Differences between Vedantic schools

[Jaldhar H. Vyas]

I've changed the subject as we're getting away from the old one.  Oh and
please none of this sir stuff, I'm probably a lot younger than you.

On Wed, 18 Aug 1999, Venkataraman wrote:

> Thank you, Sir, for the prompt response.
> What I am looking for is the following:
>
>  Before evaluating the three schools, can we first list out their
> basic differences ,  in regard to terms like Brahman, Jiiva, Maya,
> Ishvara, Vishnu, Creator, Moksha, Absolute Truth, etc and the
> inter-relationships between these.
>

Ok here goes.  (corrections gratefully accepted.)

Advaita

Brahman = the ultimate reality
Maya = false knowledge
Ishwar = Brahman superimposed by  maya
Jiva = Brahman superimposed by maya
World = maya
Moksha = When the jiva realizes its non-difference with Brahman

Vishishtadvaita

Brahman = Ishwar = Vishnu Bhagawan = ultimate reality
Maya = False knowledge
Jiva = Real but dependent on Bhagawan. Prior to release superimposed by Maya
World = Real but dependent on Bhagawan
Moksha = When the Jiva transcends maya (it retains its individuality.)

Dvaita

Brahman = Ishwar = Vishnu Bhagawan = ultimate reality
Maya = ignorance in the plain sense of the word with no transcendental
       significance.
Jiva = real but dependant on Bhagawan
World = real but dependant on Bhagawan
Moksha = When the jiva dwells with Bhagawan in Vaikuntha.


--
Jaldhar H. Vyas <jaldhar at braincells.com>