Vedanta - Discussion Forum I (introductory))

[Sunder]

<!--QuoteBegin-sridhar k+Jan 19 2005, 09:40 AM-->QUOTE(sridhar k @ Jan 19 2005, 09:40 AM)<!--QuoteEBegin-->How is your reading of Ramanuja's Bhaskya on Brahma Sutra proceeding? Awaiting your simple explanation for the benefit of dumb folks like myself. <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Vanakkam Saar. I am honestly yet to read the Sri Bhashyam. A friend of mine owns a copy of it, and I need the time to borrow it - amidst the other books I am reading now. I hadn't put it as priority #1 as, the reading of Shankara bhashya itself satisfies all the answers. I shall make it a point to read it in the coming days.

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->One question. Is there a difference b/w moksha and mukthi?<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

The root word for both Mukthi and Moksha seems to be the same - (mukh or mukhsyathi, to let go; to liberate.) I think they are used interchangeably in most cases. Moksha is counted as one of the four Purusharthas (which is the trivarga - Dharma, Artha, Kama.)

I can only take a potshot here...

Mukthi is relief - you can get relief from headaches, relief from financial troubles, illness etc. You cannot get Runa-moksha, you can only get runa-mukthi (debt-relief).

Moksha is a 'state' where you are free (relieved) from EVERYTHING. Moksha is final liberation, or going back to your Original state.

I do not have an authoritative answer on this, but this is just my interpretation.