About the Author
Acarya Sri Vallabha, the founder of the Suddhadvaita school of Vedanta radition is said to be of a divine origin imbued with spiritual insight. His philosophy is called pure-non-dualism undefiled by Maya. He was born in Vikram Samvat 1535 (1479 A.D.), to Sri Laksmana Bhatta, a Telugu Brahmin and Illammagaru, a family which had learning towards Vedic rituals and the worship of Gopalakrsna. He travelled extensively to the religious places such as Vijyanagar, Kasi and Adail (about 2 miles away from Prayaga). At these places, he developed his literary and religious activities.
His firm faith in lord Krsna’s commandment led him to devote to the task of a faithful interpretation of the sacred texts like the Upanisad, Gita and Brahmasutra. He found that the essential reality is Suddha (pure) unalloyed with maya, and non-dualism (Advaya). He advocated the Pusti (divine grace), as the most powerful and unfailing method for attaining Supreme Bliss. His Siddhanta is known as: Suddhadvaita-Brahmavada-Nirguna-Pustibhakti Marga.
Acarya Vallabha has written a commentary on the Brahmasutra, that is known as Anubhasya which is available only in the summary form upto III.2.33, the remaining part was supplemented by his second son Sri Vitthalanatha. Sri Vitthaleshji has done a tremendous job of completing the work.
Acarya differs from the earlier Acaryas viz. Samkara, Ramanuja, Madhva, and Nimbarka with regard to the interpretation of the nature of Reality. According to Vallabha, Reality is Brahman which is Sat (existence), Cit (conscious), Ananda (bliss) which is denominated as Rasa (sentiment). He is Purna Purusottama. Among his divine characteristics Jnana and Kriya are important. He is Karta (doer) and Bhokta (enjoyer). For Lila, He creates the universe out of Himself. Vallabha propagates the path of Pusti Bhakti (Divine grace) in order to enjoy the union with the Supreme. The Pusti can be realised as in the case of gopi’s of Vrandavan who, in fact, opened the gateway to realize everything with lord Krsna. He is for Svarupananda, instead of Brahmananda. Lord is full of Rasa in which love is most important. This brings enjoyment of the Bliss of the Union with Divine.
The originality of Acarya Vallabha lies, in fact, that he devoted his Krsna-Sadhana for the happiness of all beings on the earth. This will bring peace in the world and universal brotherhood of all.
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