Jiva

MIND, MATTER AND GOD : JIVA, JADA AND ISVARA
M.M.NINAN
Vishishtadvaita Vedanta ( literally "Advaita with uniqueness; qualifications"
is nondualism
of the qualified whole, in which Brahman alone exists, but is characterised by
multiplicity. It can be described as qualified monism or qualified non-dualism or
attributive monism. Vedanta Desika defines vishishtadvaita using the statement:
“Asesha Chit-Achit Prakaaram Brahmaikameva Tatvam” Brahman, as qualified by the
sentient and insentient modes (or attributes), is the only reality.
Ramanuja (1017- 1137) is the main proponent of Vishishtadvaita philosophy. He is also
known as Sri Ramanujacharya, Udayavar, Ethirajar, Emberumannar and Lakshmana
Muni. Ramanuja's teacher Yamunacharya (the grandson of Nathamuni) was probably
the initiator in Indian Philosophy for this throught. Others include, Bodhayana, Dramida,
Tanka, Guhadeva, Kapardi and Bharuci. Bodhayana is considered to have written an
extensive vritti (commentary) on the Purva and Uttara Mimamsas. Tanka is attributed
with having written commentaries on Chandogya Upanishad and Brahma Sutras.
Nathamuni collected the Tamil prabandhas, classified them, made the redaction, set the
hymns to music and spread them everywhere. Yamunacharya renounced kingship and
spent his last days in the service of the Lord at Srirangam and in laying the
fundamentals of the Vishishtadvaita philosophy by writing four basic works on the
subject.
Other Acharyas of the Vishnavite tradition are:
Nathamuni (823-923 AD)
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