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Philosophy of Vishishtadvaita
Vishishtadvaita Philosophy
1. Introduction
- Vishishtadvaita is a sub-school of Vedanta.
- Shares the core Vedanta question: What is the relationship between Jiva and Brahman?
2. Core Tenet: Part-Whole Relationship
- Vishishtadvaita answer: Jiva and Brahman are related as Part and Whole.
- We (Jiva) are parts of Brahman.
- Propounded by Ramanujacharya.
3. Synthesis of Monism and Theism
- Combines Shankaracharya's monism (only one entity: Brahman) with the bhakti of Alvar saints.
- Alvars: Saints from South India (7th-8th century).
- Many found Shankaracharya's concept of Brahman abstract.
- Incorporating bhakti (devotion) made it more accessible.
- Brahman is Saguna (with attributes) in this case unlike Shankaracharya's Nirguna Brahman.
4. Jiva, Jagat, and Ishwara
5. Nature of Dependency
- Asymmetrical relationship: One-sided dependence. The Jiva is dependent on God but not the other way around.
- Every entity is a part (anga) of Brahman but dependent on it.
6. Moksha in Vishishtadvaita
- Consists in knowing the true nature of Jiva and Brahman.
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Brahman is equated with Vishnu, a well known Hindu deity.
- Aim: Attaining the feet of Lord Vishnu (Maha Vishnu).
7. Methods to Achieve Moksha
- Ramanujacharya proposed two paths based on disposition:
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Bhakti (Devotion):
- Analogy: Baby monkey clinging to its mother (requires effort).
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Jiva must put effort to connect with the Lord.
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Prapatti/Sharanagathi (Complete Surrender):
- Analogy: Kitten surrendering to the tigress carrying it (no effort).
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Jiva falls at the feet of the lord & completely surrenders for help.
8. Importance of Rituals
- Ramanujacharya, like Shankaracharya, did not discount Vedic Dharmic worship.
- Placed emphasis on ritual worship.
- Importance of Bhagavad-Gita, Upanishads and Brahmasutra is emphasised.
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Theistic worship was crucial for moksha.
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