Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Nimbarka, a 13th-century Vedantic philosopher, propounded the Dvaitadvaita (difference and non-difference) school of Vedanta. This school posits a simultaneous difference and non-difference between Brahman (the ultimate reality) and the world. Central to understanding Nimbarka’s philosophy is his conception of Prakriti, or matter, which is not considered illusory (Maya) as in Advaita Vedanta, but rather real and eternally related to Brahman. Nimbarka’s understanding of matter is crucial to grasping his unique perspective on the relationship between the divine and the phenomenal world, and his categorization of matter into three fundamental types provides a framework for understanding the diverse manifestations of reality.
Nimbarka’s Concept of Prakriti
According to Nimbarka, Prakriti is the non-intelligent, eternal substance that constitutes the material world. It is not separate from Brahman but is inherently related to it, like the inseparability of heat from fire. This relationship is described as ‘Avinava-bheda’ – an eternal, inseparable difference. Prakriti is the cause of the world’s diversity and change, while Brahman is the efficient cause, providing the impetus for manifestation. Unlike Samkhya philosophy, Nimbarka doesn’t view Prakriti as independent; it is always under the control and influence of Brahman.
The Three Types of Matter (Triguna)
Nimbarka identifies three fundamental qualities or ‘gunas’ that constitute Prakriti: Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. These gunas are not separate entities but are inherent aspects of all matter, existing in varying proportions. The interplay of these gunas determines the characteristics and nature of all objects and beings in the universe.
Sattva
Sattva is the quality of goodness, purity, and illumination. It is associated with knowledge, happiness, and peace. Objects dominated by Sattva are light, clear, and conducive to spiritual progress. It promotes clarity of mind and detachment from worldly desires.
Rajas
Rajas is the quality of passion, activity, and dynamism. It is associated with desire, attachment, and action. Objects dominated by Rajas are energetic, stimulating, and often lead to restlessness and suffering. It drives action and change but can also create imbalance.
Tamas
Tamas is the quality of darkness, inertia, and ignorance. It is associated with delusion, heaviness, and obstruction. Objects dominated by Tamas are dull, sluggish, and hinder spiritual progress. It causes laziness, apathy, and a lack of clarity.
Interplay of the Gunas and Relationship with Brahman
Nimbarka emphasizes that the gunas are always present together, though their proportions vary. The dominance of one guna over the others determines the specific characteristics of an object or being. For example, a virtuous person would be dominated by Sattva, while a passionate individual would be dominated by Rajas.
Crucially, Brahman is beyond the gunas, yet it manifests through them. The gunas are instruments through which Brahman expresses its power and creates the world. Brahman doesn’t *become* the gunas, but rather utilizes them as a medium for manifestation. This is analogous to a light shining through colored glass – the light itself remains pure, but appears colored due to the glass. The world, therefore, is not an illusion but a real manifestation of Brahman’s power, mediated by Prakriti and its gunas.
| Guna | Characteristics | Effect on Being |
|---|---|---|
| Sattva | Goodness, purity, illumination | Knowledge, happiness, peace, spiritual progress |
| Rajas | Passion, activity, dynamism | Desire, attachment, action, restlessness |
| Tamas | Darkness, inertia, ignorance | Delusion, heaviness, obstruction, apathy |
Conclusion
Nimbarka’s understanding of matter, through the concept of Prakriti and its three gunas, offers a nuanced perspective on the relationship between the divine and the world. By asserting the reality of both Brahman and Prakriti, and their eternal, inseparable connection, Nimbarka avoids the extremes of both illusionism and dualism. His philosophy provides a framework for understanding the diversity and change in the universe as a manifestation of Brahman’s power, mediated by the interplay of the gunas, ultimately leading to a harmonious and integrated worldview.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.