Advaita vs. Dvaita

Attribute	Advaita	Dvaita
Philosophy	Non-dualism	Dualism
Ultimate Reality	Brahman (One without a second)	Brahman (Supreme God) and individual souls
Relationship between God and individual souls	God and individual souls are ultimately one	God and individual souls are distinct entities
Goal of life	Realization of oneness with Brahman	Devotion and service to God
Scriptural authority	Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Brahma Sutras	Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, Puranas

Introduction

Advaita and Dvaita are two major schools of Vedanta philosophy in Hinduism. While both schools aim to understand the nature of reality and the relationship between the individual soul (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman), they have distinct philosophical perspectives and interpretations. In this article, we will explore the key attributes of Advaita and Dvaita and compare their teachings.

Advaita

Advaita, which means "non-dual" in Sanskrit, is a philosophical system founded by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. According to Advaita Vedanta, the ultimate reality is Brahman, which is formless, infinite, and beyond all distinctions. In Advaita, the individual soul (Atman) is considered identical to Brahman, and the goal of spiritual practice is to realize this non-dual nature. This realization leads to liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death.

One of the key teachings of Advaita is the concept of Maya, which refers to the illusory nature of the world. According to Advaita, the world we perceive is not the ultimate reality but a projection of our own ignorance. By transcending Maya through self-inquiry and meditation, one can realize the true nature of Brahman and attain liberation. Advaita emphasizes the importance of direct experience and inner realization over intellectual understanding.

Advaita also emphasizes the unity of all existence, teaching that there is no real distinction between the individual soul and Brahman. This non-dualistic perspective leads to a sense of oneness with all beings and the universe. Advaita teaches that the ultimate reality is pure consciousness, which is beyond all dualities and limitations. By realizing this truth, one can overcome suffering and achieve spiritual enlightenment.

Advaita Vedanta has had a profound influence on Hindu philosophy and spirituality, as well as on the broader spiritual traditions of the world. Its teachings have inspired countless seekers to explore the nature of reality and the self, leading to profound insights and transformations. Advaita continues to be a vibrant and relevant tradition in the modern world, offering a path to spiritual awakening and liberation.

Dvaita

Dvaita, which means "dual" in Sanskrit, is a philosophical system founded by Madhvacharya in the 13th century. Unlike Advaita, Dvaita Vedanta posits a fundamental distinction between the individual soul (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). According to Dvaita, the individual soul is eternally separate from Brahman and retains its individuality even in the liberated state.

One of the key teachings of Dvaita is the concept of Bheda-abheda, which means "difference and non-difference." Dvaita acknowledges the difference between the individual soul and Brahman, while also recognizing a non-dual relationship between them. In Dvaita, the individual soul is considered a dependent reality that exists in a loving and devotional relationship with Brahman.

Dvaita emphasizes the importance of surrender and devotion to God as the path to liberation. By cultivating a personal relationship with the divine through prayer, worship, and service, one can attain spiritual enlightenment and eternal union with God. Dvaita teaches that the ultimate reality is a personal God who is both transcendent and immanent in the world.

Madhvacharya, the founder of Dvaita Vedanta, emphasized the importance of scripture and tradition in understanding the nature of reality and the self. Dvaita places a strong emphasis on the authority of the Vedas and other sacred texts, as well as on the teachings of the great sages and saints. By following the teachings of the scriptures and living a virtuous life, one can purify the mind and attain liberation.

Comparison

While Advaita and Dvaita are both schools of Vedanta philosophy that seek to understand the nature of reality and the self, they have distinct philosophical perspectives and approaches. Advaita emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality and the identity of the individual soul with Brahman, while Dvaita posits a fundamental distinction between the individual soul and Brahman.

• Advaita teaches that the ultimate reality is formless, infinite, and beyond all distinctions, while Dvaita sees the ultimate reality as a personal God who is both transcendent and immanent.
• Advaita emphasizes self-inquiry and meditation as the path to liberation, while Dvaita emphasizes surrender and devotion to God.
• Advaita teaches the illusory nature of the world and the importance of transcending Maya, while Dvaita acknowledges the reality of the world and the importance of living a virtuous life.
• Advaita emphasizes direct experience and inner realization, while Dvaita places a strong emphasis on scripture and tradition.

Despite their differences, both Advaita and Dvaita offer profound insights into the nature of reality and the self, and both provide paths to spiritual enlightenment and liberation. Whether one resonates more with the non-dualistic teachings of Advaita or the dualistic teachings of Dvaita, both schools of Vedanta philosophy have much to offer seekers on the spiritual path.