Jaimini, Shankara, and the Alvars: Ramanuja’s Enduring Synthesis: Journal of Vaishnava Studies

Abstract

Ramanuja is considered one of the greatest theologians1 of the Hindu Vedanta tradition. Specifically, he is considered to be the greatest exponent of Vishishtadvaita (Qualified Non-Dualism), ranking him with Shankara, the greatest exponent of Advaita (Non-Dualism), and Madhva, the greatest exponent of Dvaita (Dualism). Although Ramanuja considered himself a revivalist rather than an innovator, he is nonetheless often referred to as the founder of the Vishishtadvaita tradition.