Nimbarka: Dvaitadvaita Philosophy Founder

Nimbarka, a revered Vaishanava Acharya, is the profound expounder of the Dvaitadvaita philosophy, a unique school of Vedanta that posits both difference (Dvaita) and non-difference (Advaita) between Brahman (God) and the individual soul (Jiva) and the material world (Jagat), reconciling these truths simultaneously and eternally. This system, also known as Bhedābheda, presents Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa as the Supreme Reality, the ultimate object of devotion.

The Ineffable Harmony of Dvaitadvaita

The philosophical landscape of Sanatana Dharma is vast and variegated, yet few systems offer such a profound reconciliation of apparent contradictions as the Dvaitadvaita school of Vedānta, established by the venerable Śrī Nimbarkacharya. This tradition provides a unique lens through which to comprehend the intricate relationship between the Absolute Reality (Brahman), the individual soul (Jīva), and the material world (Jagat). For the sincere seeker, Nimbarka’s philosophy is not merely an intellectual exercise but a direct pathway to the loving devotion of Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa, revealing the Supreme Lord as simultaneously one with and distinct from His creation. It affirms the eternal reality of both the Creator and the created, offering solace to the heart that yearns for both transcendence and immanence.

Nimbarka’s teachings are especially significant for their unwavering emphasis on the supremacy of Śrī Rādhā, placing Her as the eternal consort and equal half of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, a concept deeply cherished in the Bhakti traditions. His system bridges the divide between pure monism and dualism, providing a comprehensive framework for spiritual realization that resonates deeply with the spirit of the Vedas and Upanishads.

Puranic History and Divine Lineage

The origins of Śrī Nimbarkacharya are steeped in divine legend and tradition. Though historical dating varies, with some scholars placing him in the 7th century CE and others in the 13th century CE, the Nimbarka Sampradaya itself asserts an eternal lineage. According to the tradition, Śrī Nimbarkacharya is considered an incarnation of Bhagavān’s Sudarśana Chakra, the divine discus of Lord Viṣṇu, sent to Earth to disseminate the profound truths of Dvaitadvaita and the worship of Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa. His original name is said to have been Niyamananda or Bhaskara.

The legend recounts that Nimbarka was born to Jagannatha and Saraswati Devi in a village near the banks of the Godavari. The name “Nimbarka” itself is associated with a miraculous incident. It is said that once, a wandering ascetic, after being invited to Nimbarka’s hermitage for a meal, was delayed until after sunset. Vedic tradition prohibits eating after sunset. To honor his guest and uphold Dharma, Nimbarka is said to have manifested the sun on the leaves of a ‘Nimba’ (neem) tree, allowing the ascetic to eat. Thus, he became known as Nimbarka – ‘Nim’ (neem) and ‘arka’ (sun). This story, though symbolic, highlights his divine potency and commitment to hospitality and spiritual principles.

His philosophical lineage is traced back through the Kumāras (Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana, Sanatkumara), who received knowledge directly from Lord Brahmā, and then through Nārada Muni, who initiated Nimbarka into the worship of Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa. This makes the Nimbarka Sampradaya the Sanakādi Sampradaya, one of the four principal Vaishnava traditions mentioned in the Padma Purana and other scriptures, emphasizing its ancient and unbroken heritage.

The Architectural Marvel of Dvaitadvaita Philosophy

While Nimbarkacharya’s contribution is primarily philosophical, his system itself can be likened to a grand architectural marvel, meticulously constructed to house the profound truths of Sanatana Dharma. Just as a temple structure intricately balances weight and form, Dvaitadvaita expertly balances the seemingly opposing concepts of difference and non-difference, creating a stable and comprehensive worldview.

Nimbarka elucidates that Brahman (Śrī Kṛṣṇa) is both the efficient and material cause of the universe. The Jīvas (individual souls) and Jagat (material world) are not identical to Brahman, yet they are not separate entities either. They are dependent realities (paratantra-tattva) that exist in a relation of natural difference and non-difference from the independent reality of Brahman (svatantra-tattva). This complex relationship can be understood through the analogy of the sun and its rays, or the serpent and its coils. The rays are distinct from the sun, yet they cannot exist without the sun. The coils are distinct forms of the serpent, yet they are fundamentally the serpent itself.

