Theologian · Medieval
Ramanuja
1017–1137 (traditional) · Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism); bhakti
The theologian of qualified non-dualism and of bhakti. Nostra Aetate 2 names “a flight to God with love and trust” among the ways Hinduism seeks release; he is its chief exponent.
Against Shankara he taught that Brahman is a personal God (Vishnu-Narayana) with real attributes, that souls and the world are real as His body and modes, and that liberation comes by loving devotion (bhakti) and surrender (prapatti) to a God who is gracious; temple worship, the image, and the guru are the means. His Sri Bhashya is the classic theistic reading of the Vedanta.
Why he matters: The Hindu theologian nearest to Christian theism: a personal God of grace, real souls, love as the way, and salvation by surrender rather than knowledge alone. Catholic readers from de Nobili onward have found him the natural partner.
Where to be careful
The world as God's body is panentheism, not creation from nothing; reincarnation remains; and the grace of Vishnu is not the grace of a God who became man and died. The Church holds the distinction of Creator and creature and the uniqueness of Christ (Dominus Iesus).
Documented positions
Where this thinker stands on each dispute the test covers.