Dvaita vs. Vishishtadvaita

Attribute	Dvaita	Vishishtadvaita
Founder	Madhvacharya	Ramanuja
Belief in God	Believes in a personal God	Believes in a personal God
Relationship with God	Distinct and separate from God	Integral part of God
Ultimate Reality	Dualistic	Qualified non-dualistic
Salvation	Through devotion and surrender to God	Through knowledge and devotion to God

Dvaita

Dvaita, also known as dualism, is a school of Vedanta philosophy founded by Madhvacharya. In Dvaita, the ultimate reality is seen as consisting of two distinct and independent entities - the individual soul (jiva) and the Supreme Being (Brahman). According to Dvaita, the jiva and Brahman are eternally separate and maintain their individual identities even in the state of liberation.

One of the key principles of Dvaita is the concept of tattva-vada, which asserts that there are five eternal and distinct realities - God, souls, matter, time, and space. Each of these realities has its own unique characteristics and functions within the universe. Dvaita also emphasizes the importance of devotion (bhakti) as a means to attain liberation and union with God.

Madhvacharya's Dvaita philosophy places a strong emphasis on the idea of hierarchy, with God being the supreme ruler and controller of the universe, while individual souls are subordinate to Him. This hierarchical relationship is seen as essential for maintaining order and harmony in the cosmos.

Overall, Dvaita philosophy presents a clear and straightforward understanding of the relationship between the individual soul and the Supreme Being, emphasizing the eternal distinction between the two entities.

Vishishtadvaita

Vishishtadvaita, on the other hand, is a school of Vedanta philosophy founded by Ramanujacharya. In Vishishtadvaita, the ultimate reality is seen as a qualified non-dualism, where the individual soul (jiva) is considered a part of the Supreme Being (Brahman) but maintains its own unique identity. This philosophy emphasizes the idea of unity in diversity.

One of the key principles of Vishishtadvaita is the concept of sarira-sariri bhava, which asserts that the relationship between the jiva and Brahman is similar to that of the body and the soul. Just as the body and soul are intimately connected yet distinct, so too are the individual soul and the Supreme Being in Vishishtadvaita.

Ramanujacharya's Vishishtadvaita philosophy places a strong emphasis on the concept of prapatti, or surrender to God, as the primary means to attain liberation. This surrender is seen as a form of selfless devotion and complete reliance on the grace of God for salvation.

Overall, Vishishtadvaita philosophy presents a nuanced and inclusive understanding of the relationship between the individual soul and the Supreme Being, emphasizing the unity of all existence within the diversity of creation.

Comparison

• Both Dvaita and Vishishtadvaita are schools of Vedanta philosophy that seek to explain the nature of reality and the relationship between the individual soul and the Supreme Being.
• While Dvaita emphasizes the eternal distinction between the jiva and Brahman, Vishishtadvaita sees the individual soul as a part of the Supreme Being while maintaining its own unique identity.
• Dvaita places a strong emphasis on hierarchy and the subordinate nature of the individual soul to God, while Vishishtadvaita emphasizes unity in diversity and the intimate connection between the jiva and Brahman.
• Both philosophies advocate the importance of devotion as a means to attain liberation, with Dvaita focusing on bhakti and Vishishtadvaita emphasizing prapatti or surrender to God.
• Overall, Dvaita and Vishishtadvaita offer distinct perspectives on the nature of reality and the relationship between the individual soul and the Supreme Being, with Dvaita presenting a clear dualistic view and Vishishtadvaita offering a qualified non-dualistic perspective.