Tattwa
Introduction to Eternal Truths • Hari Sarvottama • Vayu Jeevottama
Introduction to Tattwa
Sri Madhwacharya organized the eternal truths called Tattwas based on Vedas, Puranas and Itihasas. These truths help us understand Hari Sarvottamatva, Vayu Jeevottamatva, the reality of the universe, and the gradation among souls known as Taratamya.
Srishti Tattwa
Suddha Srishti
Countless divine forms of Narayana exist eternally. Sri Lakshmi Narayana is Supreme and complete in all attributes.
Vishesha Vapti Srishti
Lakshmi Devi manifests as Sri Devi, Bhoo Devi and Durga Devi influencing different Gunas in Jeevas.
Misra Srishti
Jeevas headed by Vayu participate in the cosmic creation process according to Taratamya.
Creation and Cosmic Order
- Sri Lakshmi Narayana is the Supreme Reality.
- Narayana alone is completely Guna Poorna.
- Lakshmi is equal to Narayana in Time and Space by His grace.
- Brahma originates through Vasudeva.
- Vayu manifests through Sankarshana.
- Garuda, Sesha and Rudra preside over Ahankara Tattwa.
- Rudra and Parvati create the sixteen Kalas.
- Five Jnana Indriyas, Five Karma Indriyas and Five Bhutas arise in creation.
Independent (Para) Tattwa
Lord Kapila explained the characteristics of the Supreme Reality by knowing which a Jeeva attains liberation.
Nature of Para Tattwa
- No beginning or end
- Beyond worldly Gunas
- No material body
- Omnipresent and Omnipotent
- Antaryami of all beings
- Bestower of Moksha
Narayana
Narayana alone is the Independent Reality. He sustains, controls and impels all Chetana and Achetana.
Vibhuti Tattwa
Sri Krishna states that He pervades the universe with just one amsha. Wherever the special presence of Vishnu exists and grants superiority, it is called a Vibhuti.
Examples of Vibhutis
- Ganga
- Gayatri
- Saligrama
- Meru and Himalaya
- Ashwatta Tree
- Skanda among commanders
Purpose
Vibhutis help devotees meditate upon Sri Hari and understand His greatness through creation.
Dependent Tattwa
- All Jeevas except Lakshmi undergo Samsara.
- Jeevas are dependent on Bhagavanta.
- They are influenced by Gunas.
- Dream is an example of the Jeeva’s worldly experience.
Jeeva Deha Tattwa
Stula Deha
The physical body supported by Devatas and Mukhya Prana.
Aniruddha Deha
Exists after death with internal subtle functions.
Linga Deha
Responsible for Samsara and rebirths.
Swaroopa Jeeva
The liberated state experiencing eternal bliss in Moksha.
Jeeva Guna Tattwa
Jeevas differ in their Swaroopa and Gunas.
- Saatvika – Pure consciousness and bliss
- Rajasika – Mixture of happiness and sorrow
- Tamasika – Dominated by sorrow and darkness
Pancha Bedha Tattwa
Sri Madhwacharya established the eternal five-fold difference.
- Difference between God and Jeeva
- Difference between God and Jada
- Difference between Jeeva and Jada
- Difference among Jeevas
- Difference among Jada objects
Basis of Tattwa – Vedas
Vedas are eternal, authorless and endless. Their sole purpose is to glorify Sri Hari and guide Jeevas out of sorrow.
- Rig Veda
- Yajur Veda
- Sama Veda
- Atharva Veda
Mahabharata is called the Fifth Veda. Vedic truths are understood properly only through the Bhashyas and Nirnaya works of Sri Madhwacharya.
Pramanas (Means of Knowledge)
Pratyaksha
Knowledge gained through direct perception and senses.
Agama
Knowledge gained through Scriptures and Vedic authority.
Anumana
Knowledge gained through inference and reasoning.
Moksha Tattwa
Moksha is liberation from Samsara and sorrow through the grace of Narayana. Even in liberation, Jeevas remain distinct from Bhagavanta.
- Moksha comes through Bhakti, Sadhana and Anugraha.
- Realization of Pancha Bedha leads to liberation.
- Liberated Jeevas experience Swaroopa Ananda.
- Different Jeevas experience bliss according to their Yogya.
Taatparya (Moral)
- Lord Narayana is Supreme and independent.
- The universe is real.
- There exists a five-fold difference.
- All souls depend on Bhagavanta.
- Souls are not equal in nature.
- Moksha is eternal bliss granted by Narayana.
- Bhagavanta can be known only through Scriptures.