THE THREE MAIN SCHOOLS OF METAPHYSICAL THOUGHT

[Ms Tercy Lonan]

THE THREE MAIN SCHOOLS OF METAPHYSICAL THOUGHT
Dvaita, Visishtadvaita and Advaita
Sri Sankara, Sri Ramanuja and Sri Madhva are the most illustrious commentators on the
Vedanta Sutras. These commentators have tried to establish theories of their own, such as
Advaita-Vada (unqualified non-dualism or uncompromising or rigorous monism),
Visishtadvaita-Vada (differentiated or qualified monism) and Dvaita-Vada (strict or rigorous
dualism). Sankaracharya had in view, while preparing his commentary, chiefly the purpose of
combating the baneful effects which blind ritualism had brought to bear upon Hinduism.
Dualism (Dvaita), Qualified Monism (Visishtadvaita) and Monism (Advaita) are the three
main schools of metaphysical thought. They are all stages on the way to the Ultimate Truth, viz.,
Para-Brahman. They are rungs on the ladder of Yoga. They are not at all contradictory. On the
contrary, they are complimentary to one another. These stages are harmoniously arranged in a
graded series of spiritual experiences. Dualism, Qualified Monism, Pure Monism—all these
culminate eventually in the Advaita Vedantic realisation of the Absolute or the transcendental
Trigunatita Ananta Brahman.
Madhva said: “Man is the servant of God,” and established his Dvaita philosophy.
Ramanuja said: “Man is a ray or spark of God,” and established his Visishtadvaita philosophy.
Sankara said: “Man is identical with Brahman or the Eternal Soul,” and established his Kevala
Advaita philosophy.
A Dvaitin wants to serve the Lord as a servant. He wishes to play with the Lord. He wishes
to taste the sugar-candy. A Visishtadvaitin wants to become like Lord Narayana and enjoy the
divine. He does not wish to merge himself or become identical with the Lord. He wishes to remain
as a spark. A Jnani merges himself in Brahman. He wishes to become identical with Brahman. He
wants to become the sugar-candy itself.
People have different temperaments and different capacities. So, different schools of
philosophy are also necessary. The highest rung is Advaita philosophy. A dualist or qualified
monist eventually becomes a Kevala Advaitin.