The Mādhva Saṃpradāya

Abstract

This article explores the Mādhva Saṃpradāya, a distinct and orthodox Vaiṣṇava tradition founded by Madhvācārya (1238-1317 CE). It provides a brief history of Madhvācārya's life, his philosophical debates, and the establishment of the institutional framework, including the eight monasteries (aṣṭamaṭhas) in Udupi. The paper delves into the core doctrines of Mādhva Vedānta, emphasizing its dualistic (dvaita) ontology where Viṣṇu is the sole independent entity (svatantra) and all others are dependent (asvatantra). A central concept discussed is tāratamya (gradation), which pervades all aspects of reality, including the hierarchy of sentient beings (cetanas) and their varying capacities for liberation (mokṣa), leading to a unique doctrine of predestination. The article also highlights the Mādhva Saṃpradāya as a "closed exclusive commentarial religion" with strict eligibility requirements for accessing its foundational texts and doctrines.