Madhva
Founder of Dvaita — thoroughgoing dualism and the eternal distinction of soul and God.
Overview
The founder of Dvaita ('dualist') Vedānta, the most uncompromising theistic realism among the Vedānta schools. Against both Śaṅkara and Rāmānuja, Madhva taught an absolute, eternal distinction between God (Viṣṇu), individual souls, and matter. God is wholly independent; souls and world are real but entirely dependent on him. He affirmed real differences everywhere, a gradation among souls, and salvation through devotion and God's grace.
What they supported — and why
Dualism (Dvaita)
SupportedGod, souls, and matter are eternally and really distinct; the difference between God and the soul is absolute and never dissolved.
WhyReality is irreducibly plural, and scripture and experience alike affirm genuine differences, not identity.
God's total independence
SupportedOnly God (Viṣṇu) is independent (svatantra); all souls and things are dependent (paratantra) upon him.
WhyA perfect, supreme God must be self-sufficient, and everything else derives its being and activity from him.
Salvation through devotion and grace
SupportedLiberation is loving service to God by his grace, and souls differ in their eternal natures.
WhySince souls are really distinct and dependent, their fulfillment is an eternal devoted relationship with God, not merger into him.
Causes championed
- Theistic realism
- The reality of difference
- Devotion to a supreme, independent God
Issues wrestled with
- Is the soul identical with, or distinct from, God?
- Are differences real?
- How is liberation attained?
Hurdles faced
- Defending strict dualism against the dominant non-dualist and qualified-non-dualist schools
Works & books
2 catalogued. Status shows how much survives to today.
Commentaries on the Brahma Sūtras, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gītā
SurvivesThe foundational works of Dvaita Vedānta.
Anuvyākhyāna
SurvivesHis major independent exposition and defense of dualism.
Read the texts free
Their works online — Open Library catalogues 108 works & editions, 1 of them free to read in full.
The influence network
See Madhva in the map →Influenced by
Influenced
In their words
“The difference between the soul and God is real and eternal.”
— paraphrase of Dvaita
Legacy
He articulated the most robust theistic dualism in Indian philosophy — a lasting realist and devotional alternative to Advaita.
Further reading
Cross-checked against these authoritative references.