Import of salvation

Salvation is hailed as the highest Purushartha and the nature of salvation is to be known only through Sastras. Sastras speak of many karmas and upasanas and their effects.

The Purva mimamsa talks of yagas and yagnas which do not promise salvation directly. The fruits, such as attainment of swarga, may be more attractive than what one enjoys in this world; but these are time-bound and also a mix of joy and sorrow and hence not the goal for one who is keen on salvation.

Knowing the self is another goal shown in the Upanishads. But this is also not equal to salvation. Knowing the Paramatma and knowing the ways of attaining Him are absolutely necessary for one who seeks only salvation as the goal, said Sri O.R. Devanathan in a discourse. In the view of Visishtadvaita, salvation is the attainment of proximity to the Supreme Lord in Vaikunta and the eligibility to serve the Lord in a selfless manner. The atma released from samsara finds fulfilment in the uninterrupted and eternal service of the Paramatma.

Krishna tells the Pandavas when they are shown the attractive swarga loka that this does not stand comparison with His Stana which is the highest state of permanent bliss, moksha. This is the place when once reached, one does not ever return, affirm the Upanishads.

Vedanta Desika rightly points out that one should not lose sight of the highest goal, though the temporary joys of swarga loka and the like may be tempting. It is like keeping a bird that is meant to be free and high flying in a cage of gold. Will it be ever happy, he asks.

Visishtadvaita points out that the only means to the goal is Bhakti and Prapatti to the Lord.