Shuddhadvaita
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Vallabhacharya (1479 - 1531) was the founder of the Vallabha sect in Indian philosophy. He was from a region that is currently in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, though the bulk of his fame lies in the region that is currently in the state of Gujarat.
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[edit] Philosophy
[edit] Everything is Krishna's Leela
According to the version of Vaishnava Theology he espoused; the glorious Krishna in His "sacchidananda" form is the Absolute Brahman. He is permanently playing out His sport (leela) from His seat in the goloka which is even beyond the divine Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu and Satya-loka, the abode of Brahma the Creator, and Kailas, the abode of Shiva. Creation is His sport.
[edit] Grace, the only path in Kali yuga
To obtain the Bliss given out by Krishna the only path is Bhakti. But in this age of Kali, the scripture-sanctioned bhakti is impossible to practise. So what is recommended is pushti bhakti –which we can all get from the natural Grace of God just like that, for no reason whatsoever. This path is called 'pushti-maarg'.
[edit] Atma-nivedana
It is that bhakti which gives itself up body, heart and soul to the cause of God. It is considered to be the fullest expression of what is known as Atma-nivedana (= giving-up of oneself) among the nine forms of bhakti (Nava Vidha Bhakti). It is the bhakti of the devotee who worships God not for any reward or presents but for His own sake. Such a devotee goes to Goloka after leaving this body and lives in eternal bliss enjoying the sports of the Lord. The classical example of this complete self-effacement is that of the cow-herdesses towards Krishna. They spoke no word except prayer and they moved no step except towards Krishna. Their supreme-most meditation was on the lotus-feet of Krishna.Thus it is by God's grace alone that one can obtain release from bondage and attain Krishna's heaven, Goloka.
[edit] Ashta-chaap
Eight disciples of Vallabhacharya are called the ashta-chaap (eight reprints). Foremost among them was Surdas, the blind poet of Agra.
These are Surdas, Krushnadas, Paramanand, Kumbhandas, Chaturbhuj, Nanddas, Chhitswami, Govinddas.
