Dvaita Vedanta

Definition

Dvaita Vedanta is a school of Indian philosophy that emphasizes dualism, specifically the distinction between the individual soul (Atman) and the supreme reality (Brahman). This philosophy posits that Atman and Brahman are fundamentally different entities, which contrasts with non-dualistic views that see them as one and the same. Dvaita Vedanta promotes devotion to a personal god and argues for a real, enduring difference between the divine and the individual.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dvaita Vedanta was founded by the philosopher Madhvacharya in the 13th century, who articulated its doctrines in response to Advaita Vedanta.
2. The central tenet of Dvaita is that there are three categories of reality: Brahman, individual souls, and material nature, all of which are distinct from each other.
3. Devotion (Bhakti) plays a crucial role in Dvaita Vedanta, emphasizing surrender to God as a means to achieve liberation.
4. Madhvacharya's writings include the 'Brahma Sutra Bhashya,' which elaborates on his views regarding the nature of reality and God.
5. Unlike other Vedantic schools, Dvaita Vedanta holds that liberation is not merging with Brahman but rather an eternal relationship with the divine.

Review Questions

• How does Dvaita Vedanta's perspective on Brahman and Atman differ from Advaita Vedanta?
  • Dvaita Vedanta asserts a clear distinction between Brahman and Atman, emphasizing that they are fundamentally different entities. In contrast, Advaita Vedanta teaches non-dualism, claiming that Atman is ultimately identical to Brahman. This dualistic view in Dvaita promotes a personal relationship with God rather than seeing the individual soul as an illusion or merely a manifestation of the ultimate reality.
• In what ways does Bhakti influence the practices and beliefs within Dvaita Vedanta?
  • Bhakti significantly shapes Dvaita Vedanta by fostering a deep devotion towards a personal god, such as Vishnu or Krishna. This school of thought emphasizes that through sincere devotion and surrender to God, individuals can attain liberation. Bhakti also encourages communal worship, rituals, and the recitation of prayers as essential practices that reinforce the relationship between devotees and the divine.
• Evaluate how Madhvacharya's contributions to Dvaita Vedanta have impacted contemporary Hindu thought.
  • Madhvacharya's contributions to Dvaita Vedanta have had a lasting impact on contemporary Hindu thought by solidifying the importance of dualism in understanding divinity and human existence. His emphasis on devotion to a personal god has resonated with many modern Hindus, promoting practices centered around worship and community engagement. Furthermore, Madhvacharya's arguments against non-dualism have fostered discussions that challenge prevailing philosophical paradigms, encouraging a diverse spectrum of beliefs within Hinduism today.

Related terms

Advaita Vedanta: A school of thought in Indian philosophy that teaches non-dualism, asserting that the individual soul (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) are identical.

Bhakti: A devotional practice and movement within Hinduism that emphasizes love and devotion to a personal god, central to Dvaita Vedanta's philosophy.

Sankhya: An ancient Indian philosophical system that outlines a dualistic framework of reality consisting of purusha (consciousness) and prakriti (matter), influencing various schools including Dvaita Vedanta.