Ramanuja

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Ramanuja

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Ramanuja (1017–1137 CE) was a prominent Indian philosopher, theologian, and one of the most important exponents of the Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism) school of Vedanta. His philosophical and theological ideas have had a profound influence on the development of Hinduism, particularly in the Vaishnavism tradition.

Early Life

Ramanuja was born in 1017 CE in the village of Sriperumbudur, near modern-day Chennai, in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. He was born into a Brahmin family and was educated in the Vedic scriptures from a young age. His early education was under the guidance of his maternal uncle, who was a scholar in the Advaita Vedanta tradition.

Philosophical Contributions

Ramanuja is best known for his development of the Vishishtadvaita philosophy, which is a non-dualistic school of Vedanta that emphasizes the unity of the individual soul (jivatman) with the supreme soul (Paramatman), while acknowledging the distinctiveness of both. This philosophy is often described as "qualified non-dualism" because it accepts the reality of both the individual soul and the supreme soul, but posits that they are ultimately one in essence.

Vishishtadvaita

The core tenet of Vishishtadvaita is that the universe and all its entities are real and are manifestations of the divine. According to Ramanuja, the Brahman is not an abstract, impersonal entity, but a personal God with attributes, who is the source of all creation. This God is identified with Vishnu, and devotion to Vishnu is seen as the path to liberation (moksha).

Critique of Advaita Vedanta

Ramanuja's philosophy was developed in response to the Advaita Vedanta of Adi Shankaracharya, which posits that the ultimate reality is a formless, attributeless Brahman, and that the world is an illusion (maya). Ramanuja argued that the world is real and that the individual soul is distinct yet inseparable from God. He emphasized the importance of bhakti (devotion) as a means to attain spiritual knowledge and liberation.

Works

Ramanuja's major works include:

• Sri Bhashya - a commentary on the Brahma Sutras
• Gita Bhashya - a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita
• Vedartha Sangraha - a summary of the Vedic teachings
• Nitya Grantha - a manual of daily worship

Legacy

Ramanuja's teachings have had a lasting impact on the Vaishnavism tradition and have inspired numerous followers and sects, including the Sri Vaishnavism tradition. His emphasis on devotion and the personal nature of God has influenced many later Hindu thinkers and movements.

Also see

• Vishishtadvaita
• Vaishnavism
• Bhakti movement
• Adi Shankaracharya
• Sri Vaishnavism