DIFFERENT CONCEPTIONS OF BRAHMAN ONLY DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO THE REALITY

[Ms Tercy Lonan]

DIFFERENT CONCEPTIONS OF BRAHMAN ONLY DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO
THE REALITY
Nimbarkacharya reconciles all the different views regarding the Lord taken up by Sankara,
Ramanuja, Madhva and others, and proves that their views are all true with reference to the
particular aspect of Brahman dealt with by them, each in his own way. Sankara has taken Reality in
Its transcendental aspect, while Ramanuja has taken It in Its immanent aspect, principally; but,
Nimbarka has adjusted different views taken by the different commentators.
Sri Sankaracharya, Sri Ramanujacharya, Sri Madhvacharya, Sri Vallabhacharya and Sri
Nimbarkacharya—all were great souls. We cannot say that Sri Sankara was greater than Sri
Ramanuja, or Sri Vallabha was greater than Nimbarka, etc. All were Avatara Purushas. Each one
incarnated himself on this earth to complete a definite mission, to preach and propagate certain
doctrines which were necessary to help the growth of a certain type of people, who flourished at a
certain period, who were in a certain stage of evolution. All schools of philosophy are necessary.
Each philosophy is best suited to a certain type of people. The different conceptions of Brahman are
but different approaches to the Reality. It is extremely difficult, rather impossible, for the finite soul
to get—all at once—a clear conception of the Illimitable or Infinite Soul, and more so, to express it
in adequate terms. All cannot grasp the highest Kevala Advaita philosophy of Sri Sankara all at
once. The mind has to be disciplined properly before it is rendered as a fit instrument to grasp the
tenets of Sri Sankara’s Advaita Vedanta.
Salutations and adorations to all Acharyas! Glory to the Acharyas! May their blessings be
upon us all.