The Facets of Godhead ( A Sri Vaisnava Perspective)Quote:
Originally Posted by Sudhaama
In Sri Vaisnava theology , God manifest in 5 forms.
1) Paravasudeva - The Transcendental Form
This form is absolute, unconditioned and unlimited. It is self existent and is not the effect of anything else. This form is impossible for any human being to understand.
This transcendental form is distinguished by 6 attributes, which gives God the title Bhagavan
a) jnana - knowledge
b) sakti - energy
c) aisvarya - sovereignity
d) bala - power
e) virya - creative potency
f) tejas - splendor
2) Vyuhas (Functional Manifestation)
From the totality of the above 6 mentioned qualities 4 emanations (vyuhas) proceed.
Vyuhas - Description and the Stages of Creation
2 a) Sankarsana - with this vyuha the entire future universe comprised of energy and matter (prakrti) is compressed into a tiny point of space without eternal distinction. It is in a state of potentiality and the attributes (guna) concerned with developing this potential is bala (omnipotence)
2 b) Pradyumna - with this vyuha the compressed embryonic mass of the universe burst forth into a duality consisting of spirit and matter. This is separation is caused by aisvarya (absolute independence). Pradyumna causes the projection of the 3 things
i) Group souls (Manava sarga - all the indivual souls (jivas) exist together in a coglomeration known as purusa)
ii) Primordial Matter (Pradhana - the basic molecular susbstance from which the universe is created)
iii) Subtle Time (Kala - the potency to change before it becomes divided into gross time consisting of years, seasons months etc)
2 c) Aniruddha - Through sakti Aniruddha causes the evolution of the gross atoms out of the primordial matter and the development of gross time from subtle time. Thus the evolution of Matter and Spirit under the influenec of Time produces the Mixed Creation ( misra srsti) during which the pre-existent souls become differentiated.
3) Vibhava Avatara - Incarnation
God plays an active part in the maintenance of the world order by periodically incarnating. These incarnation are 2 types
Primary - a manifestation that is not material but a spiritual consisting of pure consciousness, bliss and existence (absolute) e.g Lord Krishna
Secondary - these are elevated souls who are chosen to act as vessels for the Divine activity, e.g Buddha etc
4) Arca Avatara - Iconic Descent
When an inanimate object like statue (icon) is constructed and consecrated correctly according to the dictates of the agamas, then God through the omnipotence and omnipresences manifests in the icons. The omnipresent Lord, by a tiny portion of His Spiritual Energy (sakti) particularises His presence in a sanctified icon for receiving devotion and worship.
In Sri Vaisnava tradition Arca avatara is given utmost importance and emphasis (as this form is easily accessible) along with temple rituals and festivals.
5) Antaryamin - Indweller
God dwells in the soul (jiva) as the Oversoul. He is the witness of all actions of the jivas. The jivas alone act (through free will) and reap the fruits of its actions in the form of sorrow (dukha) and happiness (sukha). As the Indweler, The Lord pervades all the creation within and without (Vasudeva)
reference - A Handbook of Sri Vaisnavism by Sri Rama Ramanujacharya