Difference Between Chit And Achit in Teachings Of Ramanuja

In the philosophy of Vishishtadvaita (Qualified Monism), propounded by Ramanujacharya, the terms Chit and Achit are fundamental in explaining the nature of reality and the relationship between the individual soul (Jeeva), the material universe, and the supreme God (Brahman). Let's break down these concepts and their deeper implications, explore their relevance in modern times, and compare them to similar ideas in other systems of thought.

Chit (Sentient Consciousness)

1. Meaning and Definition:

   • Chit refers to that which is conscious, aware, and endowed with the ability to experience and perceive. In Vishishtadvaita, the Jeevatmas (individual souls) are categorized as chit because they possess consciousness and are capable of understanding, feeling, and knowing.
   • Chit is eternal and immortal, representing the awareness that defines a living being.

2. Role in Creation:

   • The souls (chit) are seen as integral parts of the supreme Brahman. Each soul is distinct but is also dependent on and inseparable from God. It is the substratum of life and conscious experience.
   • Although the soul has free will, it remains subject to karma and the cycle of birth and rebirth. Moksha (liberation) occurs when the soul realizes its true nature and surrenders to God.

3. Modern Relevance:

   • The concept of chit resonates with modern ideas of consciousness studies. In psychology and neuroscience, the mystery of what it means to be conscious remains a significant debate, and Ramanuja’s distinction between the sentient (chit) and the insentient (achit) still offers a spiritual perspective on this discourse.
   • Chit can also be related to human individuality and identity, particularly in understanding the coexistence of the soul with the body and material world, and finding purpose in this relationship.

Achit (Insentient Matter)

1. Meaning and Definition:

   • Achit refers to that which is non-conscious or insentient, such as prakriti (material nature), and the physical universe. This encompasses all inanimate objects and the subtle elements that constitute the universe.
   • Achit includes all material things, ranging from inert objects like rocks to physical bodies of living beings. Though achit does not have awareness or self-knowledge, it is essential for the functioning of creation.

2. Role in Creation:

   • According to Ramanuja, Achit is a manifestation of Brahman’s will. It forms the body of the universe and provides the material substrate necessary for the souls to exist in the physical realm.
   • The universe and all of its material components are real (not an illusion as in Advaita) and are eternally dependent on God. Achit is transformed and governed by the divine, but it has no autonomy.

3. Modern Relevance:

   • The concept of achit aligns well with modern scientific understanding of the material universe. It mirrors the idea that the universe consists of fundamental particles and physical laws, yet from a spiritual lens, these materials are expressions of divine will.
   • In ecological ethics, the notion of achit can be extended to promote respect for nature and material things, recognizing that they too are part of the divine creation and have a purpose, even though they lack consciousness.

Chit and Achit as Parts of Brahman

In Ramanuja’s Vishishtadvaita, Brahman or God is the ultimate reality, and chit and achit are two aspects of His being. Brahman is both the material cause (upadana karana) and the efficient cause (nimitta karana) of the universe. The relationship between chit, achit, and Brahman can be summarized as:

• Chit (souls) are sentient but dependent on Brahman for their existence and experience.
• Achit (matter) is insentient but also dependent on Brahman for its creation and maintenance.
• Brahman is the controller, the cause of all causes, immanent within the universe but also transcendent, guiding the interplay of chit and achit to manifest the cosmic order.

Comparison to Other Philosophical Traditions

1. Advaita Vedanta:

   • In Advaita Vedanta, consciousness or the Atman is considered identical with Brahman, the non-dual absolute reality. The material world is viewed as maya (illusion). This contrasts with Ramanuja’s view, where the material world (achit) is real and a divine manifestation.

2. Sankhya Philosophy:

   • Sankhya philosophy similarly posits a dualism between Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter). However, in Sankhya, Purusha is completely distinct from Prakriti, whereas, in Vishishtadvaita, chit and achit are both inseparable parts of Brahman.

3. Western Thought:

   • In Cartesian dualism, the distinction between mind (res cogitans) and matter (res extensa) echoes the separation of chit and achit. The key difference is that in Ramanuja’s system, both chit and achit are intimately connected with a divine whole, whereas Descartes’ model leaves mind and matter fundamentally disconnected.

Modern-Day Usage and Importance

1. Spiritual Practice:

   • The concepts of chit and achit have modern-day relevance in guiding spiritual practices that emphasize the balance between the spiritual (conscious soul) and the material (the body and physical world). Ramanuja's philosophy promotes bhakti (devotion), where the soul engages with the world but is always oriented towards God.

2. Holistic Living:

   • Recognizing both chit and achit as divine aspects encourages a holistic worldview. It emphasizes living in harmony with nature (achit) while pursuing spiritual growth (chit). In modern contexts, this could support the principles of sustainable living, environmental ethics, and social responsibility.

3. Personal Identity:

   • In today’s search for identity and purpose, the distinction between chit and achit helps individuals understand that while their physical body is part of achit, their true essence is chit, eternal and connected to the divine. This view fosters self-realization and encourages the pursuit of spiritual goals.

4. Technology and AI:

   • The rise of artificial intelligence raises questions about the nature of consciousness (chit) and whether it can be replicated in machines (achit). Ramanuja’s clear distinction between chit (sentient souls) and achit (insentient matter) suggests that while machines may mimic certain aspects of intelligence, they cannot possess true consciousness or self-awareness like the jeeva.

Lesser-Known Facts

1. Tridimensional Reality:
   • In Ramanuja’s view, Brahman, chit, and achit exist in a relationship that is sometimes described as a body-soul relationship. Brahman is the soul, and chit and achit are his body. This underscores the deep connection and interdependence of all aspects of reality.
2. Transformation of Achit:
   • Unlike some philosophies that see the material world as static, Ramanuja holds that achit (matter) is in a state of constant transformation by the will of Brahman. Matter is not unchanging; it is dynamic and purposefully directed.

The chit-achit distinction in Ramanuja’s Vishishtadvaita provides a profound framework for understanding reality, both spiritually and materially. Its modern relevance spans spiritual growth, environmental ethics, and even discussions on consciousness and AI. It teaches us to recognize the divine presence in both the living and non-living, fostering a worldview where interconnectedness, devotion, and respect for all existence are key pillars.