Q. With respect to the philosophical schools associated with the South Indian Bhakti tradition, consider the following statements:
1.The philosophy of Vishishtadvaita (Qualified Non-dualism), propounded by Ramanujacharya, posits that the individual soul (Jiva) is a part of the Supreme Reality (Brahman) but is not identical to it, retaining a distinction.
2.Madhvacharya advocated the philosophy of Dvaita (Dualism), maintaining that God, individual souls, and matter are fundamentally and eternally distinct entities, advocating for devotion (Bhakti) as the primary means of salvation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: C
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. Ramanujacharya’s Vishishtadvaita holds that the soul and matter are real, but they are the attributes (vishesha) of Brahman. Thus, the soul is part of God, but distinct from God, making it “qualified” non-dualism.
- Statement 2: Correct. Madhvacharya’s Dvaita literally means ‘dualism’. It asserts a complete and eternal difference between the Supreme Being (Vishnu/Brahman), the individual soul (Jiva), and the material world (Jada). He stressed Bhakti as the path to salvation.
