These are a simple set of tables that I made for quick reference. They catalog different schools of vedanta along with aspects of each school. Of course this is an vast oversimplification of the topic. However, they helped me keep things sorted.
| Aspect | Advaita Vedanta | Vishishtadvaita Vedanta | Dvaita Vedanta |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founder | Adi Shankaracharya | Ramanujacharya | Madhvacharya |
| Basic Tenet | Non-dualism: Atman (soul) and Brahman (universal soul) are one. | Qualified non-dualism: Atman is distinct yet dependent on Brahman. | Dualism: Atman and Brahman are eternally separate. |
| Concept of Brahman | Brahman is the only reality, formless, and beyond attributes. | Brahman is with attributes and is the inner controller (Antaryami). | Brahman is a personal God, with attributes, separate from the individual soul. |
| Nature of Atman | Identical with Brahman, no individuality. | Atman is distinct but eternally linked to Brahman. | Atman is distinct and different from Brahman. |
| Worldview | The world is illusory (Maya) and a manifestation of Brahman. | The world is real and a body of Brahman. | The world and its entities are real and distinct from Brahman. |
| Path to Liberation | Through knowledge (Jnana) and realization of the self’s unity with Brahman. | Through devotion (Bhakti) and surrender to God. | Through a strict dualistic devotion and adherence to Dharma. |
| Scriptural Interpretation | Interpretation of the Upanishads emphasizes non-dualism. | Interpretation acknowledges a personal God and individual souls. | Stresses a strict dualistic interpretation of the scriptures. |
| Notable Texts | Shankaracharya’s commentaries on the Upanishads, Brahmasutra, Bhagavad Gita. | Ramanujacharya’s ‘Sri Bhashya’ commentary on the Brahmasutra. | Works of Madhvacharya including commentaries on Vedanta texts. |
| Ethical Outlook | Emphasizes renunciation and detachment. | Focuses on loving devotion and surrender to God’s grace. | Advocates a life of righteousness and strict adherence to duty (Dharma). |
| Aspect | Achintya Bheda Abheda | Shuddhadvaita | Dvaitadvaita | Bhedabheda |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founder | Chaitanya Mahaprabhu | Vallabhacharya | Nimbarkacharya | Various (e.g., Bhaskara) |
| Basic Tenet | Simultaneous oneness and difference between the soul and God. | Pure non-dualism, Brahman (Krishna) is the only reality with multiplicity. | Dualistic non-dualism, a complex relationship between soul and God. | Both difference and non-difference between the individual soul and Brahman. |
| Concept of Brahman | Brahman as Krishna, both distinct and non-distinct from the universe and souls. | Krishna as the supreme, singular reality. | Brahman is both distinct and non-distinct from the soul and the universe. | Brahman is simultaneously different and not different from the universe. |
| Nature of Atman | Soul is both distinct and non-distinct from Krishna. | Soul is a part of Krishna, but maintains individuality. | Souls are distinct yet have a non-dual relationship with Brahman. | Souls are different yet in some way non-different from Brahman. |
| Worldview | The world is a real and dynamic expression of Krishna’s energy. | The world is real and a manifestation of Krishna. | The world is a real and integral part of Brahman. | The world is both real and illusory, with a complex relationship to Brahman. |
| Path to Liberation | Through devotional service (bhakti) to Krishna. | Through loving devotion and the grace of Krishna. | Devotion to Radha-Krishna, emphasizing duality and non-duality. | Both knowledge and devotion, depending on the specific thinker. |
| Scriptural Interpretation | Emphasizes Bhagavata Purana and Chaitanya’s teachings. | Focus on Bhagavad Gita and other scriptures that highlight Krishna’s role. | Interpretations emphasize both the unity and duality aspects of scriptures. | Varies; some focus on the dual aspects of scripture, others on non-duality. |
| Ethical Outlook | Stresses the importance of devotion and community in spiritual life. | Focuses on the grace (Pushti) of God and loving devotion. | Advocates a balance between devotion and adherence to dharma. | Emphasizes a holistic approach combining devotion, knowledge, and ethics. |