3.5 Vedanta: various schools and their interpretations of reality

Vedanta, a key school in Indian philosophy, explores the nature of reality and the self. It delves into concepts like Brahman, Atman, and Maya, seeking to understand the relationship between ultimate reality and individual existence.

The various Vedanta schools offer different interpretations of reality. Advaita proposes non-dualism, Vishishtadvaita teaches qualified non-dualism, and Dvaita advocates dualism. These perspectives shape unique approaches to spiritual practice and liberation.

Vedanta Philosophy: Core Principles

Foundations and Key Concepts

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• Vedanta means "end of the Vedas" constitutes one of six orthodox Hindu philosophy schools
• Draws primarily from Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma Sutras teachings
• Seeks ultimate reality (Brahman) and its relationship to individual self (Atman)
• Emphasizes unity of existence and illusory nature of material world
• Posits four key concepts
  • Brahman (ultimate reality)
  • Atman (individual self)
  • Maya (illusion)
  • Moksha (liberation from rebirth cycle)
• Upanishads form scriptural basis providing metaphysical insights through dialogues and stories
• Prioritizes direct experience (anubhava) and intuitive knowledge (jnana) over intellectual understanding
• Employs "neti neti" (not this, not this) method to negate non-ultimate reality
• Incorporates karma (action and consequences) and samsara (rebirth cycle) concepts

Philosophical Approach and Methodology

• Emphasizes unity of existence and illusory nature of material world
• Utilizes analogies to explain abstract concepts (rope mistaken for snake)
• Employs logical reasoning and scriptural interpretation to support philosophical claims
• Encourages self-inquiry and introspection as means of realizing ultimate truth
• Advocates detachment from worldly desires to attain spiritual liberation
• Recognizes multiple paths to realization (jnana yoga, bhakti yoga, karma yoga)
• Addresses ethical and moral dimensions of human existence in pursuit of spiritual goals

Vedanta Schools: Advaita vs Vishishtadvaita vs Dvaita

Advaita Vedanta

• Propounded by Adi Shankara asserts non-dualism
• Maintains Brahman alone as real and world as illusion (maya)
• Identifies individual self (Atman) as identical to Brahman
• Interprets Mahavakyas (great sayings) to support non-dual reality
• Views liberation (moksha) as realization of Atman-Brahman identity
• Emphasizes knowledge (jnana) as primary means of attaining liberation
• Considers Ishvara (personal God) as lower manifestation of Brahman
• Developed distinct epistemological framework based on non-dual reality

Vishishtadvaita and Dvaita Vedanta

• Vishishtadvaita developed by Ramanuja teaches qualified non-dualism
• Holds Brahman as supreme reality with world and souls as its body
• Dvaita founded by Madhva advocates dualism
• Asserts eternal distinction between Brahman, souls, and material world
• Both schools differ from Advaita in interpretation of key Vedantic texts
• Understand liberation (moksha) differently from Advaita
  • Vishishtadvaita emphasizes devotion (bhakti) as means to liberation
  • Dvaita views liberation as eternal service to Vishnu
• Concept of Ishvara (personal God) varies
  • Vishishtadvaita sees it as highest reality with qualities
  • Dvaita identifies Ishvara specifically as Vishnu
• Developed unique ontological frameworks explaining reality and causation

Reality and Self in Vedanta Schools

Advaita Vedanta's Non-Dual Interpretation

• Interprets reality as non-dual (advaita)
• Asserts Brahman as only reality and phenomenal world as illusion (maya)
• Explains apparent world as superimposition on Brahman due to ignorance (avidya)
• Views individual self (jiva) as ultimately identical to Brahman
• Attributes apparent difference between self and Brahman to ignorance
• Defines liberation as realization of Atman-Brahman identity through knowledge (jnana)
• Employs analogies to illustrate non-dual nature (waves and ocean)

Vishishtadvaita and Dvaita Perspectives

• Vishishtadvaita posits qualified non-dualism
• Maintains Brahman as supreme reality with world and souls as real attributes
• Views individual self as mode (prakara) of Brahman eternally distinct yet inseparable
• Dvaita Vedanta upholds strict dualism
• Asserts five eternal distinctions (God-soul, God-matter, soul-soul, soul-matter, matter-matter)
• Considers individual self eternally distinct from Brahman (identified as Vishnu)
• Emphasizes soul's dependence on God for existence and liberation
• Achieves liberation through devotion (bhakti) in Dvaita tradition

Implications for Spiritual Practice

• Each school's interpretation influences understanding of bondage and liberation
• Shapes distinct creation theories and cosmological views
• Leads to varied spiritual practices and ethical guidelines
• Advaita emphasizes self-inquiry and discrimination (viveka)
• Vishishtadvaita promotes loving devotion and surrender to God
• Dvaita encourages ritualistic worship and service to Vishnu
• All schools recognize importance of ethical living and self-discipline

Vedanta's Influence: Past and Present

Impact on Indian Spirituality and Philosophy

• Shaped Indian spirituality providing philosophical foundation for Hindu sects
• Influenced development of yoga, tantra, and bhakti traditions
• Advaita concepts impacted Buddhist philosophy (Madhyamaka and Yogacara schools)
• Led to philosophical debates and mutual enrichment between traditions
• Permeated Indian literature, art, and culture
• Integrated concepts like maya, karma, and moksha into Indian worldview
• Influenced ethical systems and moral philosophy in India

Contemporary Relevance and Global Impact

• Neo-Vedanta modern interpretation spread Hindu philosophy globally
• Swami Vivekananda's teachings integrated Vedanta with Western thought
• Vedantic concepts found relevance in quantum physics and consciousness studies
• Contributed to interdisciplinary dialogues on nature of reality and consciousness
• Influenced modern environmental ethics and holistic ecological approaches
• Psychological insights incorporated into psychotherapy and self-help practices
• Vedantic ideas of unity and interconnectedness shaped global spiritual movements
• Inspired Western philosophers and thinkers (Schopenhauer, Emerson)