Advaita vs. Visishtadvaita

Attribute	Advaita	Visishtadvaita
Founder	Adi Shankara	Ramanuja
Meaning	Non-dualism	Qualified non-dualism
Ultimate Reality	Brahman	Brahman
Relationship with Brahman	Identity	Oneness with differences
Goal of Life	Moksha (liberation)	Moksha (liberation)

Introduction

Advaita and Visishtadvaita are two major schools of Vedanta philosophy in Hinduism. While both schools share some common beliefs, they also have distinct differences in their understanding of the nature of reality and the relationship between the individual soul and the ultimate reality.

Advaita

Advaita, which means "non-dualism," is a philosophical system founded by Adi Shankara in the 8th century. According to Advaita, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is the only true existence, and everything else, including the individual soul (Atman) and the material world, is an illusion (maya). The goal of Advaita is to realize the identity of Atman and Brahman through self-inquiry and meditation.

• Advaita emphasizes the unity of all existence and the oneness of the individual soul with the ultimate reality.
• According to Advaita, the world is ultimately unreal and only Brahman is real.
• Self-realization is the key to liberation in Advaita, as it involves recognizing one's true nature as identical with Brahman.
• Advaita teaches that the individual soul is not separate from Brahman but is an expression of the ultimate reality.
• Adi Shankara's Advaita philosophy has had a profound influence on Hindu thought and has been a major force in shaping the intellectual and spiritual landscape of India.

Visishtadvaita

Visishtadvaita, which means "qualified non-dualism," is a philosophical system founded by Ramanuja in the 11th century. According to Visishtadvaita, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is both immanent and transcendent, and the individual soul is eternally distinct from Brahman while also being a part of it. The goal of Visishtadvaita is to cultivate a loving relationship with God (Vishnu) and attain liberation through devotion and surrender.

• Visishtadvaita emphasizes the relationship between the individual soul and God, viewing the soul as a dependent entity on God.
• According to Visishtadvaita, the world is real and has a purpose in the divine plan of God.
• Devotion (bhakti) is central to Visishtadvaita, as it is through love and surrender to God that one can attain liberation.
• Visishtadvaita teaches that the individual soul is eternally distinct from Brahman but is intimately connected to it through its relationship with God.
• Ramanuja's Visishtadvaita philosophy has been a major influence on the devotional traditions of Hinduism, particularly in South India.

Comparison

While both Advaita and Visishtadvaita are forms of Vedanta philosophy that seek to understand the nature of reality and the relationship between the individual soul and the ultimate reality, they have distinct differences in their approach and teachings.

• Advaita emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality, viewing everything as ultimately one with Brahman, while Visishtadvaita maintains a qualified non-dualism that acknowledges the eternal distinction between the individual soul and Brahman.
• Advaita teaches that the world is an illusion and only Brahman is real, whereas Visishtadvaita sees the world as real and purposeful in the divine plan of God.
• Self-realization through self-inquiry and meditation is the key to liberation in Advaita, while devotion and surrender to God are central to attaining liberation in Visishtadvaita.
• Advaita focuses on the unity of all existence and the oneness of the individual soul with Brahman, while Visishtadvaita emphasizes the relationship between the individual soul and God.
• Both schools have had a significant impact on Hindu philosophy and spirituality, shaping the beliefs and practices of millions of followers over the centuries.

Conclusion

Advaita and Visishtadvaita are two major schools of Vedanta philosophy that offer different perspectives on the nature of reality and the relationship between the individual soul and the ultimate reality. While Advaita emphasizes the non-dual nature of existence and the identity of the individual soul with Brahman, Visishtadvaita maintains a qualified non-dualism that acknowledges the eternal distinction between the soul and God. Both schools have their own unique teachings and practices that have influenced the spiritual landscape of Hinduism and continue to inspire seekers on the path to self-realization and liberation.