Ramanuja’s Philosophy of Divinity: From Brahman to Narayana

Abstract

Jon Paul Sydnor’s article explores the intricate theological structure of Śrī Vaiṣṇava Vedānta by examining the relationship between svarūpa (the essential, all-pervading form) and divya-rūpa (the personal, transcendent form) in Rāmānuja’s conception of Brahman. Beginning with the question of divine ontology and attribution, Sydnor contrasts Rāmānuja’s categorical embrace of saguna Brahman with Śaṅkara’s nirguna emphasis, emphasizing Rāmānuja’s assertion that Brahman is defined by infinite, auspicious attributes and is not devoid of form or qualities. Drawing primarily from Vedārthasaṅgraha, the article presents Rāmānuja’s vision of Brahman as infinitely blissful, conscious, and pure being, characterized by both philosophical abstraction and the personal deity Nārāyaṇa. Sydnor discusses Rāmānuja’s exegetical strategies, including samanādhikaraṇya (co-ordinate predication) and the positive reinterpretation of neti neti, showing how Rāmānuja maintains metaphysical unity while affirming a multiplicity of divine attributes. The essay culminates in distinguishing between the transpersonal attributes of Brahman’s svarūpa and the relational, devotional attributes of Nārāyaṇa’s divya-rūpa, demonstrating how Rāmānuja’s theology grounds both transcendence and intimate accessibility.