Yuktimallika by Vadiraja (critical study)
by Gururaj K. Nippani | 1986 | 132,303 words
This essay studies in English the Yuktimallika by Vadiraja. The Dvaita Vedanta system, developed by Madhva, has played a significant role in Indian philosophy, with scholars like Jayatirtha and Vyasatirtha contributing deeply logical and critical works. Vadiraja's "Yuktimallika" stands out as a unique synthesis of scholarly argumentation ...
28. Bheda is tenable in all respects
The Advaitins question as to whether the difference is distinct, identical or distinct-cum-identical from the entity. Vadiraja replies that this approach or criticism can be set aside very easily. He opines that the reply, 923 given in the case Vyavaharika Bheda, can be given here 924 also even if difference is taken as absolutely real. 925 The passage Neti neti... declares that Brahman is different from both the soul and matter. The use of two negative particles ensures the difference from both soul and matter, In the Advaita, as there is nothing to be negated, the interpretation of 'Na' would be baseless. That means, the Advaitins cannot interpret the use of 'Na 926 twice in the passage. The passage Anyam Isam...927 1 makes it clear that Brahman is not only different from this
311 world of the souls and matter but He is also the Overlord of all. It also states that the soul will be relieved of his sufferings of Samsara, when he realizes the difference between himself and Brahman, the supremacy of the Lord and 927 A great auspicious nature of God. The ideas of Abheda, Samya and Nirgunatva do not help the soul to get relieved 928 929 of his grief. The passages Esa sarvesvarah and others establish God's overlordship and bring out the difference between the soul and God. The passages also mention that the relation with regard to the difference is Swamibhrtya or Master and servant type. At this juncture, Vadiraja -930 quotes the statements of the Gita and the Bhagavata that openly declare difference and supremacy of the God. 933 932 931 The Bhagavata verses Vidyatmani bhida bodhah... and Bhedadrstya abhimanena. and others state that knowledge of difference, Abhimana or devotion and Nissangakarma or performance of deeds without the feeling of attachment, as the means for liberation. Here Abhimana is not attachment towards worldly pleasures but it is the Bhakti or devotion to the Lord. And Nissangakarma is the Virakti. Thus, 934 all the passages signify the importance of Bheda as the primary means for realization and liberation.