Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
by Makarand Gopal Newalkar | 2017 | 82,851 words | ISBN-13: 9780893890926
This page relates ‘Concept of Moksha according to Vishishtadvaita Darshana’ of the English translation of the Yoga-sutras of Patanjali: an ancient Indian tradition spanning over 5000 years old dealing with Yoga:—Meditating the mind on the Atma leading to the realization of self. This study interprets the Yogasutras in light of both ancient and modern commentaries (e.g., Vyasa and Osho) while supporting both Sankhya and Vedanta philosophies.
Concept of Mokṣa according to Viśiṣṭādvaita Darśana
This philosophy is one sect of Vedānta darśana, which was started from Rāmānujācārya. Unlike the other philosophies, this philosophy has stated the relationship of Mokṣa and God.
According to this branch of Vedānta, there are three elements[1]—
Cit and achit are controlled by the God. God is amidst and beyond the cit and achit. According to Advaita Vedānta, in the state of mokṣa, soul and Brahman become one; no difference remains in ātman and Brahman. But, In Viśiṣṭādvaita, soul cannot become one with Brahman; it becomes similar to Brahman. After the mokṣa, liberated soul possesses the qualities such as–having knowledge of everything (sarvajñatva), having true resolve (satya-saṅkalpatva). Those are the qualities of God also. But, one quality is to create everything. Sarvakartṛtva is only in God.
According to this philosophy, liberation is not possible during the lifetime of a person. It occurs always after death. So, there is only acceptance of videhamukti and not of jīvanmukti.
This philosophy accepts the bhakti [2] (worship, devotion to the God) as the only means of Mokṣa. In the bhakti, the devotee surrenders everything to the God become unenthusiastic about the rest all things. Bhakti can be attained from viveka (discrimination), vimoha (having no desire of materialistic things), abhyāsa (practice), and anuddharṣa (satisfaction). Knowledge or rituals can be also supportive for bhakti. In the bhakti also, prapatti (complete surrender to God) is said to be the best one.
Worship of God is of five types–
- Abhigamana–Cleaning the path of temple etc.
- Upādāna -Collecting the materials such as flowers etc. for worship,
- Ijyā–Worshipping the God,
- Svādhyāya–Reciting the Prayers of God being attentive of its meaning,
- Yoga–Meditation of God.
After the attainment of mokṣa, God gives the place to a devotee for residing in the heaven. A devotee resides in the heaven as a servant of God and experiences the ultimate bliss–