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How does Vaishnavism view the concept of moksha (liberation)?

Vaishnavism, one of the major sects of Hinduism, places great emphasis on the concept of moksha or liberation. According to Vaishnavism, moksha is the ultimate goal of human life and the purpose of existence. It is the state of complete freedom from the cycle of birth and death, and the attainment of eternal bliss and oneness with the divine.

In Vaishnavism, moksha is seen as the ultimate union with Vishnu, the supreme deity who is believed to be the source of all existence. This union is achieved through devotion (bhakti) and surrender (prapatti) to Vishnu and his avatars, such as Rama and Krishna. Vaishnavism teaches that by developing a deep and loving relationship with Vishnu, one can transcend the material world and attain moksha.

The path to moksha in Vaishnavism is through the practice of the three main yogas - karma yoga, bhakti yoga, and jnana yoga. Karma yoga involves performing selfless actions without attachment to the results, which helps to purify the mind and cultivate detachment. Bhakti yoga, on the other hand, is the path of devotion and surrender to Vishnu, which involves chanting his names, singing his praises, and meditating on his form. Jnana yoga, or the path of knowledge, involves understanding the true nature of the self and realizing the oneness of the individual soul with the universal soul, or Vishnu.

Vaishnavism also teaches that moksha can be attained through grace and mercy of Vishnu. It is believed that through his infinite compassion and love, Vishnu can bestow moksha upon his devotees, even if they may not have achieved it through their own efforts. This is known as moksha-anugraha or liberation by divine grace.

In Vaishnavism, moksha is not just seen as a release from the cycle of birth and death, but also as a state of complete fulfillment and perfection. It is the realization of one's true nature and the ultimate goal of human life. Therefore, Vaishnavism encourages its followers to strive for moksha and to lead a life of righteousness, devotion, and selfless service.

In conclusion, Vaishnavism views moksha as the ultimate goal of human life and the attainment of union with Vishnu. It emphasizes the path of devotion, surrender, and selfless actions to achieve moksha, and also recognizes the role of divine grace in bestowing liberation upon its followers. Through its teachings and practices, Vaishnavism offers a path towards moksha and the ultimate fulfillment of the human soul.