Which of the following statements correctly differentiates between Advaita Vedanta and Vishishtadvaita Vedanta?
1. Advaita Vedanta describes Brahman as Nirguna whereas Vishishtadvaita describes Brahman as Saguna.
2. Advaita Vedanta asserts that Jiva is a part of Brahman but retains individuality whereas Vishishtadvaita asserts Jiva and Brahman are identical.

Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question

Which of the following statements correctly differentiates between Advaita Vedanta and Vishishtadvaita Vedanta?
1. Advaita Vedanta describes Brahman as Nirguna whereas Vishishtadvaita describes Brahman as Saguna.
2. Advaita Vedanta asserts that Jiva is a part of Brahman but retains individuality whereas Vishishtadvaita asserts Jiva and Brahman are identical.

Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is correct: Advaita Vedanta (by Adi Shankaracharya) describes Brahman as Nirguna (without attributes), meaning it is formless, formless, and beyond qualities.
Vishishtadvaita Vedanta (by Ramanujacharya) describes Brahman as Saguna (with attributes), meaning Brahman possesses qualities like knowledge, bliss, and compassion.

Statement 2 is not correct: Advaita Vedanta asserts that Jiva (individual soul) and Brahman are identical. The perceived individuality of Jiva is due to Maya (illusion). Vishishtadvaita Vedanta asserts that Jiva is a part of Brahman but retains individuality even in liberation (Moksha). It follows qualified non-dualism, meaning Brahman is the supreme reality but includes Jivas and the world as its real attributes.

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Comparison of Advaita Vedanta and Vishishtadvaita Vedanta

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M Question 1	⏱ 0
Which of the following statements correctly differentiates between Advaita Vedanta and Vishishtadvaita Vedanta? 1. Advaita Vedanta describes Brahman as Nirguna whereas Vishishtadvaita describes Brahman as Saguna. 2. Advaita Vedanta asserts that Jiva is a part of Brahman but retains individuality whereas Vishishtadvaita asserts Jiva and Brahman are identical. Select the correct answer using the code below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2