Vaishnavism: An Introduction
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There are five schools of Vaishnavism,
summarized as follows:
The Ramanuja School was the first formal theology of Vaishnavism.
Ramanuja states that although everything is indeed united with God, real
differences exist between God and souls and the world. The liberated soul
realizes and communes with God (Vishnu), but never actually merges with
God. Moreover, liberation is a result of God's grace, and the individual
must completely submit to God to realize the self.
The Madhva School completely contradicts Sankara and ignores the
concept of oneness, believing that not all souls will attain liberation
and that some may even suffer eternal damnation (unique in Hindu philosophy).
Madhva stresses the differences between God and man, and emphasizes the
worship of Lord Krishna for salvation.
The Nimbarka School initiated the widespread worship of Krishna
and Radha and identified the Supreme Brahma as the divine couple Radha-Krishna.
Nimbarka considers both concepts of dualism and nondualism as equally
true, given God's power. Emphasis is placed on worshiping the sweetness
of God's qualities.
The Vallabha School identifies everything in the world as one
with a personal god, similar to Ramanuja, but sees everything as Krishna
(rather than Vishnu). The way to liberation is through God's grace gained
by devotion to Krishna.
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