1. Sālokya Mukti (Dwelling in the Same Realm)
- Meaning: “Sālokya” comes from Sa (with) and Loka (world or realm), meaning being in the same realm as the Supreme Being.
- Description: In this form of liberation, the liberated soul resides in the divine abode of the Supreme Being, such as Vaikuntha (Vishnu’s abode) or Goloka (Krishna’s abode).
- Key Characteristics:
- The soul is granted the privilege of eternal residence in God’s divine world.
- The liberated being shares the joy and glory of the divine kingdom, witnessing and participating in divine activities.
- The soul retains its individuality and lives in perpetual bliss, serving and glorifying God.
- Significance: Represents divine closeness in a spatial sense, where the soul is in the immediate environment of the deity.
2. Sāmīpya Mukti (Proximity)
- Meaning: “Sāmīpya” comes from Sa (with) and Mīpya (nearness), meaning closeness or proximity.
- Description: In this form of liberation, the soul resides close to the Supreme Being in His divine abode, such as Vaikuntha (Vishnu’s realm) or Goloka (Krishna’s realm).
- Key Characteristics:
- The soul enjoys intimate association and constant service to the deity.
- It signifies a close, loving relationship with God, where the soul experiences bliss through personal interaction with the divine.
- Significance: Highlights the soul’s devotion and eternal communion with God.
3. Sārūpya Mukti (Resemblance)
- Meaning: “Sārūpya” comes from the Sanskrit roots Sa (with) and Rūpya (form), meaning having the same form.
- Description: In this form of liberation, the soul (jīva) attains a form similar to that of the Supreme Being (Vishnu or Krishna).
- Key Characteristics:
- The liberated soul acquires divine attributes like brilliance, beauty, and spiritual power, resembling the deity’s form.
- Despite the resemblance, the soul does not become identical to God. The individuality of the soul remains intact.
- It symbolizes complete harmony with the divine while maintaining a distinct identity.
- Significance: Represents the soul’s glorification and transformation in the divine realm.
4. Sārṣṭi Mukti (Sharing Divine Opulence)
- Meaning: “Sārṣṭi” derives from Sa (with) and Rṣṭi (opulence), meaning sharing the wealth or glory of the Supreme Being.
- Description: In this form of liberation, the liberated soul enjoys the divine powers, opulence, and majesty of the Supreme Being.
- Key Characteristics:
- The soul becomes a partner in the Supreme’s divine sovereignty and abundance.
- While not equal to God, the soul experiences divine capabilities and extraordinary privileges.
- Significance: Highlights the soul’s elevation to a godlike state, participating in the divine’s glory and rulership.
5. Sāyujya Mukti (Union)
- Meaning: “Sāyujya” comes from Sa (with) and Yujya (union), meaning merging or union with the Supreme Being.
- Description: In this form of liberation, the soul merges into the essence of Brahman (the formless Absolute).
- Key Characteristics:
- The individual soul loses its separate identity and becomes one with the Supreme.
- This is a key concept in Advaita Vedanta, where liberation is viewed as non-dual union with Brahman.
- Significance: Represents ultimate dissolution of individuality, attaining absolute peace and freedom from all dualities.
Comparison of the Five Types of Mukti
Type
Key Feature
Significance
Sālokya
Residing in the same divine realm as the Supreme Being
Spatial closeness to God
Sāmīpya
Being in proximity to the Supreme Being
Intimate association and service
Sārūpya
Acquiring a divine form similar to the Supreme
Sārṣṭi
Sharing in the Supreme’s opulence and powers
Elevation to godlike privileges
Sāyujya
Merging into the essence of Brahman
Non-dual union and ultimate dissolution
Each type of Mukti reflects different aspects of liberation, emphasizing either proximity, union, or participation in divine glory. In Bhakti traditions, the first four types (Sālokya, Sāmīpya, Sārūpya, Sārṣṭi) are more desirable, as they allow the soul to maintain individuality and engage in loving devotion to God. Conversely, Sāyujya Mukti is emphasized in Advaita Vedanta, focusing on oneness with the impersonal Absolute.