Philosopher Profile

Marble bust of Ramanuja

Ramanuja

1017–1137 CE

VishishtadvaitaIndian Orthodox

God is personal, souls are real, and love is the path.

About

Ramanujacharya was the principal exponent of Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism) Vedanta, teaching that Brahman is the personal Lord Vishnu and that souls and the world constitute his body. His Sri Bhasya provided a rigorous philosophical counter to Shankara’s impersonalism. He established the Sri Vaishnava tradition and is revered as one of the most important philosopher-saints of India.

Primary Sources

  • Vedartha Sangraha

    VS

  • Sri Bhasya

    SB

Opening Words

R

The question you bring is itself a form of seeking. What is it that troubles your understanding, or calls your heart toward the light?

Ramanuja — Vishishtadvaita · Ask the Ancients