Vallabha Acharya

From New World Encyclopedia

Indian philosophy Medieval philosophy
Shri Vallabhacharyaji Shri Mahaprabhuji
Name: Vallabhacharyachaji
Birth: 1479 (Champaranya. Near Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India)
Death: {{{death}}}
School/tradition: Hindu philosophy, Shuddhadvaita, Pushtimarg, Vedanta
Main interests
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Notable ideas
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Part of a series on Hindu philosophy
Schools
Samkhya · Yoga
Nyaya · Vaisheshika
Purva Mimamsa · Vedanta
Schools of Vedanta
Advaita · Vishishtadvaita
Dvaita · Shuddhadvaita
Dvaitadvaita · Achintya Bheda Abheda
Ancient figures
Kapila · Patañjali
Gotama · Kanada
Jaimini · Vyasa
Medieval figures
Adi Shankara · Ramanuja
Madhva · Madhusudana
Tukaram · Namadeva
Vedanta Desika · Jayatirtha
Vallabha · Nimbarka
Chaitanya
Modern figures
Ramakrishna · Ramana Maharshi
Vivekananda · Narayana Guru
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
N.C. Yati · Coomaraswamy
Aurobindo ·Sivananda
Satyananda · Chinmayananda

Sri Vallabhacharya (1479 – 1531 C.E.) was a devotional Indian philosopher who founded the Pushti Hindu sect that follows the specific Vedantic philosophy of Shuddhadvaita (Pure Non-dualism). He was born in Champaranya near Raipur in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh.

Vallabha occupies an important place in Indian culture as a philosopher, scholar, and devotional (bhakti) preacher. He is widely considered as the last of the four great Vaishnava Acharyas (spiritual masters and leaders) who established the various Vaishnava schools of thought based on Vedantic philosophy, the other three (preceding him) being Ramanujacharya, Madhvacharya and Nimbarkacharya. He is especially known as a lover and a propagator of Bhagavata Dharma. Within Indian Philosophy he is known as the writer of 16 'stotras' (tracts) and produced several commentaries on the Bhagavata Purana, which describes the many lilas (pastimes) of the avatar, Krishna.

Contents 1 Biography 1.1 Education 1.2 Piligrimage of India 1.3 Acharya 1.4 Death 2 Teachings 3 Legacy 4 Notes 5 References 6 External links 7 Credits

Biography

The ancestors of Vallabha acharya lived in Andhra Pradesh and belonged to a long line of Telugu Vaidiki Brahmins following the Vishnu Swami school of thought. According to devotional accounts, Krishna commanded his ancestor Yagnanarayana Bhatta that he would take birth in their family after completion of 100 Somayagnas (fire sacrifices). By the time of Yagnanarayana's descendant Lakshmana Bhatta who migrated to the holy town of Varanasi, the family had completed 100 Somayagnas. Vallabhacharya was born to Lakshmana Bhatta in 1479 C.E. (V.S. 1535) on the eleventh day of the dark half of lunar month of chaitra at Champaranya.^[1] The name of his mother was Illamma.^[2]

The period surrounding Vallabhacharya's birth was a tumultuous one and most of northern and central India was being influenced by Muslim invaders. It was common for populations to migrate in order to flee from religious persecution and conversion. On one such occasion, Lakshmana Bhatta had to urgently move out of Varanasi with his pregnant wife. Due to terror and physical strain of the flight suffered by the mother, there was a premature birth of the child, two months in advance. As the child did not show signs of life, the parents placed it under a tree wrapped in a piece of cloth. It is believed that Krishna appeared in a dream before the parents of Vallabhacharya and signified that he himself had taken birth as the child. According to popular accounts, the parents rushed to the spot and were amazed to find their baby alive and protected by a circle of divine fire. The blessed mother extended her arms into the fire unscathed; she received from the fire the divine babe, gleefully to her bosom. The child was named Vallabha (meaning "dear one" in Sanskrit).^[2]

Education

His education commenced at the age of seven with the study of four Vedas. He acquired mastery over the books expounding the six systems of Indian philosophy. He also learnt philosophical systems of Adi Sankara, Ramanuja, Madhva, Nimbarka along with the Buddhist and Jain schools. He was able to recite hundred mantras, not only from beginning to end but also in reverse order. At Vyankateshwar and Lakshmana Balaji, he made a strong impression on the public as an embodiment of knowledge. He was now applauded as Bala Saraswati.^[2]

Vallabha was a Telugu brahmin from a region that is currently in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. He won the title of acharya by traveling and debating advaita scholars from a young age. He is considered an avatar or Krishna's mouth (mukhāvatāra) by the followers of the tradition.^[3] In 1493-1494, Vallabhacharya is said to have identified an image of Krishna at the Govardhan hill at Braj. This image, now called Shrinathji and located at Nathdwara, Rajasthan, is central to the worship by Vallabha followers.^[4] The bulk of his fame lies in the region that is currently in the state of Gujarat.

