Shuddha
Advaita Vedanta (Pure Non-Dualism)
Shuddha Advaita Vedanta,
was propagated by Sage Vallabhacharya
who lived from CE 1479 to CE 1531 in India. This is very unique because of its emphasis
on the path of devotional surrender and the profound relationship between the
Individual Self or Soul (“Atman”) with the “Divine Almighty God” or ”Brahman”.
Shuddha Advaita Vedanta, is also known as "Pure Non-Dualism". It is a
philosophical system within the Vedanta tradition of Hindu philosophy and has
significant followers. This philosophy has made considerable impact on the
spiritual life of millions people across the world and continues to inspire
devotion and philosophical investigation. It is the “Lord Krishna” centred
“Pushti-Marga” sect of “Vaishnavism” in India. The meaning of “Pushti Marga”,
is the "Path of Nourishment towards spiritualism. This tradition focused
on the worship of “Lord Krishna" who is the considered as “Divine Almighty God”
or “Brahman”.
Main
concepts of Shuddha Advaita Vedanta can be divided into two and they are
Individual Self or Soul called “Atman” and the other is “Divine Almighty God”
called ”Brahman”.
Brahman:
Brahman
is the supreme, all-pervading reality that encompasses everything in the
universe and is the ultimate source and essence of everything in this universe.
Atman:
Atman
is the Individual Self or Soul. Each Individual Self or Soul is considered a
distinct and eternal entity, which is inseparable from Brahman.
Devotion
or “Bhakti”: Bhakti plays a pivotal role and emphasises the path of loving
devotion (“Bhakti") as the most effective means to realise oneness with
Brahman. Devotees are encouraged to cultivate a personal relationship with
Brahman through deep love and devotion. It emphases on the idea that the
individual soul's salvation is dependent on the grace of Brahman, which is
attained through unwavering devotion and surrender.
Divine Play (“Leela”):
“Leela” refers to the divine play or manifestation of Brahman in the world.
According to Shuddha Advaita Vedanta, the world is not an illusion or “Maya”
rather a divine creation that serves as a playground for Brahman's
manifestations.
Grace (Kripa): Sage Vallabhacharya underlined the significance of divine grace in the process of liberation (“Moksha”). He believed that through sincere devotion and surrender, the individual soul attracts the grace of Brahman, leading to spiritual liberation.
Close-Relationship (“Sakha-Bhava”):
This represents the idea of developing a close, personal relationship with the “Divine
Lord Krshna”, often likened to the relationship between a friend (“Sakha”) and
the divine. Sage Vallabhacharya advocated the devotees to approach Brahman with
a loving and familiar attitude.
These
are the three fundamental facets of Shuddha Advaita Vedanta teachings. They are
“Sambandha”, “Abhidheya” and “Prayojana”.
Sambandha: It is the relationship between the
“Individual Self, Brahman and the world.
Abhidheya: It is the path of attaining
liberation (“Moksha”) through loving and sincere devotion.
Prayojana: It is the ultimate goal, which is
the accomplishment of union with Brahman.