The reality ascribed to Brahman is not the same for the world

[V Subrahmanian]

Praudhadevaraya, a 15th-century king of the Vijayanagara Empire, has written a  Brahmasutra Vrtti (Advaita) text. In the publication of this book,  its editor, the late Vidwan Shri K.S. Varadacharya (of Srivaishnava Sampradaya), has expressed many things in his introduction to the book. While saying  about 'reality', satyatvam, he has also quoted a passage from Sri Ramanuja's Sribhasya saying that the same reality that we ascribe to Brahman cannot be given to the world.

This book is available at:

https://archive.org/details/fudh_brahma-sutra-vrtti-of-prauda-devraya-series-no.-136-oriental-research-institute-mysore/page/n13/mode/2up

Images from the Editor Sri K.S.Varadacharya's introduction: 

[Vikram Jagannathan]

Namaskaram,

Indeed; Swami Ramanujacharya mentions this in Brahmasutra 1.1.2. While explaining "satyam jnanam anantam brahma" he says that the word 'satyam' speaks of Brahman associated with unconditioned reality (or existence), excluding the non-sentient (achit jagat) and sentient (chit jiva) entities. This can be seen as attributing a higher level of independent reality to Brahman's svarupa whereas the attributes of Brahman, namely achit and chit, have a relatively lower level of dependent reality. However, all three - Brahman, Jiva, Jagat - are considered to be equally eternal and existing at all times. 

This stands in contrast with Swami Sankaracharya's explanation of gradation of reality based on sublation, dependence and relative non-existence with reference to higher perspective. As a quick comment, though they are similar (in gradation of reality), there are significant differences between the two schools in the nature & definition of reality.

with humble prostrations,

Vikram

See here:  https://groups.google.com/g/advaitin/c/UzU4cfMZVFQ
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[V Subrahmanian]

Dear Vikram ji, 

I agree with you.  I am not proposing that Ramanuja is accepting a gradation on the same lines as Advaita does. That there are levels in other systems too is what is being highlighted. 

regards

subbu

[Vikram Jagannathan]

Absolutely, Shri Subbu ji! I understand the intent and was merely adding some more details, on top of what you shared, addressing the wider group. :)

with humble prostrations,

Vikram