A Short Note on Basic Mādhva Philosophy

Abstract

In "A Short Note on Basic Mādhva Philosophy," Deepak Sarma offers a succinct exposition of the core tenets of Dvaita Vedānta as articulated by Madhvācārya. Sarma outlines the foundational metaphysical commitments of Madhva’s system: (1) ontological dualism between the independent reality (svatantra tattva) of Viṣṇu and the dependent realities (paratantra tattva) of individual souls (jīvas) and matter (prakṛti); (2) the fivefold distinctions (pañca-bheda) that structure existence; and (3) the assertion of individuality and hierarchy among souls, contrary to the Advaitic doctrine of ontological unity. The note emphasizes that, for Madhva, Viṣṇu is the supreme, independent being, eternally distinct from all else. Sarma also notes Dvaita’s strong reliance on scriptural hermeneutics (śruti) as well as its engagement with Mīmāṁsā and Nyāya frameworks to defend the reality of plurality and difference. The brevity of the article is matched by its clarity, serving as an accessible primer on Mādhva thought while situating it within the broader Vedāntic tradition.