SARANAGATI

Therefore they have the single nature of being an indirect and auxiliary means to Moksa. Bhaktiyoga is a direct and independent means to Moksa and so it has the single nature of being only the direct means. But Saranagati or Prapatti has a two-fold nature. It has the nature of being an indirect and auxiliary means to Moksa in the case of some people who take to it for acquiring the competency to perform Bhaktiyoga, which is a direct means to Moksa. It has also the nature of being a direct and independent means as it leads to Moksa without depending on any thing else to those who adopt it as Moksopaya).

Fitness for Saranagati

Bhaktiyoga and Saranagati are the two direct and independent means for the attainment of Moksa. The numukshu or the person aspiring for Salvation is free to choose any one of the two; they are two alternatives for the same goal. At the same time it is stated that the choice is not absolute, but restricted; for if a man wants to take to Bhaktiyoga, he must have some specific wants to take to Bhaktiyoga, he must have some specific qualifications; and if one wants to adopt Saranagati he must have some other qualifications. In order to attain the one goal, Moksa, some persons can choose only Bhaktiyoga and some others only Saranagati according to their competency. Of the two means. Bhaktiyoga is a difficult and long-drawn process and it has to be preceded by the practice of Karmayoga and Jnanayoga. It has got to be supplemented by the practice of the daily rites throughout the life, and even several lives of the Upasaka. Even at the last moment when he departs from the final body, he must, by his own effort, think of God.