DVAITA

dvaita: translation

Dvaita (from dvi, two) is usually translated as “dualist.” In theological terms it refers to the notion that God is completely separate and differ-ent from the human soul.

Abrahamic traditions in their normative form—

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—would be seen as dvaita or dualistic because they believe that the human soul is a separate entity and reality from God. Normative Hinduism tends toward forms of ADVAITA, non-dualism, the opposite of dvaita. But there are some Indian systems that are truly dvaita in nature. One form of VEDANTA, championed by MADHVA, a 12th-century sage, is authentically dvaita. Also, the South Indian tradition of Shaiva Siddhanta can be classified as dvaita.