Similar thoughts for Gurus and Saints
God is within everyone, but man goes out in search of Him. This is what constitutes God's Play and God's Creation. (Anandamayi Ma) (If you wish to read more about the wisdom of Anandamayi Ma you can find it here. )
Individuals may read and recite the scriptures, sacrifice to the gods, perform rituals, worship deities. Still, liberation will not occur, even after hundreds of millions of years, without a personal experience of one’s identity with the Self. (Vivekachudamani)
The Three Schools of Vedanta and Their Modern-Day Relevance
Vedanta, one of the six classical systems of Hindu philosophy, provides profound insights into the nature of the individual soul (Atman) and God (Brahman). These teachings come primarily from the Upanishads, which explore the spiritual essence of reality and the relationship between the human self and the ultimate reality. The three major schools of Vedanta—Dualism (Dvaita), Qualified Monism (Vishishtadvaita), and Non-Dualism (Advaita)—present varying perspectives on this relationship. Let's explore them in greater depth and consider their modern-day relevance, symbolic importance, and practical application in daily life.
1. Dualism (Dvaita Vedanta): God and the Individual Are Eternally Separate
In Dvaita, the relationship between God and the individual is one of eternal separation, where God is the supreme being (Ishvara) and the individual soul (jiva) is distinct from Him. The devotee, under this view, engages in bhakti (devotion) to God, acknowledging God’s supremacy and relying on His grace for liberation.
Symbolism and Importance:
- Dvaita symbolizes the relationship between a father and a child. The child is dependent on the father for guidance, protection, and support. The individual, like the child, is completely reliant on the mercy and grace of the supreme God.
- The school emphasizes bhakti as the highest path to salvation. The devotee's love, surrender, and service to God are seen as the means of transcending the limitations of worldly life.
Practical Relevance:
In today’s world, Dvaita offers comfort and clarity to those who find meaning in a personal relationship with God. It encourages humility, recognizing one’s limitations while trusting in a higher power. For many, this belief fosters emotional strength and resilience during difficult times by surrendering to the divine will.
Modern Examples:
Many modern devotees of Lord Vishnu or Krishna follow the Dvaita approach, emphasizing devotion and complete surrender. Movements like the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) stress the importance of individual souls being eternally distinct from God and encourage a life of service, chanting, and devotion to Krishna.
2. Qualified Monism (Vishishtadvaita Vedanta): God is the Whole, Souls are Parts
Vishishtadvaita emphasizes that the soul and God are distinct but not entirely separate. The individual soul is a part of God, much like a spark from a fire or a wave in the ocean. This view balances individuality with divine unity. The soul, though distinct, depends on God for existence and liberation.
Symbolism and Importance:
- The relationship between a spark and a fire or the wave and the ocean signifies that while the soul is not separate from God, it retains its individuality while existing as part of the greater whole. This symbolism highlights unity in diversity, allowing for both distinction and integration with the divine.
- In this school, God is described as having auspicious qualities such as omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence, and He is regarded as the soul of souls.
Practical Relevance:
In contemporary life, Vishishtadvaita offers a balanced perspective on the interconnectedness of all beings while maintaining respect for individual uniqueness. This idea helps to foster harmony and inclusivity, recognizing that while we are all distinct, we are ultimately part of the same divine existence. This approach can encourage tolerance and acceptance in diverse societies.
Story from Hinduism:
An example of this relationship is found in the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 9, Verse 29), where Lord Krishna says:
"I am equally disposed to all living beings; I am neither hostile nor partial to anyone. But those who worship Me with devotion dwell in Me, and I too dwell in them."
Here, Krishna explains that the soul, though distinct, remains in a harmonious relationship with Him through devotion.
3. Non-Dualism (Advaita Vedanta): The Individual and God Are Ultimately One
In Advaita, only Brahman (the formless, absolute reality) exists. The world of multiplicity is an illusion (maya), and the individual self (Atman) is ultimately identical to Brahman. Through jnana (knowledge), one realizes that all distinctions between self and God dissolve, and only the eternal, changeless Brahman remains.
Symbolism and Importance:
- The symbolism of a mirage in the desert is used to describe the illusory nature of the world. Just as a mirage appears real but vanishes upon closer examination, the distinctions between individuals and God seem real only until one attains true knowledge.
- Advaita emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge and introspection, leading to the realization of the non-dual reality. This school focuses on understanding the nature of reality through direct experience and meditation, stripping away the illusions of duality.
Practical Relevance:
In the modern world, Advaita has immense appeal to those who seek a more philosophical and contemplative approach to life. The realization that the ultimate truth is oneness helps in overcoming feelings of isolation, stress, and conflict, fostering inner peace. It also promotes a sense of universal love and compassion, as all beings are seen as manifestations of the same reality.
Quotes from Scriptures:
The Chandogya Upanishad (6.8.7) famously declares:
"Tat Tvam Asi" (Thou art That),
which suggests that the essence of the individual is the same as the essence of the universe—Brahman. This profound statement is a cornerstone of Advaita Vedanta.
Modern-Day Relevance of Vedantic Teachings
1. Spiritual Pluralism:
The three schools of Vedanta emphasize different relationships with the divine, offering a pluralistic approach to spiritual practice. This is highly relevant today, as it encourages respect for multiple paths, fostering interfaith harmony.
2. Psychological Resilience:
Vedantic teachings help individuals cope with the challenges of modern life. For example, the dualistic approach fosters faith and surrender, relieving the burden of control. The qualified monistic approach encourages service to society while seeing oneself as part of a greater whole, and non-dualism promotes inner peace through the realization of oneness, transcending ego-based conflicts.
3. Ethical Living:
The principles of Vedanta—especially karma yoga (selfless action)—have practical applications in daily life, urging individuals to work without attachment to results. This concept has been widely embraced by modern-day practitioners, from corporate leaders to social workers, as a way of finding balance and reducing stress.
The three schools of Vedanta—Dvaita, Vishishtadvaita, and Advaita—offer unique perspectives on the relationship between the individual and God. Each school provides deep spiritual insights that are not only relevant in today’s pluralistic world but also practical for everyday life. By understanding these teachings, one can find greater meaning, develop resilience, foster compassion, and ultimately work towards self-realization.
In essence, whether through devotion, knowledge, or selfless action, Vedanta offers timeless wisdom that continues to guide individuals on their spiritual journey today.