His philosophy identifies three categories of existence:

1. Īśvara (God): The independent, omniscient, omnipotent controller, Śrī Kṛṣṇa, along with Śrī Rādhā as His eternal Śakti.
2. Cit (Jīva or individual soul): Conscious, knowing, eternal, atomic in size, and a part of Brahman. Jīvas are different from Brahman in their attributes and capacities, but non-different as they are effects of Brahman and eternally dependent on Him.
3. Acit (Jagat or material world): Unconscious, mutable, and also an effect of Brahman, non-different in its essence as it derives its existence from Brahman, yet different in its phenomenal manifestation.

This intricate philosophical architecture forms the bedrock for temples and practices within the Nimbarka Sampradaya, such as the famous Shri Sarveshwar Prabhu Temple in Nimbark Teerth, Rajasthan, where the conjoint worship of Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa is central. These temples are not just physical structures but embodiments of this Dvaitadvaita vision, celebrating the simultaneous oneness and distinctness of the divine couple with their devotees and creation.

Rituals and Puja Vidhi in Nimbarka Sampradaya

The Nimbarka Sampradaya places paramount importance on Bhakti Yoga, particularly the loving worship of Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa. The path to liberation (Moksha) is achieved through unwavering devotion, surrender, and grace (Kṛpā). The specific rituals and Puja Vidhi are centered around this profound loving relationship:

1. Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa Upāsanā: Daily worship (Pūjā) of the conjoint forms of Śrī Rādhā and Śrī Kṛṣṇa, often represented by beautiful deities (Mūrtis). This includes offering water, flowers, incense, lamps, and food (Bhoga).
2. Mantropasana: Chanting of specific Mantras dedicated to Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa. The Mahā-mantra “Hare Kṛṣṇa Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Hare Hare, Hare Rāma Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma Hare Hare” is widely chanted, alongside other mantras specific to the tradition.
3. Śaraṇāgati (Surrender): Complete surrender to the divine couple is a core tenet. This involves cultivating humility, faith, and the understanding that Śrī Kṛṣṇa is the sole refuge.
4. Guru-Sevā: Reverence and service to the Guru (spiritual master) are crucial, as the Guru is the conduit of divine grace and knowledge, transmitting the sacred teachings through the unbroken paramparā.
5. Satsang: Associating with devotees and participating in spiritual discourses, Kīrtans (devotional singing), and Bhajans (devotional songs) to purify the mind and deepen devotion.
6. Vraja-bhāva: Cultivating the devotional mood (bhāva) of the residents of Vraja, especially the Gopis, who exemplify pure, selfless love for Śrī Kṛṣṇa and Śrī Rādhā.

All activities are understood as a form of service (Sevā) to the divine couple, nurturing a continuous state of loving remembrance.

Mantras and Chants for Devotees

Chanting sacred mantras is a cornerstone of Nimbarka’s tradition, purifying the mind and connecting the devotee to the divine. The following are central to the practice:

• Mūla Mantra (Root Mantra):

  ॐ ह्रीं श्रीं राधाकृष्णाय नमः

  Om Hrim Shrim Radhakrishnanaya Namah

  This powerful mantra invokes the blessings of the divine couple, Śrī Rādhā and Śrī Kṛṣṇa.

• Hare Kṛṣṇa Mahā-mantra:

  हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण, कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे

  हरे राम हरे राम, राम राम हरे हरे

  Hare Kṛṣṇa Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Hare Hare,

  Hare Rāma Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma Hare Hare

  This mantra is universally chanted by Vaishnavas for its purifying and transformative power, invoking the energies of the Lord and His consort.

• Śrī Kṛṣṇa-Stava-Rāja: Composed by Nimbarkacharya himself, this hymn glorifies Śrī Kṛṣṇa, affirming His supreme status and inviting devotees to meditate upon His divine form and attributes. Reciting this sacred text is considered highly meritorious.

