Mādhva Vedānta: Defending

Vaiṣṇavism against Antithetical Advaita Vedānta

Abstract

This article examines Mādhva Vedānta as a philosophical system primarily defined by its vigorous defense of Vaiṣṇavism and its systematic refutations of Advaita Vedānta. It outlines the core tenets of both schools, emphasizing Advaita's non-dualistic view of Brahman and ātman as illusory, versus Mādhva's staunch realism and assertion of five intrinsic differences (pañcabheda) as fundamental to reality. The paper highlights Madhvācārya's foundational arguments, particularly his critiques of Advaita's concept of upādhi (limiting adjunct) and ekajīvavāda (the view of one ultimate self), demonstrating how Mādhva Vedānta champions the supremacy of Viṣṇu and bhakti (devotion) as the means to mokṣa (liberation), in direct opposition to Advaita's emphasis on jñāna (knowledge).