The Dvaita School of Vedanta

Description: The Dvaita School of Vedanta, propounded by Madhvacharya, is one of the three main schools of Vedanta philosophy. It emphasizes the distinction between Brahman and the individual soul, and the importance of devotion to Vishnu as the supreme reality.
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Who is considered the founder of the Dvaita School of Vedanta?

  1. Adi Shankara

  2. Ramanuja

  3. Madhvacharya

  4. Nimbarka


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Madhvacharya, also known as Madhva, is credited with founding the Dvaita School of Vedanta in the 13th century.

What is the central tenet of the Dvaita School of Vedanta?

  1. The identity of Brahman and the individual soul

  2. The distinction between Brahman and the individual soul

  3. The unreality of the world

  4. The importance of ritualistic worship


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Dvaita School emphasizes the distinction between Brahman, the supreme reality, and the individual soul, known as jiva.

According to Dvaita, what is the nature of Brahman?

  1. Impersonal and without attributes

  2. Personal and with attributes

  3. Both impersonal and personal

  4. None of the above


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

In Dvaita, Brahman is conceived as a personal God, Vishnu, who possesses infinite attributes and qualities.

What is the relationship between Brahman and the individual soul in Dvaita?

  1. They are identical

  2. They are distinct

  3. They are both real but different

  4. They are both unreal


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Dvaita maintains that Brahman and the individual soul are distinct entities, with the soul being dependent on Brahman for its existence.

What is the role of devotion in Dvaita?

  1. It is the primary means of attaining liberation

  2. It is not necessary for liberation

  3. It is only for those who are incapable of knowledge

  4. It is only for those who are born into a high caste


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In Dvaita, devotion to Vishnu, known as bhakti, is considered the primary means of attaining liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

What is the goal of the Dvaita School of Vedanta?

  1. To attain moksha or liberation

  2. To gain knowledge of Brahman

  3. To perform rituals and sacrifices

  4. To achieve material prosperity


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The ultimate goal of Dvaita, like other schools of Vedanta, is to attain moksha or liberation from the cycle of rebirth and attain eternal bliss in the presence of Vishnu.

Which text is considered the primary scripture of the Dvaita School?

  1. The Bhagavad Gita

  2. The Upanishads

  3. The Brahma Sutras

  4. The Vishnu Purana


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Brahma Sutras, along with the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, form the Prasthanatrayi, the foundational texts of Vedanta. Madhvacharya wrote commentaries on all three texts, expounding his Dvaita philosophy.

What is the concept of tattvas or categories of reality in Dvaita?

  1. There are two tattvas: Brahman and the individual soul

  2. There are three tattvas: Brahman, the individual soul, and the world

  3. There are five tattvas: Brahman, the individual soul, the world, time, and space

  4. There are infinite tattvas, each representing a different aspect of reality


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Dvaita posits three tattvas: Brahman, the individual soul, and the world. Brahman is the supreme reality, the individual soul is dependent on Brahman, and the world is created by Brahman.

How does Dvaita explain the problem of evil and suffering?

  1. Evil and suffering are caused by the individual soul's ignorance and attachment to the world

  2. Evil and suffering are caused by the actions of other individuals

  3. Evil and suffering are caused by the will of Brahman

  4. Evil and suffering are an illusion


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Dvaita attributes evil and suffering to the individual soul's ignorance (avidya) and attachment (raga) to the world, which leads to wrong actions and negative consequences.

What is the role of the guru or spiritual teacher in Dvaita?

  1. The guru is essential for attaining liberation

  2. The guru is helpful but not necessary

  3. The guru is only for those who are incapable of self-realization

  4. The guru is irrelevant in the spiritual path


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In Dvaita, the guru is considered essential for guiding the individual soul on the path to liberation. The guru provides knowledge, guidance, and spiritual practices to help the soul overcome ignorance and attain realization of Brahman.

How does Dvaita view the concept of maya or illusion?

  1. Maya is the ultimate reality

  2. Maya is a creation of Brahman

  3. Maya is a product of the individual soul's ignorance

  4. Maya is an illusion that veils the true nature of reality


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Dvaita holds that maya, or illusion, is a product of the individual soul's ignorance and attachment to the world. It is not an ultimate reality but a veil that obscures the true nature of Brahman.

What is the significance of the concept of dashavataras or ten incarnations of Vishnu in Dvaita?

  1. The dashavataras are manifestations of Brahman

  2. The dashavataras are manifestations of the individual soul

  3. The dashavataras are manifestations of the world

  4. The dashavataras are manifestations of maya


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In Dvaita, the ten incarnations of Vishnu, known as the dashavataras, are considered manifestations of Brahman. They serve as divine exemplars and guides for the individual soul on the path to liberation.

How does Dvaita address the issue of theodicy or the problem of evil in the context of a benevolent and omnipotent God?

  1. Evil is a necessary part of the world for the soul's growth and development

  2. Evil is a result of the individual soul's free will

  3. Evil is a consequence of the soul's ignorance and attachment to the world

  4. Evil is an illusion created by the mind


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Dvaita explains the existence of evil as a consequence of the individual soul's ignorance and attachment to the world. It is not a creation of Brahman or a result of free will, but rather a product of the soul's own actions and choices.

What is the concept of bhakti or devotion in Dvaita and how does it contribute to the attainment of liberation?

  1. Bhakti is the primary means of attaining liberation

  2. Bhakti is a secondary means of attaining liberation

  3. Bhakti is not necessary for attaining liberation

  4. Bhakti is only for those who are incapable of knowledge


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In Dvaita, bhakti or devotion to Vishnu is considered the primary means of attaining liberation. Through bhakti, the individual soul develops love and surrender to Vishnu, which purifies the heart and leads to the realization of Brahman.

How does Dvaita reconcile the concept of a personal God with the Upanishadic teachings of an impersonal Brahman?

  1. Dvaita rejects the Upanishadic teachings of an impersonal Brahman

  2. Dvaita interprets the Upanishadic teachings of an impersonal Brahman as referring to a different reality

  3. Dvaita reconciles the two concepts by positing that Brahman is both personal and impersonal

  4. Dvaita does not attempt to reconcile the two concepts


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Dvaita reconciles the concept of a personal God with the Upanishadic teachings of an impersonal Brahman by positing that Brahman is both personal and impersonal. Brahman is both the ultimate reality beyond all attributes and the personal God Vishnu who possesses infinite qualities and attributes.

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