According to Vallabha tradition, one night in 1494, Vallabhacharya received the Brahmasambandha mantra (the mantra that binds one with Brahman, or Krishna) from Krishna himself (hence the name, mukhāvatāra) at Gokula. The eight-syllable mantra, śri kṛṣṇaḥ śaraṇaṃ mama (Lord Krishna is my refuge), is passed onto new initiates in Vallabh sampradaya, and the divine name is said to rid the recipient of all impurities of the soul (doṣas).^[5][4]

According to tradition, Vallabhacharya participated in a great debate held at the behest of King Krishnadevaraya in Vijayanagara between the Vaishnavaites of Madhvacharya and the Shankarites over the philosophical question whether the supreme Brahman is dualistic or non-dualistic. Vallabhacharya participated in the discussion, considering it as a divine call. It is said that the discussion continued for 27 days in the conference hall. The day of victory for Vaishnavas was celebrated with great pomp at Vijaynagara. Vallabhacharya was honored with the kanakabhishekam ceremony by Krishnadevaraya. The title of ‘Acharya’ and 'Jagadguru' (world preceptor) was conferred on him. He was given vessels of gold weighing a hundred maunds. Vallabhacharya declined to accept them politely and distributed them among the poor brahmins and the learned, only after keeping only seven gold mohurs. They were used for preparing the ornaments of their Lord Govardhananatha.

Piligrimage of India

Vallabhacharya performed three pilgrimages of India, barefooted. He wore a simple white dhoti and a white covering to cover the upper part of his body (known as ‘Upavarna’, literally "upper cloth" in Sanskrit). He gave discourses on Bhagavata Purana. He gave discourses on Bhagavata Purana at 84 places and explained the subtle meanings of the text. Even during present day these 84 places are visited by thousands of Hindu pilgrims. He used to stay in Vraja for four months in each year.^[2]

Acharya

In the traditional Vedantic belief, an Acharya, the leader of spiritual preceptors, is one who has written his personal views and comments on the ‘Brahmasutra’, ‘Bhagavad Gita’ and ‘Upanishads’. Shankarcharya, Ramanujacharya, Nimbarkacharya and Madhvacharya had written their comments and obtained the designation of ‘Acharya’. People then addressed him as Shri Vallabhacharya.^[2] He is often associated with Vishnuswami,^[6] the founder of Rudra Sampradaya.^[7]

Vallabha remained a life-long celibate but the guru Vitthalanatha of Pandharipur commanded him to marry and live the life of householder. He married a woman named ‘Mahakanya’ and had two sons: Gopinatha and Vitthalanatha (also known as Shri Gusainji).^[8]

Eight disciples of Vallabhacharya are called the ashta-chaap (eight reprints). Foremost among them was Surdas, the blind poet of Agra.

These are Surdas, Krushnadas, Paramanand, Kumbhandas, Chaturbhuj, Nanddas, Chhitswami, Govinddas.

Death

According to tradition, in about 1530 C.E., Shrinathji commanded Vallabhacharya to leave the worldly life and to come near him. It is said that Shrinathji had previously expressed this wish on two different occasions. The third command was accepted by Vallabhacharya as the last verdict. He reached Kasi and according to Vedic traditions, formally renounced the world by taking Sanyasa and a vow of silence. He lived in a hut made of leaves on the Hanuman ghat for about a week. He spent his last days in contemplation of Krishna and suffered agonies of separation from Him. The members of his family assembled near him for his last darshan. When asked about his advice, Vallabhacharya scribbled three and a half Sanskrit verses in the sand by way of counsel. To complete this message, it is believed that Krishna Himself manifested visually on the spot and wrote in the form of a verse and a half. This collection of verses is known as ‘ShikshaSloki’ in Pushti Marg literature. He entered into the waters of the Ganges on the day of Rath Yatra (A festival that is celebrated on the second or third day of the bright side of the lunar month of Ashadha). People witnessed a brilliant flame as it arose from the water and ascended to heaven and was lost in the firmament. This episode is known as AsurVyamohLila.^[2]

Teachings

Vallabha established a system of devotional philosophy called Shuddadvaita (Sanskrit: śuddhādvaita; pure non-dualism ), or Puśtimārg (The path of grace), in the fifteenth century.^[9][2] This tradition is focused on the worship of Krishna and preaches a pure form (nondualist) philosophy different from Advaita. The Shrinathji temple at Nathdwara, and compositions of eight poets (aṣṭachap), including Surdas, are central to the worship by the followers of the sect.^[3]

The school of in-essence monism or purified non-dualism of Vallabha sees equality in "essence" of the individual self with God. There is no real difference between the two (like the analogy of sparks to fire). However, unlike Shankara's Advaita, Vallabha does not deny God as the whole and the individual as the part. The individual soul is not the Supreme clouded by the force of avidya, but is itself Brahman, with one attribute (ananda) rendered imperceptible. The soul is both a doer and enjoyer. It is atomic in size, but pervades the whole body through its essence of intelligence (like sandalwood makes its presence felt through its scent even if sandalwood can not be seen).

Unlike Advaita, the world of Maya is not regarded as unreal by Vallabha, since Maya is nothing else than a power of Ishvara. God is understood not only the creator of the universe but is the universe itself. Vallabha cites the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad account, that Brahman desired to become many, and he became the multitude of individual souls and the world. Although Brahman is not known, He is known when He manifests Himself through the world.

