🧘Intro to Indian Philosophy Unit 12 – Vedānta: Major Schools of Thought
Vedānta, a key school of Hindu philosophy, explores the nature of reality and the relationship between the individual self and ultimate reality. It seeks to understand existence and achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death through knowledge and detachment from worldly desires.
Vedānta encompasses several major schools of thought, including Advaita (non-dualism), Viśiṣṭādvaita (qualified non-dualism), and Dvaita (dualism). These schools differ in their interpretations of the relationship between Brahman, the individual self, and the world, offering various paths to liberation.
Vedānta is one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy that interprets the Upanishads, the final portions of the Vedas
Focuses on the nature of reality, the relationship between the individual self (ātman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman)
Seeks to understand the true nature of existence and the means to attain liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death (saṃsāra)
Emphasizes the importance of knowledge (jñāna) as the primary means to achieve liberation
Considers the material world to be an illusion (māyā) that veils the true nature of reality
Māyā is the power that creates the appearance of the phenomenal world
Teaches that the individual self is not separate from the ultimate reality but is identical with it
Encourages detachment from worldly desires and attachments as a means to attain spiritual freedom
Key Figures and Their Ideas
Ādi Śaṅkarācārya (8th century CE) is considered the most prominent exponent of Advaita Vedānta
Emphasized the non-dual nature of reality, asserting that Brahman alone is real and the world is an illusion
Taught that liberation is attained through the realization of the identity of ātman with Brahman
Rāmānuja (11th century CE) is the main proponent of Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta
Advocated qualified non-dualism, acknowledging the reality of both Brahman and the world
Emphasized the importance of devotion (bhakti) to a personal God (Vishnu) as a means to liberation
Madhva (13th century CE) is the founder of Dvaita Vedānta
Propounded a dualistic philosophy, asserting the eternal distinction between God, individual souls, and matter
Stressed the importance of devotion to a personal God (Vishnu) and the study of scriptures for liberation
Vallabha (15th century CE) is the proponent of Śuddhādvaita Vedānta
Taught pure non-dualism, emphasizing the inherent blissfulness of Brahman and the world as its manifestation
Promoted the path of devotion to Krishna as the supreme form of Brahman
Nimbārka (12th century CE) is the founder of Dvaitādvaita Vedānta
Advocated a philosophy of dualistic non-dualism, recognizing both the unity and diversity of Brahman and the world
Emphasized the importance of devotion to Radha-Krishna as the means to liberation
Main Schools of Vedānta
Advaita Vedānta (non-dualism) asserts that Brahman is the only reality and the world is an illusion
Individual self (ātman) is identical with Brahman
Liberation is attained through the realization of this identity
Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta (qualified non-dualism) acknowledges the reality of both Brahman and the world
Brahman is the supreme reality, and individual souls and matter are its attributes
Liberation is achieved through devotion to a personal God (Vishnu) and the realization of one's relationship with Brahman
Dvaita Vedānta (dualism) emphasizes the eternal distinction between God, individual souls, and matter
God (Vishnu) is the supreme reality, while souls and matter are dependent on Him
Liberation is attained through devotion to God and the grace of God
Śuddhādvaita Vedānta (pure non-dualism) teaches that Brahman is the only reality and the world is its manifestation
Individual souls are inherently blissful and are not different from Brahman
Liberation is achieved through devotion to Krishna and the realization of one's true nature
Dvaitādvaita Vedānta (dualistic non-dualism) recognizes both the unity and diversity of Brahman and the world
Brahman is the supreme reality, and individual souls and matter are both different and non-different from Brahman
Liberation is attained through devotion to Radha-Krishna and the realization of one's relationship with Brahman
Core Concepts and Debates
The nature of Brahman is a central topic of discussion in Vedānta
Advaita Vedānta asserts that Brahman is the only reality and is devoid of attributes (nirguna)
Other schools attribute qualities (saguna) to Brahman, such as omniscience, omnipotence, and omnibenevolence
The relationship between Brahman and the individual self (ātman) is another core concept
Advaita Vedānta maintains that ātman is identical with Brahman
Other schools view ātman as distinct from Brahman but eternally related to it
The nature of the world (jagat) is also debated among Vedānta schools
Advaita Vedānta considers the world to be an illusion (māyā) superimposed on Brahman
Other schools accept the reality of the world as a manifestation or dependent on Brahman
The means to attain liberation (moksha) is another key topic of discussion
Advaita Vedānta emphasizes the path of knowledge (jñāna) as the primary means to liberation
Other schools stress the importance of devotion (bhakti) and the grace of God in attaining liberation
The nature of ignorance (avidyā) and its relationship to the individual self is also debated
Advaita Vedānta considers avidyā to be the root cause of the illusion of the world and the individual self's identification with the body and mind
Other schools have different views on the nature and role of avidyā in the bondage of the individual self
Texts and Scriptures
The Upanishads are the foundational texts of Vedānta philosophy
They are the concluding portions of the Vedas and contain the essence of Vedic knowledge
Key Upanishads include the Brihadaranyaka, Chandogya, Taittiriya, and Mandukya Upanishads
