Ubhayavedanta refers to a philosophical approach within the Vedanta tradition that embraces and accepts the authority of both the classical Sanskrit scriptures known as the prasthanatraya and the Divyaprabandham, a collection of Tamil works attributed to the Alwars. This distinctive viewpoint is particularly associated with the Vishishtadvaita school of Vedanta, which was formulated and expounded by the renowned philosopher Ramanuja (1017-1137 CE).
The term "Ubhayavedanta" literally means
"Vedanta that accepts both." It distinguishes itself from other
Vedantic philosophies like Advaita and Dvaita, which each emphasize different
aspects of metaphysical understanding.
In the Advaita Vedanta of Adi Shankaracharya, the focus is
on the non-dual nature of reality (Brahman), asserting that the ultimate truth
is the oneness of the individual soul (Atman) with Brahman. Dvaita Vedanta, on
the other hand, championed by Madhvacharya, emphasizes the eternal and distinct
separation between the individual soul and the supreme reality, Brahman.
Vishishtadvaita, as propagated by Ramanuja, takes a middle
path by asserting that while there is a unity between the individual soul and
Brahman, there is also an inherent distinction. Ramanuja argued that the
prasthanatraya—comprising the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Brahma
Sutras—holds authority in understanding the ultimate reality, but he also
incorporated the Divyaprabandham, a collection of hymns and verses composed by
the Alwars, as another authoritative source.
The Alwars were a group of Tamil poet-saints who played a
crucial role in the Bhakti movement in South India. Their hymns, encapsulated
in the Divyaprabandham, express profound devotion and love towards the deities,
particularly Lord Vishnu.
In summary, Ubhayavedanta, associated with Vishishtadvaita,
represents a unique synthesis of the classical Sanskrit scriptures and the
Tamil works of the Alwars, providing a comprehensive and inclusive approach to
understanding the nature of reality and the relationship between the individual
soul and the divine.