Shankaracharya vs. Vallabhacharya: Two Paths in Vedanta

According to Vallabhacharya, the relationship between the individual soul (jiva) and Brahman is that of a part and the whole, whereas Shankaracharya holds that the individual soul is essentially Brahman itself. Shankaracharya asserts that the existence of the individual soul is illusory due to ignorance (avidya), whereas Vallabhacharya considers the soul to be real, not false.

Shankaracharya's doctrine states that liberation (moksha) cannot be attained without knowledge (jnana). In other words, until the soul realizes its true nature—'Aham Brahmasmi' ('I am Brahman')—it cannot attain moksha. In contrast, Vallabhacharya believes that liberation is possible solely through devotion (bhakti), not through knowledge.

Vallabhacharya's philosophy is known as Shuddhadvaita (Pure Non-dualism), and his practical path of worship is called Pushtimarga (Path of Grace). Pushtimarga is also referred to as Sevamarga (Path of Service), which has two divisions—Namaseva (Service through Name) and Rupaseva (Service through Form). Rupaseva is further divided into three types:

1. Tanuja Seva – Service performed with one's body.
2. Vittaja Seva – Service performed through wealth.
3. Manasi Seva – Mental service (worship in the mind).

Manasi Seva itself is categorized into two approaches: Maryada Marga (Path of Discipline) and Pushtimarga (Path of Grace).

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi