libterm.com Ramanuja was a prominent 11th-century Indian philosopher known for founding the Vishishtadvaita school of Vedanta, emphasizing qualified non-dualism and devotional worship of Vishnu. His teachings integrated metaphysics with bhakti, influencing Hindu theology and devotion profoundly. Discover how Ramanuja's philosophy continues to shape spiritual practices and Hindu thought in the detailed article ahead.
Table of Comparison
| Aspect | Ramanuja | Shankara |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy | Vishishtadvaita (Qualified Non-dualism) | Advaita (Non-dualism) |
| Key Concept | Soul and God are distinct but inseparable | Ultimate reality is Brahman, without distinction |
| View on Brahman | Brahman has attributes and personal qualities | Brahman is Nirguna (without attributes) |
| Role of Maya | Maya is real but manifests as God's power | Maya is illusion, causes ignorance |
| Liberation (Moksha) | Union with a personal God, eternal service | Realization of Self's oneness with Brahman |
| Scriptural Basis | Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Brahma Sutras (with commentary) | Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Brahma Sutras (with commentary) |
| Devotion (Bhakti) | Central path to liberation | Important but secondary to knowledge |
| Founder | Ramanuja (1017-1137 CE) | Shankara (8th century CE) |
Introduction: Ramanuja and Shankara – Pioneers of Indian Philosophy
Ramanuja and Shankara stand as monumental figures in Indian philosophy, each shaping Vedantic thought through distinct interpretations. Shankara established Advaita Vedanta, emphasizing non-dualism and the ultimate oneness of Atman and Brahman. Ramanuja countered with Vishishtadvaita, advocating qualified non-dualism where the soul and God are intimately connected yet distinct, forging a foundational debate in Hindu theology.
Philosophical Foundations: Advaita vs. Vishishtadvaita
Ramanuja's Vishishtadvaita philosophy asserts a qualified non-dualism where the soul (jiva) and universe are real and distinct yet inseparable attributes of Brahman, emphasizing personal devotion (bhakti) to a personal God. Shankara's Advaita Vedanta advocates absolute non-dualism, teaching that only Brahman is real and the world along with individual selves are illusory (maya), emphasizing knowledge (jnana) for liberation. The core difference lies in Ramanuja's acceptance of multiplicity within unity versus Shankara's emphasis on ultimate oneness and the illusory nature of plurality.
Core Concepts: Brahman, Atman, and Moksha
Ramanuja's Vishishtadvaita philosophy posits Brahman as a personal God with attributes, where Atman is distinct yet inseparable from Brahman, emphasizing qualified non-dualism and devotional surrender (bhakti) for Moksha, or liberation. Shankara's Advaita Vedanta asserts non-dualism, identifying Brahman as nirguna (without attributes) and Atman as identical to Brahman, with Moksha attained through self-realization and knowledge (jnana) transcending all dualities. The core divergence lies in Ramanuja's acceptance of an eternal difference between Atman and Brahman versus Shankara's absolute non-difference, influencing their distinct paths to liberation.
Approach to Scriptures: Interpretation of the Upanishads
Ramanuja interprets the Upanishads emphasizing a qualified non-dualism (Vishishtadvaita), arguing that the individual soul and Brahman are distinct yet inseparable, with a personal God who is accessible through devotion. Shankara's approach centers on Advaita Vedanta, positing the Upanishads as revealing the ultimate non-duality where Atman and Brahman are identical, and the phenomenal world is an illusion (Maya). The interpretive divergence hinges on Ramanuja's theistic realism versus Shankara's radical monism, shaping their respective exegetical methods and spiritual goals.
Concept of God: Nirguna vs. Saguna Brahman
Ramanuja's philosophy centers on Saguna Brahman, emphasizing a personal God with attributes, who is accessible through devotion and grace. In contrast, Shankara advocates for Nirguna Brahman, an impersonal, attribute-less ultimate reality beyond all forms and qualities. This fundamental divergence shapes their approaches to spirituality, with Ramanuja endorsing a devotional theism and Shankara promoting non-dualistic knowledge leading to the realization of the self's identity with Brahman.
Path to Liberation: Knowledge, Devotion, and Action
Ramanuja emphasized Bhakti Yoga, or devotion to Vishnu, as the primary path to liberation, integrating knowledge (Jnana) and righteous action (Karma) as supportive elements. Shankara advocated Advaita Vedanta, focusing on Jnana Yoga, the realization of non-duality through self-knowledge, while regarding devotion and action as preparatory practices. Ramanuja's Visishtadvaita supports the soul's eternal relationship with Brahman, stressing loving surrender, whereas Shankara's Advaita underscores the illusory nature of the world and the ultimate unity of Atman and Brahman.
Role of Bhakti in Ramanuja and Shankara’s Teachings
Ramanuja emphasized Bhakti as the primary means to achieve liberation, advocating a personal and devotional relationship with Vishnu as the Supreme Being. Shankara, while recognizing Bhakti, highlighted Jnana (knowledge) and Advaita philosophy, viewing devotion as a preparatory practice leading to the realization of non-dual Brahman. Ramanuja's Vishishtadvaita supports Bhakti as both the path and the fruition of spiritual liberation, contrasting with Shankara's Advaita, which stresses the ultimate unity beyond form and duality.
Influence on Later Hindu Thought and Traditions
Ramanuja's Vishishtadvaita Vedanta profoundly shaped the devotional bhakti movement, emphasizing personal devotion to Vishnu and influencing Tamil Vaishnavism and the Sri Vaishnava tradition. Shankara's Advaita Vedanta reinforced non-dualism, establishing the philosophical foundation for monastic orders and shaping classical Hindu metaphysics through the concept of Brahman as the sole reality. Both philosophers significantly impacted Hindu ritual practices, theological discourse, and sectarian developments, with Ramanuja fostering an accessible devotional path and Shankara advocating for ultimate unity beyond multiplicity.
Major Temples, Institutions, and Followers
Ramanuja's influence is prominently seen in the Sri Vaishnavism tradition, with major temples like the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam serving as key centers for his followers, alongside institutions such as the Vedanta Desika and Manavala Mamunigal teachings spreading his Vishishtadvaita philosophy. Shankara's Advaita Vedanta is epitomized by the establishment of four major monasteries (mathas) in Sringeri, Dwarka, Puri, and Jyotirmath, which function as vital hubs for his disciples and propagate non-dualistic philosophy across India. The followers of Ramanuja focus on bhakti and the worship of Vishnu, while Shankara's adherents emphasize jnana and the realization of Brahman as the ultimate reality.
Enduring Legacy and Contemporary Relevance
Ramanuja's Vishishtadvaita philosophy emphasizes qualified non-dualism, advocating a personal relationship with a supreme deity, which continues to influence contemporary Hindu devotional practices and Sri Vaishnavism. Shankara's Advaita Vedanta, promoting absolute non-dualism and the illusory nature of the material world, remains foundational in modern Hindu philosophy and spiritual discourse. Both thinkers' interpretations shape theological debates, ritual practices, and educational curricula, ensuring their enduring legacy in Indian and global philosophical contexts.
Ramanuja Infographic
