About Getting Back Home
How does Vishishtadvaita view the relationship between the individual and the divine?
Vishishtadvaita, which literally translates to "qualified non-dualism," is a school of Hindu philosophy that emphasizes the concept of unity with distinctions. This philosophy is primarily associated with the Sri Vaishnava tradition and is based on the teachings of the ancient Hindu text, the Vedas.
According to Vishishtadvaita, the relationship between the individual and the divine is one of inseparable oneness. The individual self, known as the jivatma, is considered to be a part of the ultimate reality, known as Brahman. This ultimate reality is seen as the all-pervading and eternal consciousness that exists within and beyond the material world.
However, unlike other schools of Hindu philosophy that advocate for complete dissolution of the individual self into the divine, Vishishtadvaita holds that the individual self retains its individuality even after attaining unity with the divine. This is where the concept of "qualified non-dualism" comes into play. The individual self is seen as a distinct entity, yet inseparable from the ultimate reality.
In Vishishtadvaita, the relationship between the individual and the divine is likened to that of a wave and the ocean. Just as a wave is a part of the ocean and cannot exist without it, the individual self is a part of the ultimate reality and cannot exist without it. However, the wave still retains its individual form and identity, just as the individual self retains its individuality even after merging with the divine.
This relationship is also described as that of a servant and a master. The individual self is seen as a servant of the ultimate reality, serving and surrendering to it out of love and devotion. This devotion is seen as the key to attaining unity with the divine and ultimately achieving liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
In Vishishtadvaita, the individual self is also seen as a reflection of the divine. Just as a mirror reflects the image of the object in front of it, the individual self reflects the qualities and attributes of the ultimate reality. This means that the individual self possesses the potential to attain the same level of knowledge, bliss, and perfection as the divine.
In conclusion, Vishishtadvaita views the relationship between the individual and the divine as one of inseparable oneness, yet with distinctions. The individual self is seen as a part of the ultimate reality, retaining its individuality even after merging with it. This relationship is based on love, devotion, and the potential for the individual self to attain the same level of perfection as the divine.