Shri Bhashya

Introduction

A Sanskrit commentary on the Brahma Sutras by Ramanuja, the main work of Vishishtadvaita, “qualified non-dualism”. Tradition holds that he wrote it to fulfil a promise to the late teacher Yamuna. Its long opening section, the “Great Thesis”, argues against Advaita that the concept of an ignorance (avidya) which hides brahman cannot be made coherent. Ramanuja reads the Upanishads instead through the relation of body and soul: the world and the individual selves are the body of God, real and distinct, yet entirely dependent on him. The commentary is still the doctrinal basis of the Sri Vaishnava tradition of South India.

Connections

Builds on

• Brihadaranyaka Upanishadc. 700 BCE · Yajnavalkya

Criticizes

• Commentary on the Brahma Sutrasc. 730 · Adi Shankara