Vaishnavism

Vaishnavism is a major tradition within Hinduism that emphasizes the worship of Vishnu as the supreme being.

Religious Beliefs
Vaishnavas believe in the existence of a supreme being, Vishnu, who is the ultimate reality and the source of all existence. They also believe in the concept of avatar, or the idea that Vishnu has taken on various forms throughout history to guide and protect humanity. Some of the most important avatars include Rama and Krishna, who are celebrated in many Vaishnava traditions. Vaishnavas also emphasize the importance of bhakti, or devotion to God, as the primary means of achieving spiritual liberation and the ultimate goal of merging with the divine. In addition, Vaishnavas recognize the importance of dharma, or righteous living, and karma, or the idea that actions have consequences. They also believe in the concept of maya, or the illusory nature of the material world, and advocate for detachment from material possessions and attachments in order to focus on spiritual growth.

Philosophical Beliefs
One of the most important philosophical concepts in Vaishnavism is the idea of monism, which holds that there is only one ultimate reality, identified with Vishnu, and that the universe and all its manifestations are expressions of Vishnu's divine nature. Some Vaishnava schools of thought, however, hold a dualistic view of reality, which posits the existence of both Vishnu and individual souls. The concept of karma, or the idea that actions have consequences, is also central to Vaishnavism, as is the belief in the cycle of rebirth and the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation from this cycle. Vaishnava philosophers also recognize the importance of knowledge and self-realization as a means of achieving spiritual growth and liberation. In addition, Vaishnavism emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior and righteous living as essential components of spiritual practice, and encourages devotees to cultivate virtues such as compassion, humility, and detachment from material desires. === Social and Political Beliefs === The social and political philosophy of Vaishnavism emphasizes the importance of ethical and moral behavior as a means of achieving spiritual growth and the ultimate goal of merging with the divine. Vaishnavas believe in the concept of dharma, or righteous living, and advocate for the cultivation of virtues such as compassion, humility, and detachment from material desires. They also recognize the importance of social harmony and community service, and many Vaishnava traditions are associated with movements for social justice and reform. In terms of political philosophy, Vaishnavism has historically been associated with the concept of a divinely ordained monarchy, in which the king is seen as a representative of God and is responsible for upholding dharma and promoting the welfare of the people.

Schools of Shaivism
There are several major schools of Vaishnavism, including:

$Swaminarayan tradition - originating in Gujarat in the 19th century and placing a strong emphasis on moral and ethical values.
 * 1) Sri Vaishnavism - tracing its origins to the teachings of the philosopher Ramanuja in the 11th and 12th centuries CE. Sri Vaishnavism emphasizes the importance of devotion to Vishnu and the concept of divine grace as a means of achieving spiritual liberation.
 * 2) Gaudiya Vaishnavism - originating in Bengal in the 16th century and associated with the teachings of the philosopher Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Gaudiya Vaishnavism places a strong emphasis on the concept of bhakti, or devotion, and the practice of kirtan, or devotional chanting.
 * 3) Vaikhanasa tradition - emphasizing the importance of ritual worship and temple architecture.

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 * Vaishnavism