Schools of Vaisnavism

Book Detail:

• Publisher: D.K. Printworld
• Authors: Dr. P. Jagannivas, Dr. Dayanidhi Kozhiyalam
• ISBN: 9788124611869
• Pages: 244
• Binding: Paperback
• Release Date: 01-01-2022
• Package Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 1.1 inches
• Languages: English

Description:
This book offers an in-depth exploration of the philosophies of revered ācāryas such as Sri Śaṅkara, Sri Rāmānuja, Sri Nimbārka, Sri Madhvācārya, Sri Caitanya, Sri Vallabha, Sri Śaṅkaradeva, and Sri Swami Nārāyaṇa. These schools of Vaiṣṇavism present a unique path for seekers, emphasizing the reality of saṁsāra (worldly existence), liberation, and the significance of worship and meditation.

Each of these traditions regards God as the Ultimate Reality—compassionate and full of auspicious attributes—whose grace alone can free a soul from worldly bondage. Unlike Advaita Vedānta, these schools do not distinguish between Brahman and Īśvara, nor do they equate the jīva (individual soul) with Brahman.

Most Vaiṣṇava traditions identify Īśvara or Brahman with Viṣṇu, depicted in a distinct divine form (Catur-Bhujam, with Śaṅkha and Cakra). While all ācāryas uphold Lord Mahāviṣṇu as the Supreme Reality, their devotion manifests in different forms:

• Sri Rāmānuja – Sriman Nārāyaṇa
• Sri Nimbārka, Sri Vallabha, Sri Caitanya – Sri Kṛṣṇa
• Sri Rāmānanda – Sri Rāma

This volume is a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and students of Indian philosophy, as well as followers of Vaiṣṇava traditions, providing profound insights into the rich heritage of Vaiṣṇavism.