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What is the role of devotion in Vishishtadvaita?

In Vishishtadvaita, devotion plays a crucial role in attaining unity with the Divine. This school of thought emphasizes the importance of devotion, or bhakti, as a means to achieve moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Bhakti is seen as the most direct and effective path to realizing the ultimate truth of the universe.

According to Vishishtadvaita, the ultimate reality is Brahman, the all-pervading, supreme consciousness. However, Brahman is not just an impersonal force, but also possesses personal qualities such as love, compassion, and grace. This means that Brahman can be worshipped and approached through devotion, rather than just through intellectual understanding.

In Vishishtadvaita, devotion is seen as a means to develop a personal relationship with Brahman. This relationship is based on love, surrender, and service, rather than fear or duty. Through devotion, one can cultivate a deep sense of connection and intimacy with Brahman, leading to a state of complete surrender and union.

Devotion is also seen as a means to purify the mind and remove any obstacles that may hinder the realization of the ultimate truth. The practice of devotion involves constantly thinking of the Divine, offering prayers and worship, and engaging in selfless service to others. This helps to cultivate a sense of detachment from worldly desires and attachments, and focus the mind on the Divine.

Furthermore, in Vishishtadvaita, devotion is not limited to just external rituals and practices, but also includes an inner attitude of love and devotion towards the Divine. This inner devotion is seen as the most important aspect, as it is the sincere and heartfelt love for the Divine that ultimately leads to union with Brahman.

In conclusion, devotion plays a central role in Vishishtadvaita as a means to achieve unity with the Divine. It is through devotion that one can develop a personal relationship with Brahman, purify the mind, and ultimately attain moksha. Therefore, in this school of thought, devotion is seen as the most direct and effective path to realizing the ultimate truth of the universe.