According to Vallabhacharya, the glorious Krishna in His "Satcitananda" form is the Absolute, Svayam bhagavan. Krishna is permanently playing out His sport (leela) from His seat in the goloka which is even beyond the divine Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu and Satya-loka, the abode of Brahma the Creator, and Kailas, the abode of Shiva. Creation is His sport.

Legacy

Vallabhacharya is renowned for establishing one of the most important philosophical schools of Vedanta in India, known as Shuddhadvaita (Pure Non-dualism), which advocated bhakti on the path to moksha. His message of devotion to God and God’s grace was known as Pushti - Marga. He performed initiation ceremonies by conferring on his devotees the ‘NamaNivedana’ mantra or ‘Brahma Sambandha’ mantra, and thousands became his disciples. However, 84 followers stand out as the ‘Story of 84 Vaishnavas’.^[2]

Sri Vallabhacharya represented the culmination of philosophical thought during the Bhakti Movement in India's Middle Ages. His sect is unique in its facets of devotion to Lord Krishna, especially in its reverence for Krishna's child manifestation, and use of traditions, music and festivals. Today, most of the followers of this sect reside in western and northern India.

Followers of Vallabhacharya maintain that if one wants to obtain moksha and the bliss given by Krishna, the only path to do so is bhakti. In the Kali Yuga, it is believed that the forms of bhakti mentioned in the scriptures are nearly impossible to practice, so the followers of Vallabhacharya recommend pushti bhakti which means obtaining the grace of God for seemingly no reason. This path is called pushti-maarg.

Notes

1. ↑ K.H. Potter, 1977, "Bibliography of Indian philosophies: Second supplement." Journal of Indian Philosophy 4 (3): 295–399. [1]. accessdate 2008-04-12 doi = 10.1007/BF00243197 Retrieved December 9, 2008.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7} J.G. Shah, (1969). Shri Vallabhacharya: His Philosophy and Religion. (Pushtimargiya Pustakalaya).
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1} Nancy M. Martin, "North Indian Hindi devotional literature." in Gavin Flood, (ed.) Blackwell companion to Hinduism. (Blackwell Publishing, 2003. ISBN 0631215352).
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1} Gerard Colas, "History of Vaiṣṇava traditions" in Gavin Flood, 2003, 29-270
5. ↑ Guy L. Beck, 2005, "Krishna as Loving Husband of God." Alternative Krishnas: Regional and Vernacular Variations on a Hindu Deity. [2].books.google, 194-195. accessdate 2008-04-12. Retrieved December 9, 2008.
6. ↑ Beck, 2005, [3].books.google. accessdate 2008-04-12. Retrieved December 9, 2008.
7. ↑ V.P. Sharma. 1998. The Sadhus and Indian Civilisation. (Anmol Publications PVT. LTD.).
8. ↑ Edwin F. Bryant. 2007. Krishna: A Sourcebook. (Oxford University Press)
9. ↑ Shuddha-advaita Brahmvaad - Philosophy of Shree Vallabhacharyaji. Kankroli based Shri Vakpati Foundation. [4]. accessdate = December 9, 2008

References

• Beck, Guy L. Chapter 5: "Krishna as Loving Husband of God." Alternative Krishnas: Regional and Vernacular Variations on a Hindu Deity. State University of New York Press, 2005.2005. ISBN 0791464156.
• Bryant, Edwin F. (2007). Krishna: A Sourcebook. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0195148924
• Colas, Gerard, "History of Vaiṣṇava traditions" in Gavin Flood, ed. 2003.
• Flood, Gavin, Ed. Blackwell companion to Hinduism. Blackwell Publishing, 2003. ISBN 0631215352.
• Martin, Nancy M., "North Indian Hindi devotional literature." in Gavin Flood, ed. Blackwell companion to Hinduism. Blackwell Publishing, 2003. ISBN 0631215352
• Ojha, P. N. (1978). Aspects of Medieval Indian Society and Culture. BR Pub. Corp.; New Delhi: DK Publishers' Distributors.
• Potter, K. H. (1977). "Bibliography of Indian philosophies." Journal of Indian Philosophy 4 (3): 295–399.
• Pravinacandra Cimanalala Parikha (1993-2001). Vedanta Cintamanih of Bharatamartanda Pandita. Param Publications. ISBN 8186045007.
• Shah, J. G. (1969). Shri Vallabhacharya: His Philosophy and Religion. Pushtimargiya Pustakalaya.
• Sharma, V. P. (1998). The Sadhus and Indian Civilisation. Anmol Publications PVT. LTD. ISBN 8126101083

External links

• Vallabha Acharya Retrieved December 9, 2008.
• Acharya Vallabha and His Pushti Sampradaya Retrieved December 9, 2008.
• Jeevan Charitra Of Shri Mahaprabhuji Retrieved December 9, 2008.
• Shri Vallabhacharyaji's life and lineage Retrieved December 9, 2008.
• Vallabha Acharya Retrieved December 9, 2008.