What is difference between Dvaita and Advaita Philosophy?

The Dvaita and Advaita philosophies are two major schools of Vedanta in Hinduism, both rooted in the Upanishads, but they differ fundamentally in how they understand the relationship between the individual soul (jiva) and the Supreme Reality (Brahm ब्रह्म).

Advaita Vedanta (Non-Dualism)

Founded by: Adi Shankaracharya (8th century CE)

Core idea: "Brahm (ब्रह्म) alone is real, the world is illusion (Maya), and the soul is not different from Brahm (ब्रह्म)"

Key principles:

There is only one absolute reality — Brahm (ब्रह्म)

The jiva (individual soul) is identical to Brahm (ब्रह्म ) in essence.

The world of multiplicity is Maya (illusion or ignorance).

Liberation (moksha) is attained by realizing one's true identity as Brahm (ब्रह्म).

Example: Just as waves are not different from the ocean, individual souls are not different from Brahm (ब्रह्म) — they appear separate due to ignorance.

Dvaita Vedanta (Dualism)

Founded by: Madhvacharya (13th century CE)

Core idea: "God (Vishnu) and soul are eternally distinct realities."

Key principles:

Brahm (ब्रह्म) (usually identified as Vishnu/Narayana in Vaishnav) is eternally distinct from the individual soul.

The jiva is a dependent reality, separate from Ishvara (God).

The world is real and eternal, not an illusion.

Liberation (moksha) is achieved by devotion (bhakti) to God, not by realizing identity with God.

Example: Like a servant and a master, the soul and God are distinct, and the soul reaches fulfillment in service and devotion to God.

Key Differences Table

Feature Advaita                         Dvaita

Advaita Founder : Adi Shankaracharya Dvait Founder :Madhvacharya

Advaita : Nature of Brahman Non-dual, impersonal, formless Personal, distinct, Dvaita : Supreme Vishnu.

Advaita : Soul and God Essentially the same.

Dvaita: Soul and God Eternally different

Advaita :World Illusion (Maya)

Dvaita : World is Real and eternal

Advaita: Path to Liberation is Knowledge (Jnana)

Dvaita: Path to liberation is Devotion (Bhakti)

Advaita: Goal Self-realization

Dvaita: Eternal service to God