Tradition and Transformation of Visistadvaita Vedanta

What influences the development and religious identity of a tradition like Visistadvaita Vedanta? This volume examines the multifaceted formation of Visistadvaita Vedanta and its interactions with other Indian philosophical and religious traditions, including Mimamsa, Sankhya, Yoga, Pañcaratra, and Pasupata. It highlights the tradition’s influence on and integration of these schools, addressing theological, epistemological, and metaphysical issues. Key contributions analyze the work of seminal figures in this tradition like Yamuna, Ramanuja, and Venkatanatha (Vedantadesika), focusing on their systematic integration of Purva Mimamsa principles, the concept of prapatti (self-surrender), and their engagement with scriptural interpretation. Essays also delve into the role of the goddess, free will, and the complex relationship between God, the Veda, and the cosmic aeons.
This collection offers profound insights into the theological and philosophical dynamics of Visistadvaita Vedanta, making it essential for scholars of Indian philosophy, comparative theology, and intellectual history.