Traditional Vaishnavism

The concept of Brahman as enshrined in the Brahma Sutras, Vedas and Upanishads is that of guNapUrNa Brahman who is full of auspicious qualities and is of the nature of sath.h, chit.h and Anandha. Though He is one, he sports innumerable divine forms. Each of His forms has a unique name which fully reflects His personality. All the names like Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma point only to Him, in their original sense.

As we scan the vast Vedic and ancillary literature in the light of the Brahma Sutras, we come to the conclusion that the supreme Brahman of Vedas is none other than Vishnu. Thus, Traditional Vaishnavism identifies Vishnu as the supreme Brahman of the Vedas.

Brahman is the Creator of this entire Universe. Here it should be understood that Brahman is only the essential cause of the Universe (Just as a Potter is to a Pot). He is not the material cause (like a lump of mud to a Pot) as some doctrines understand. He is always entirely different from the individual souls and matter or jada.

See Also...

Pancharatra Tradition

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