"Liberation from worldly bondage means that the jiva has been forced from his three limitations - of space (anutva), of knowledge (ajnyana/asarvajnyatva), and of powers to act (anaishvarya)." However, the embedded jiva, engaged in mundane worldly pursuits due to avidya, ajnyana, can overcome these limitations. The means of liberation are: karma, sankhya (jnyan), sanyasa (renunciation) and sharanagati or prapatti. The Bhagavad-Gita gives a detailed account of the karma, sankhya and the sanyasa yoga and these are the traditional ways of attaining liberation, mukti. The principle of sharanagati is the bhagavata sampradaya (bhakti tradition) which demands total abnegation of the Self. It is presumed that the jiva suffers due to ajnyana, avidya, ignorance as to its true nature. The moment the jiva realizes the nature of existence on this earth where everything has a beginning and an end, and understands the process of evolution, as also the purpose of existence there comes enlightenment. Knowledge leads to wisdom and renunciation that paves the way for liberation. It is also very important to know the concept of God or the power that governs the jiva! God is supposed to be the supreme and essential consciousness. Consciousness is at the root of all existence. It is cognitive power without which there comes nothing into jiva's attention. Besides, karma and jnyana there comes dhyana, meditation. The jiva can attain liberation with the help of yoga sadhana under a learned teacher, guru, an attained one!
'Samadhi' and 'samyama' are the two ways of Meditation. In the first, the jiva enters samadhi and merges into the absolute state of brahmn, become one with IT. In fact, the jiva existed in this state of brahman prior to its embodiment! Hence, it reverts to its, to its original pure and pristine form! This is called 'pratyabhijnya hrudyam', remembering its past. This is achieved by introspection, savikalpa samadhi yoga, samyama.
Worship of God according to pancharatra agama shastra is supposed to be the most pleasing one to Devi, Shakti. This will enable the devotee to get instant mukti also due to Her grace! Even a side glance of Devi Shree is enough! The jiva is cleansed of all ts blemishes, karma kleshas, rendered free to attain jnyan, bhakti, vairagya and mukti! This is the best way to practice since it also gives what all one desires in life and liberation at one's will by the grace of Devi Shree! So many devotees take to worship of Devi in all Her power and glory! They adopt the mantra shastra for worship and chakra dhyana and celebrate the Devi's festivities and enjoy all the goodies of life as well. (LT. XVI 32, 40). There a re elaborate means of creating the icons, idols and methods of worship and the rules and regulations to be followed. This is not an easy task!
However, a word of caution: These are to be undertaken under a well trained acknowledged priest and a guru. Any deviation in the right path will bring catastrophic results!
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