The Basics of The Three Philosophies

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Dear Members,

 

Ever since the " Nama Dwaar Answers " section was

started, quite a few of our visitors have raised

questions and doubts about the different philosophies

- Advaita, Dvaita, and Visishtadvaita.

Nama Dwaar here publishes an article on the basics of

the three philosophies in response to the seekers'

questions and to give a clear idea about the different

schools of thoughts to our readers as a whole.The

article shall be published in multiple parts.

 

THE BASICS OF THE THREE PHILOSOPHIES

 

According to our Indian tradition, the philosophies

are classified broadly into two main categories –

1. Vaidhikam – those that accept the Vedas as the

ultimate authority

2. Avaidhikam – those that do not accept the Vedas

The Vedas have two portions, namely Karma kanda(Poorva

Kanda) and Brahma Kanda (Uttara Kanda). The Brahma

kanda also goes by the name ‘Upanishads”. The part of

Vedas that details the ritualistic way is known as

Karma kanda and that which describes the ultimate

Supreme Brahman is known as the Brahma Kanda or the

Upanishads.

Sage Jaimini composed the Poorva Mimamsa Shastra to

clarify the doubts regarding the Karma Kanda of the

Vedas. To clarify doubts regarding the Brahma Kanda,

Sage Veda Vyasa wrote the “Saariraka mimamsa” or the

“Brahma sutras”. The Vedantins resorted to the

Brahmasutras in order to get the apparent

contradictions of the Upanishads explained. The Brahma

sutras, Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita were taken up by

our Poorva Acharyas to explain the Supreme Truth. Sri

Adi Shankara, Sri Ramanuja and Sri Madhva wrote

commentaries on the above three works known

collectively as “Prasthana thrayam” i.e, the three

main scriptures of our religion. The basic tenets of

the philosophies existed even before the respective

Acharya propounded them and wrote commentaries. But it

is only after the advent of these Acharyas and their

commentaries, the three schools of philosophy –

Advaita, Visishtaadvaita and Dvaita- came to be known

by their respective names. All the three schools

accept the Vedas (here Upanishads) as the final

authority.

 

Any philosophy must explain the relationship between

the individual soul “Jiva”, the Supreme soul “Brahman”

and the insentient matter “Prapancha or Universe”. It

should also show the way to Supreme bliss(liberation).

The aforesaid philosophies differ in explaining the

relationship between the three and also the state

called “Liberation”.

Let u get ourselves introduced to a few basic tenets

accepted by each of these schools. Chronologically,

Advaita was the first philosophy to be propounded

followed by Visishtadvaita and Dvaita in that order.

Let us take them up in the same order.

 

!!! Will continue !!!

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

 

Regards

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If you have any questions or doubts concerning

Spirituality, Mental peace or problems in life or

about dharma, please write to us by clicking here:

http://www.namadwaar.org/answers/askquestion.php

 

His Holiness Sri Sri Swamiji personally answers these

questions for you and suggests prayers.

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