Dos and Don’ts in Nimbarka Sampradaya

Adherence to certain ethical and spiritual principles is vital for devotees in the Nimbarka tradition:

Dos:

• Cultivate Bhakti: Engage in continuous loving devotion to Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa.
• Respect Guru: Revere and serve the Guru and the entire Guru-paramparā (lineage).
• Chant Mantras: Regularly chant the sacred names and mantras of Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa.
• Practice Austerity: Observe Ekādaśī fasts and other vratas as prescribed by tradition.
• Sattvic Diet: Maintain a vegetarian diet, free from garlic, onions, and intoxicants, offering food to the deities before consumption.
• Serve Others: Engage in selfless service (Sevā) to fellow devotees and all beings, seeing them as parts of Brahman.

Don’ts:

• Criticize Other Deities: Avoid disparaging other forms of God or other bona fide Sampradayas.
• Disrespect Scriptures: Never disrespect the Vedas, Purāṇas, or the words of the Acharyas.
• Engage in Sense Gratification: Avoid excessive attachment to material pleasures and pursuits that deviate from spiritual goals.
• Commit Vaiṣṇava Aparādha: Never offend a devotee of Bhagavān.
• Be Arrogant: Cultivate humility and avoid pride in one’s knowledge or devotion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core distinction of Dvaitadvaita from other Vedāntic schools?

Dvaitadvaita uniquely posits that Brahman, Jīva, and Jagat are simultaneously and eternally different (Dvaita) and non-different (Advaita). Unlike Advaita which emphasizes ultimate non-difference, or Dvaita which stresses eternal difference, Nimbarka harmonizes both. Jīva and Jagat are dependent on Brahman but retain their distinct identities and attributes, much like waves are dependent on the ocean but are not identical to it, nor completely separate.

How does Nimbarka’s philosophy define the role of Śrī Rādhā?

For Nimbarkacharya, Śrī Rādhā is not merely a devotee or a consort; She is the eternal Hladini Shakti (bliss-giving potency) of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, inherently one with Him. She is the Supreme Goddess, co-eternal with Bhagavān Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Her worship is integral and essential, as She is the conduit for Kṛṣṇa’s grace and the very embodiment of divine love. This emphasis on Rādhā’s supreme position is a defining feature of the Nimbarka Sampradaya.

What are the primary means to attain Moksha in Dvaitadvaita?

Moksha (liberation) in Dvaitadvaita is attained primarily through Bhakti (devotion) to Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa. While Karma (action), Jñāna (knowledge), and Upāsanā (meditation) are acknowledged as preparatory or supportive, ultimate liberation comes through the grace of the Lord, awakened by intense love and complete surrender (Śaraṇāgati). The goal is not just merging with Brahman but attaining eternal loving service to Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa in their divine abode.

Why This Matters for Every Hindu

The profound teachings of Śrī Nimbarkacharya and his Dvaitadvaita philosophy offer an unparalleled synthesis that enriches the vast tapestry of Sanatana Dharma. For every Hindu, understanding this tradition is crucial for several reasons. It provides a robust philosophical framework that validates both the personal and impersonal aspects of the Divine, allowing for a multifaceted spiritual experience. It champions the path of Bhakti, making spiritual realization accessible to all, emphasizing love, devotion, and surrender as the ultimate means to connect with the Supreme. The elevation of Śrī Rādhā to the highest spiritual pedestal highlights the feminine principle in divinity, offering a balanced and complete vision of the Absolute Truth.

In an age often characterized by fragmentation and doubt, Nimbarka’s harmonizing philosophy provides intellectual rigor and spiritual solace. It reminds us that the universe is not an illusion, nor are we mere automatons. Rather, we are eternal parts of the Supreme, distinct yet inseparable, invited to engage in a loving relationship with the Divine Couple. This timeless wisdom, meticulously preserved and expounded by the Nimbarka Sampradaya, continues to guide countless devotees towards a life of purpose, devotion, and ultimate liberation. For further insights into the profound philosophies of our glorious tradition, please visit Hindutva.online. Explore the depths of Sanatana Dharma and connect with its eternal truths at Hindutva.online.