Within Vaishnavism, the individual soul (jīva or ātman) is understood to be eternally distinct from the Supreme Lord—Vishnu, Nārāyaṇa, or Krishna—yet never truly separate from Him. The soul does not lose its individuality or become identical with God, even in liberation; rather, it retains its own identity as a finite, dependent being. At the same time, the soul shares the Supreme’s spiritual nature, being of the same kind of reality—eternal, conscious, and blissful—though in a minute and limited measure. This is often expressed as qualitative oneness but quantitative difference, or as a unity that coexists with real distinction.

On this basis, Vaishnavas describe the soul’s “constitutional position” as that of an eternal servant (dāsa) of the Lord. This servitude is not seen as a form of bondage, but as the soul’s natural and blissful state, in which it finds its highest fulfillment. The Supreme is the independent controller and shelter, while the soul is completely dependent on Him for existence, knowledge, and happiness. The relationship is thus one of dependence and protection, where the Lord is the ultimate refuge and beloved of the soul.

This metaphysical relationship is lived and realized through bhakti, loving devotional service. Vaishnava tradition speaks of various modes of loving exchange—servitude, friendship, parental affection, and romantic love—through which the soul relates to the Supreme, especially in Krishna devotion. In all these forms, the soul’s individuality is not erased but perfected in a dynamic relationship of love. Some Vaishnava teachings describe this as a simultaneous oneness and difference between the soul and God, a unity in diversity that is ultimately beyond full rational grasp. Through surrender and divine grace, the soul is restored to this eternal, personal relationship with the Supreme.