12.4 Comparative analysis of major Vedānta schools

Vedānta schools offer diverse perspectives on reality and liberation. Advaita sees one ultimate reality, Viśiṣṭādvaita sees a qualified unity, and Dvaita sees fundamental separation. These views shape how each school understands the nature of existence and the path to spiritual freedom.

The schools' arguments and interpretations of scripture have profoundly influenced Hinduism. Their ideas have shaped philosophical discourse, religious practices, and cultural expressions, leaving a lasting impact on Indian thought and spirituality.

Ontological and Soteriological Perspectives in Vedānta Schools

Ontological positions in Vedānta schools

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• Advaita Vedānta (Non-dualism)
  • Brahman stands as sole ultimate reality transcends all distinctions and duality
  • World appears as illusory (māyā) due to ignorance (avidyā) obscuring true nature of reality
  • Individual self (ātman) fundamentally identical with Brahman realized through self-knowledge
• Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta (Qualified Non-dualism)
  • Brahman exists as supreme reality containing and supporting all existence
  • World manifests as real and integral part of Brahman not separate or illusory
  • Individual self retains distinct identity while remaining ontologically dependent on Brahman
• Dvaita Vedānta (Dualism)
  • Brahman and individual souls exist as fundamentally separate eternal realities
  • World emerges as real and dependent on Brahman for its existence and functioning
  • Hierarchy of existence establishes Brahman at apex followed by souls and matter in descending order

Liberation concepts across Vedānta

• Advaita Vedānta
  • Liberation involves realization of one's true nature as non-dual Brahman
  • Individual identity dissolves into universal consciousness of Brahman
  • Jīvanmukti concept allows for liberation while living in physical body
• Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta
  • Liberation culminates in eternal communion with personal Brahman (Vishnu)
  • Individual soul retains distinct identity while experiencing blissful union
  • Devotion (bhakti) emphasized as primary means to attain liberation
• Dvaita Vedānta
  • Liberation entails eternal loving service to supreme Brahman (Vishnu)
  • Liberated souls maintain distinct identities and hierarchical positions
  • Individual karma determines specific roles and experiences in liberated state

Arguments of Vedānta schools

• Advaita Vedānta
  • Sublation (bādhā) argument demonstrates higher truth negates lower apparent reality
  • Dream and deep sleep experiences reveal underlying non-dual consciousness
  • Rope-snake analogy illustrates how ignorance superimposes false reality on true nature
• Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta
  • Body-soul analogy explains intricate relationship between Brahman and world
  • Upaniṣadic mahāvākyas interpreted to support qualified non-dualism
  • Difference and non-difference reconciled through concept of inseparable attributes
• Dvaita Vedānta
  • Five-fold difference (pañcabheda) doctrine establishes distinct categories of existence
  • Māyā concept refuted as logically inconsistent and contradictory to scripture
  • Scriptural passages interpreted to emphasize fundamental dualism between God and souls

Influence of Vedānta on Hinduism

• Philosophical impact
  • Vedānta shaped later Indian philosophical discourse across various schools
  • New epistemological and logical tools developed to defend Vedāntic positions
  • Other traditions like Kashmir Shaivism incorporated Vedāntic concepts
• Religious practices
  • Advaita influenced monastic traditions emphasizing renunciation and meditation
  • Viśiṣṭādvaita impacted Vaiṣṇava bhakti movements promoting devotional worship
  • Dvaita promoted devotional theism centered on personal relationship with God
• Cultural synthesis
  • Vedānta ideas integrated into popular Hinduism through stories and rituals
  • Indian art, literature, and music drew inspiration from Vedāntic themes
  • Vedānta played crucial role in interfaith dialogues and modern Hindu reform movements (Ramakrishna Mission)