Concept of mokṣa according to Śuddhādvaita Darśana

Śuddhādvaita is the ‘purely non-dual’ philosophy propounded by Vallabhācārya (1401AD),^[1] the founding philosopher and guru of the Vallabha sampradāya (tradition of Vallabha) or puṣṭimārga (the path of grace), a Hindu Vaiṣṇava tradition focused on the worship of Kṛṣṇa. Vallabhācārya’s pure form (nondualist) philosophy is different from Advaita.

The school of in-essence monism or purified non-dualism of Vallabha sees equality in ‘essence’ of the individual self with God. There is no real difference between the two (like the analogy of sparks to fire). However, unlike Śaṅkara’s advaita, Vallabha does not deny God as the whole and the individual as the part.

Bhakti is the means of salvation, though Jnana is also useful. Karmas precede knowledge of the supreme, and are present even when this knowledge is gained. The liberated perform all karmas. The highest goal is not mukti or liberation, but rather eternal service of Kṛṣṇa and participation along with His activities in His Divine Abode of Vṛndāvana. Vallabha distinguishes the transcendent consciousness of Brahman as Puruṣottama. Vallabha lays a great stress on a life of unqualified love and devotion towards God. If one wants to obtain mokṣa and the bliss given by Kṛṣṇa, the only path to do so is bhakti. In the Kaliyuga, it is believed that the forms of bhakti mentioned in the scriptures are nearly impossible to practice, so the followers of Vallabhācārya recommend puṣṭibhakti -which is the end itself and not means to an end, giving mokṣa, joy and oneness with Kṛṣṇa. It illustrates oneness with Shree Kṛṣṇa can be achieved merely by having true belief and love for Shree Kṛṣṇa It is that bhakti which gives itself up body, heart and soul to the cause of God. It is considered to be the fullest expression of what is known as ātmanivedana (giving up of oneself) among the nine forms of bhakti (navavidhā bhakti). It is the bhakti of devotee who worships God not for any reward or presents but for His own sake. Such a devotee goes to Goloka after leaving this body and Lives in eternal bliss enjoying the sports of the Lord. Thus, it is by God’s grace alone that one can obtain release from bondage and attain Kṛṣṇa’s heaven, Goloka.