Vishistadvaita

Definition

Vishistadvaita, or qualified non-dualism, is a prominent Hindu philosophical tradition that emerged in the 11th century CE. It is a form of Vedanta philosophy that emphasizes the oneness of the individual self (Atman) with the supreme divine being (Brahman), while also recognizing the distinct qualities and attributes of Brahman.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vishistadvaita was founded by the philosopher Ramanuja, who sought to reconcile the apparent contradictions between the Advaita and Dvaita schools of Vedanta.
2. Vishistadvaita affirms the ultimate reality of Brahman, but also recognizes the distinct qualities and attributes of Brahman, as well as the individual self (Atman).
3. Vishistadvaita emphasizes the importance of devotion (Bhakti) and the personal relationship between the individual and the divine, in contrast to the more abstract non-dualism of Advaita Vedanta.
4. Ramanuja's Vishistadvaita philosophy was a response to the perceived limitations of Advaita Vedanta, which he believed failed to adequately account for the diversity and individuality of the phenomenal world.
5. Vishistadvaita has had a significant influence on Hindu theology and the development of devotional traditions, particularly in South India.

Review Questions

• Explain how Vishistadvaita reconciles the apparent contradictions between Advaita and Dvaita Vedanta philosophies.
  • Vishistadvaita, as developed by Ramanuja, sought to find a middle ground between the non-dualism of Advaita Vedanta and the dualism of Dvaita Vedanta. Ramanuja recognized the ultimate reality of Brahman, as in Advaita, but also affirmed the distinct qualities and attributes of Brahman, as well as the individual self (Atman). This qualified non-dualism allowed Vishistadvaita to acknowledge the diversity of the phenomenal world while still maintaining the ultimate oneness of Brahman.
• Describe the role of Bhakti (devotion) in Vishistadvaita philosophy and how it differs from the more abstract non-dualism of Advaita Vedanta.
  • Vishistadvaita places a strong emphasis on Bhakti, or devotion and love for the divine. In contrast to the more abstract non-dualism of Advaita Vedanta, Vishistadvaita encourages a personal relationship between the individual and Brahman. This devotional aspect of Vishistadvaita has had a significant influence on Hindu theology and the development of devotional traditions, particularly in South India. Ramanuja believed that the recognition of Brahman's distinct qualities and attributes was essential for fostering a meaningful, emotional connection with the divine.
• Analyze how Vishistadvaita's philosophical approach to the relationship between Brahman and the individual self (Atman) differs from the perspectives of other Vedanta schools.
  • Vishistadvaita's philosophical approach to the relationship between Brahman and the individual self (Atman) differs significantly from other Vedanta schools. While Advaita Vedanta teaches the complete non-dual identity of Atman and Brahman, and Dvaita Vedanta advocates for a fundamental dualism between the two, Vishistadvaita presents a qualified non-dualism. Ramanuja recognized the ultimate reality of Brahman, but also affirmed the distinct qualities and attributes of Brahman, as well as the individuality of the Atman. This reconciliation of the apparent contradictions between Advaita and Dvaita allowed Vishistadvaita to acknowledge the diversity of the phenomenal world while still maintaining the oneness of Brahman. This philosophical approach has had a significant impact on Hindu theology and the development of devotional traditions.

Related terms

Advaita Vedanta:

A school of Hindu philosophy that teaches the ultimate reality is a singular, non-dual Brahman, and that the individual self (Atman) is identical to Brahman.

Dvaita:

A Hindu philosophical tradition that advocates for a fundamental dualism between the individual self (Atman) and the supreme divine being (Brahman).

Bhakti: A spiritual movement in Hinduism that emphasizes devotion and love for the divine, often expressed through rituals, chanting, and other forms of worship.