BHAKTI AND PRAPATTI AS A MEANS TO LIBERATION: RAMANUJACHARYA

According to Ramanuja, the alternate ways of liberation is (Moksha Bhakti (devotion) and Prapatti (wholehearted self-surrender to God). In generally Bhakti means loving devotion towards God. The word Bhakti derived from the root bhaj, which means to share, partake, to enjoy etc., calls for a mutual relationship between the deity and the devotee. For Ramanuja Bhakti involves training one's mind and intellect towards love of God and it is not a mere emotional pursuit. Bhakti implies an unperturbed total concentration on God, and another word we can say that non-stop constant contemplation to God is the very essence of Bhakti. In the case of Bhakti, Ramanuja compares it to the continuous flow of oil poured from one vessel to another. But in another way, if we see, Prapatti is easier than Bhakti, which can be adopted by without any distinctions of caste, one and all, creed or sex, also at any time and place. Hence, all are eligible for Prapatti.