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Does Vishishtadvaita believe in the concept of liberation?
Vishishtadvaita, also known as qualified non-dualism, is a school of Hindu philosophy that was founded by Sri Ramanujacharya in the 11th century. It is a synthesis of the Advaita (non-dualistic) and the Dvaita (dualistic) schools of thought, and it emphasizes the unity of the individual soul (jivatma) with the supreme soul (paramatma) while acknowledging their distinctions.
One of the core beliefs of Vishishtadvaita is the concept of liberation, also known as moksha. This concept is central to Hinduism and is the ultimate goal of human existence. According to Vishishtadvaita, liberation is the state of being free from the cycle of birth and death, and it is achieved through the realization of the true nature of the self and its relationship with the divine.
In Vishishtadvaita, liberation is seen as a gradual process rather than an instantaneous event. It is believed that the individual soul, being a part of the supreme soul, is inherently pure and divine but is covered by ignorance and delusion. Through the practice of devotion (bhakti), selfless service (karma yoga), and knowledge (jnana), one can gradually remove these coverings and realize their true nature as a part of the divine.
Vishishtadvaita also believes in the concept of karma, which states that every action has a consequence and that the individual soul is bound by its actions. Liberation, therefore, also involves the purification of one's karma and the attainment of a state of perfect balance and harmony with the divine.
Furthermore, Vishishtadvaita emphasizes the importance of surrendering to the divine will (prapatti) as a means of attaining liberation. This surrender is not a passive act but an active and conscious choice to align one's will with the divine will. It involves complete trust and devotion to the divine, with the understanding that the individual soul is ultimately dependent on the supreme soul.
In conclusion, Vishishtadvaita firmly believes in the concept of liberation and sees it as the ultimate goal of human existence. It offers a unique perspective on the path to liberation, emphasizing the importance of devotion, selfless service, knowledge, and surrender to the divine will. Through these practices, one can gradually remove the coverings of ignorance and delusion and attain a state of unity with the divine while acknowledging the distinctions between the individual soul and the supreme soul.