasattva is taken as basic nature of the self that confers the right of the self to enjoy the Supreme-Bliss without ever returning to the clutches of bondage of karma .

The path leading to “moksha ” consists of karma-yoga, Jnana-yoga and Bhakti-yoga . The Bhakti-yoga finally leads the self to saranagathi—total surrender—to Lord Visnu. The great acharyas assist the self to attain “moksha ” of enjoying bliss in His world. Moksha is conceived as freedom from mundane existence and reaching a supra-mundane sphere, enjoying there the presence of Lord Vishnu who offers the highest Bliss. The prakrit body of the self is replaced by a perfect one suitable to exist in His world—Highland of the blessed of suddha-sattva .