Sri Vaishnavism

How does Sri Vaishnavism view karma and reincarnation?

Sri Vaishnavism, a branch of Hinduism, places great emphasis on devotion to Vishnu, the supreme deity. According to the teachings of Ramanuja, a prominent philosopher and theologian of Sri Vaishnavism, karma and reincarnation are integral aspects of the spiritual journey towards attaining moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

In Sri Vaishnavism, karma refers to the actions and deeds of an individual, which determine their future experiences and outcomes in life. It is believed that every action, whether good or bad, has consequences that will manifest in this life or the next. This concept is closely related to the law of cause and effect, where one's actions determine their destiny.

However, unlike other schools of thought, Sri Vaishnavism views karma as a means to attain moksha, rather than a hindrance. This is because the ultimate goal in Sri Vaishnavism is to develop a loving and selfless relationship with Vishnu, and karma is seen as a way to purify the soul and remove any obstacles that may hinder this relationship.

Reincarnation, or the belief in multiple births, is also an important aspect of Sri Vaishnavism. It is believed that the soul is eternal and will continue to be reborn until it achieves moksha. This cycle of birth and death is seen as an opportunity for the soul to learn and evolve, ultimately leading to liberation.

According to Sri Vaishnavism, the purpose of reincarnation is to give the soul the chance to fulfill its ultimate destiny of being united with Vishnu. Therefore, each birth is seen as a step towards this goal, and the actions performed in each life have a direct impact on the soul's progress towards moksha.

In addition, Sri Vaishnavism also recognizes the concept of karma-phala, or the fruits of one's actions. This refers to the consequences of one's actions, which may not be experienced in the current life but can carry over to future lives. This further emphasizes the importance of leading a virtuous and ethical life, as it can have a positive impact on one's future incarnations.

In conclusion, Sri Vaishnavism views karma and reincarnation as essential components of the spiritual journey towards moksha. While karma is seen as a means to purify the soul and remove any obstacles in the path of devotion to Vishnu, reincarnation is seen as an opportunity for the soul to evolve and ultimately achieve liberation. By understanding and accepting the role of karma and reincarnation, followers of Sri Vaishnavism strive to lead a righteous and virtuous life in order to attain moksha and be united with Vishnu.