Dvaita

Definition

Dvaita, also known as Dvaitavada, is a school of Hindu philosophy that advocates for the fundamental duality between the individual self (Jiva) and the divine absolute (Brahman). It was propounded by the philosopher Madhvacharya in the 13th century CE and is one of the major philosophical traditions within the broader framework of Classical Indian Philosophy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dvaita philosophy emphasizes the eternal and absolute distinction between the individual self (Jiva) and the divine absolute (Brahman).
2. Madhvacharya, the founder of Dvaita, believed that the individual self is eternally dependent on and subordinate to the divine Brahman.
3. Dvaita philosophy rejects the Advaita concept of the identity between the individual self and Brahman, instead proposing a relationship of eternal difference.
4. Dvaita philosophy upholds the notion of a personal God (Vishnu) who is the supreme, all-powerful, and all-knowing being, distinct from the individual self.
5. Dvaita philosophy emphasizes the importance of devotion (Bhakti) and grace (Anugraha) in the individual's spiritual journey towards liberation (Moksha).

Review Questions

• Explain the key tenet of Dvaita philosophy and how it differs from other schools of Hindu thought.
  • The central tenet of Dvaita philosophy is the eternal and absolute distinction between the individual self (Jiva) and the divine absolute (Brahman). This dualistic view contrasts with the non-dual Advaita philosophy, which posits the ultimate unity between the individual self and Brahman, as well as the qualified non-dual Vishishtadvaita philosophy, which proposes a relationship of inseparability between the individual self and Brahman. Dvaita emphasizes the eternal dependence and subordination of the individual self to the supreme, personal God (Vishnu).
• Discuss the role of devotion (Bhakti) and grace (Anugraha) in Dvaita philosophy and how they contribute to the individual's spiritual journey.
  • In Dvaita philosophy, devotion (Bhakti) and divine grace (Anugraha) play a crucial role in the individual's spiritual journey towards liberation (Moksha). Dvaita emphasizes the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with the divine Vishnu, the supreme God, through devotional practices and surrendering to the Lord's will. The Dvaita school believes that the individual self, due to its eternal separation from Brahman, can only attain liberation through the grace and blessings of the divine, which are bestowed upon the devoted follower. This contrasts with the Advaita view, which focuses more on the individual's own spiritual efforts and the realization of the non-dual nature of the self and Brahman.
• Analyze the philosophical and theological implications of the Dvaita school's rejection of the Advaita concept of the identity between the individual self and Brahman.
  • The Dvaita school's rejection of the Advaita concept of the identity between the individual self (Jiva) and the divine absolute (Brahman) has significant philosophical and theological implications. By proposing an eternal and absolute distinction between the individual self and Brahman, Dvaita philosophy challenges the Advaita view of the ultimate non-dual reality. This dualistic perspective has consequences for the understanding of the divine, the nature of the individual self, and the path to liberation. Dvaita emphasizes the supremacy and personal nature of the divine Vishnu, as opposed to the impersonal Brahman of Advaita. It also underscores the individual self's eternal dependence on and subordination to the divine, requiring devotion and grace for the attainment of liberation, rather than the Advaita focus on the individual's own spiritual realization. These fundamental differences shape the theological and soteriological frameworks of the Dvaita and Advaita schools within the broader context of Classical Indian Philosophy.

Related terms

Advaita:

The non-dual philosophy that views the individual self and the divine absolute as ultimately one and the same, in contrast to the dualistic Dvaita school.

Vishishtadvaita: A school of Hindu philosophy that proposes a qualified non-dualism, where the individual self and the divine absolute are distinct but inseparable.

Brahman:

The divine absolute, the supreme and eternal reality, the ultimate source and foundation of the universe in Hindu philosophy.