Achintya Bheda Abheda vs. Visishtadvaita

Attribute	Achintya Bheda Abheda	Visishtadvaita
Founder	Chaitanya Mahaprabhu	Ramanuja
Meaning	Simultaneous oneness and difference	Qualified non-dualism
Relationship with God	God is both distinct and non-distinct from the universe	God is the soul of the universe
Scriptural authority	Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavata Purana	Prasthanatrayi (Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Brahma Sutras)

Achintya Bheda Abheda

Achintya Bheda Abheda is a school of Vedanta philosophy that was founded by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the 16th century. The term "Achintya Bheda Abheda" translates to "inconceivable difference and non-difference." This philosophy emphasizes the simultaneous oneness and difference between the individual soul (jiva) and the Supreme Soul (Brahman).

In Achintya Bheda Abheda, it is believed that while the individual soul is distinct from the Supreme Soul, it is also non-different from it. This means that the jiva and Brahman are both separate entities and yet are ultimately one. This concept of simultaneous oneness and difference is considered inconceivable and beyond human comprehension.

Achintya Bheda Abheda also teaches that the relationship between the jiva and Brahman is one of love and devotion. Followers of this philosophy believe in surrendering to the Supreme Soul through devotional practices such as chanting, singing, and dancing. By cultivating a loving relationship with Brahman, individuals can attain spiritual liberation and eternal bliss.

One of the key texts of Achintya Bheda Abheda is the Chaitanya Charitamrita, which contains the teachings and life story of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. This text serves as a guide for followers of this philosophy on how to cultivate devotion and love for the Supreme Soul.

Overall, Achintya Bheda Abheda emphasizes the simultaneous oneness and difference between the individual soul and the Supreme Soul, as well as the importance of cultivating a loving relationship with Brahman through devotional practices.

Visishtadvaita

Visishtadvaita is a school of Vedanta philosophy that was founded by the 11th-century philosopher Ramanuja. The term "Visishtadvaita" translates to "qualified non-dualism." This philosophy teaches that while the individual soul (jiva) and the Supreme Soul (Brahman) are ultimately one, there are also distinctions between them.

In Visishtadvaita, it is believed that the individual soul is a part of Brahman and shares in its qualities and attributes. However, the jiva is not identical to Brahman and retains its individuality. This concept of qualified non-dualism emphasizes the unity of the jiva and Brahman while acknowledging their distinctiveness.

According to Visishtadvaita, the relationship between the jiva and Brahman is one of dependence and surrender. Followers of this philosophy believe that the jiva is dependent on Brahman for its existence and liberation. By surrendering to Brahman and cultivating devotion, individuals can attain spiritual realization and union with the Supreme Soul.

One of the key texts of Visishtadvaita is the Sri Bhashya, a commentary on the Brahma Sutras by Ramanuja. This text elaborates on the teachings of Visishtadvaita and provides a philosophical framework for understanding the relationship between the individual soul and the Supreme Soul.

Overall, Visishtadvaita emphasizes the qualified non-dualism between the individual soul and the Supreme Soul, as well as the importance of surrendering to Brahman and cultivating devotion for spiritual realization.

Comparison

• Both Achintya Bheda Abheda and Visishtadvaita are schools of Vedanta philosophy that emphasize the relationship between the individual soul and the Supreme Soul.
• Achintya Bheda Abheda teaches the simultaneous oneness and difference between the jiva and Brahman, while Visishtadvaita emphasizes qualified non-dualism with distinctions between the two.
• Followers of Achintya Bheda Abheda focus on cultivating a loving relationship with Brahman through devotional practices, while followers of Visishtadvaita emphasize surrender and dependence on Brahman for spiritual realization.
• Both philosophies have key texts that serve as guides for their followers, such as the Chaitanya Charitamrita for Achintya Bheda Abheda and the Sri Bhashya for Visishtadvaita.
• Overall, while Achintya Bheda Abheda and Visishtadvaita have differences in their teachings on the relationship between the jiva and Brahman, they both share a common goal of attaining spiritual liberation and union with the Supreme Soul.