Question

Which of the following best describes the core philosophy of Visistadvaita Vedanta as taught by Ramanujacharya?

• A. The soul is identical to Brahman, and the world is an illusion.
• B. The soul and the world are real and exist as attributes or parts of a personal Brahman (God).
• C. The soul is completely separate from God and can never attain union.
• D. Liberation is achieved only through renunciation and solitary meditation.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. The soul and the world are real and exist as attributes or parts of a personal Brahman (God).

Visishtadvaita Vedanta Visistadvaita, or “qualified non-dualism,” affirms that only God truly exists, but emphasizes that God possesses attributes and a personal form. According to Ramanujacharya, Brahman is a personal deity (God), and both the universe and individual souls (Jivas) are real but exist as part of God's body. Liberation is attained when the soul realizes its essential unity with Paramatman (God), not as identical, but as an integral part. Through devotion and surrender, the liberated soul experiences eternal bliss and divine consciousness in union with God.