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person1479-1531

Vallabha

Disciplines:
vedanta
theology/devotional theology

Summary

Vaishnava philosopher who developed suddhadvaita (pure non-dualism) — Brahman (identified with Krishna) creates the world out of his own pure being without any admixture of maya or illusion.

Core Contribution

Suddhadvaita: the world is not maya (Shankara's view) but a real manifestation of Krishna's divine joy (ananda). Devotion (bhakti) is not just a means to liberation but the highest end in itself — the soul loves Krishna and seeks to dwell in his presence, not merge with him. Founded the Pushti Marg devotional tradition.

Key Spikes & Highlights

  • Argued that liberation is not merging with Brahman (Shankara) or dwelling as servant (Ramanuja) but living as a beloved of Krishna — a distinctively erotic-devotional vision of the highest good.
  • The Pushti Marg tradition he founded is centered on the service of the child-form of Krishna (Shrinathji) at the Nathdwara temple — one of the most artistically rich devotional traditions in India.

Notable Works & Achievements

Commentary on Brahma Sutras

Subodhinii

Tattvarthadipa

Historical Influences

Bādarāyaṇa Vaishnava Acharyas

Intellectual Lineage

Vedanta Vaishnava Tradition

Contemporaries & Peers

Chaitanya

Minds Influenced

Pushti Marg devotional tradition

Intellectual Posterity

Pushti MargSuddhadvaita

Discussing

Vallabha

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