The Brahma Sutras, also known as the Vedānta Sutras, are a systematic exposition of Vedānta philosophy
Composed by Badarayana (circa 4th century BCE), they consist of aphorisms that interpret the teachings of the Upanishads
Major Vedānta schools have written commentaries on the Brahma Sutras, interpreting them according to their respective philosophies
The Bhagavad Gita is another important text in Vedānta philosophy
It is a part of the epic Mahabharata and contains the teachings of Lord Krishna to Arjuna
The Gita synthesizes various aspects of Vedānta philosophy, emphasizing the paths of knowledge, devotion, and action
Commentaries and original works by Vedānta philosophers form an essential part of the Vedānta literature
Ādi Śaṅkarācārya's commentaries on the Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, and Bhagavad Gita are foundational texts of Advaita Vedānta
Rāmānuja's Sri Bhashya on the Brahma Sutras and Gita Bhashya are important works of Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta
Madhva's Anuvyakhyana on the Brahma Sutras and commentaries on the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita are central to Dvaita Vedānta
Influence on Indian Culture
Vedānta philosophy has had a profound impact on Indian culture, shaping religious beliefs, social norms, and artistic expressions
The concept of non-dualism (Advaita) has influenced the development of various spiritual and philosophical traditions in India
It has inspired the growth of bhakti movements, which emphasize devotion to a personal God as a means to liberation
Advaita has also influenced the development of Tantra, Yoga, and other spiritual practices
Vedānta's emphasis on the unity of existence has promoted religious tolerance and harmony in India
It has encouraged the acceptance of diverse religious paths as valid means to attain the ultimate goal of liberation
Vedānta philosophy has inspired Indian art, literature, and music
The themes of non-dualism, devotion, and the nature of reality are reflected in various art forms (paintings, sculptures, poetry)
Vedānta concepts have been popularized through devotional songs (bhajans) and classical music (Carnatic and Hindustani)
Vedānta has also influenced Indian social norms and values
The concept of dharma (righteous living) and the importance of detachment from worldly pursuits are rooted in Vedānta philosophy
The idea of the essential unity of all beings has promoted compassion, non-violence, and service to others as important virtues
Modern Interpretations
Vedānta philosophy continues to be relevant and influential in modern times, with various interpretations and applications
Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) played a key role in introducing Vedānta to the Western world
He emphasized the practical application of Vedānta principles in daily life and the unity of all religions
His teachings inspired the growth of the Ramakrishna Mission, which promotes Vedānta philosophy and social service
Sri Aurobindo (1872-1950) developed Integral Yoga, a spiritual philosophy based on Vedānta principles
He integrated Vedānta with Western philosophy and science, emphasizing the evolution of consciousness and the transformation of the individual and society
Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) was influenced by Advaita Vedānta and applied its principles in his philosophy of non-violence and social reform
He emphasized the importance of self-realization and the unity of all beings in his struggle for India's independence and social justice
Contemporary Vedānta teachers, such as Swami Chinmayananda (1916-1993) and Swami Dayananda Saraswati (1930-2015), have popularized Vedānta philosophy through their teachings and writings
They have focused on the practical application of Vedānta in modern life, emphasizing self-inquiry, meditation, and the development of ethical values
Vedānta philosophy has also influenced Western thinkers and spiritual traditions
Philosophers such as Arthur Schopenhauer and Aldous Huxley have drawn inspiration from Vedānta concepts
Vedānta ideas have been incorporated into various New Age and spiritual movements in the West, such as Transcendentalism and Theosophy
How It Connects to Other Philosophies
Vedānta philosophy shares some common themes and concepts with other Indian philosophical traditions, such as Samkhya, Yoga, and Buddhism
The concept of liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death (saṃsāra) is central to these philosophies
The idea of the individual self (ātman) and its relationship to the ultimate reality is also explored in these traditions
Vedānta, particularly Advaita Vedānta, has some similarities with Buddhist philosophy, especially the Madhyamaka school
Both emphasize the illusory nature of the phenomenal world and the ultimate reality beyond dualistic concepts
However, Vedānta asserts the existence of a permanent self (ātman), while Buddhism denies the existence of a permanent self (anātman)
Vedānta philosophy also has some parallels with Western philosophical traditions, such as Neoplatonism and Idealism
Neoplatonism, developed by Plotinus, emphasizes the existence of a supreme reality (The One) and the emanation of the world from it
Idealism, as propounded by philosophers like George Berkeley and Immanuel Kant, asserts the primacy of consciousness and the mind-dependent nature of reality
Vedānta's concept of non-dualism has some similarities with the ideas of unity and interconnectedness found in various mystical and spiritual traditions
The idea of the essential oneness of existence is found in Sufism, Kabbalah, and Christian mysticism
The concept of the unity of the individual self with the divine is also present in these traditions
Vedānta philosophy has engaged in debates and dialogues with other Indian philosophical schools, such as Nyaya, Vaisheshika, and Mimamsa
These debates have helped to refine and clarify Vedānta concepts and arguments
Vedānta philosophers have also critiqued and incorporated ideas from these schools in their own philosophical systems