Madhvacharya

Madhvacharya, also known as Madhva, was a 13th-century Indian philosopher and theologian who founded the Dvaita (dualism) school of Vedanta. He emphasized the distinction between the individual soul (jiva), the supreme God (Vishnu or Krishna), and the universe, believing they are separate and always different. Madhvacharya's teachings highlight a personal, active God accessible for devotion and salvation. His philosophy contrasts with non-dualist views by asserting that God and souls are eternally distinct, advocating devotion (bhakti) and moral discipline as paths to liberation. His ideas have significantly influenced Vaishnavism and Indian spiritual thought.