Five Original Jagadgurus: Whose Teachings Continue to Inspire Generations

Many spiritual and philosophical leaders are born in history, who have had a lasting impact on humanity. The Jagadgurus stand out among these luminaries as deep instructors who have shown innumerable seekers the way to spiritual enlightenment. Each of these spiritual giants has spread unique ideologies and teachings that have enriched the body of knowledge about spirituality. In this blog, we will explore the five original Jagadgurus — Shri Shankaracharya, Shri Ramanujacharya, Shri Nimbarkacharya, Dwarkari Madhvacharya, and Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj.

Jagadguru Shri Shankaracharya (Non-Dualism)
Adi Shri Shankaracharya was the most vibrant Indian saint who was the grandsire of Indian philosophical thinking. His achievement in thirty-two years was stupendous in the history of Indian philosophy. Adi Shri Shankaracharya was a self-realized sage, a scholar, a caring and loving son, a debator, a compassionate teacher, and a revolutionary thinker. The Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahmasutra commentaries of Shankaracharya were essential in spreading the Advaita philosophy.

Jagadguru Shri Ramanujacharya (Qualified Non-Dualism)
The term “Qualified Non-Dualism” was first introduced by Vishishtadvaita philosopher Shri Ramanujacharya. Ramanujacharya’s teachings stressed that while each soul is inextricably linked to Brahman, it retains its distinct uniqueness. He emphasised the bond of devoted love (bhakti) that exists between the believer and the almighty. Individuals can experience unification with Brahman via devotion while still maintaining their own identities.

Jagadguru Nimbarkacharya (Dualistic Non-Dualism)
“Dvaitadvaita,” the philosophy of Jagadguru Nimbarkacharya, straddles the gap between dualism and non-dualism. According to Jagadguru Nimbarkacharya, the individual soul and Brahman share a relationship of both distinction and non-difference. He introduced the concept of “Brahma-Svarupa,” asserting that the true nature of each individual soul is both different and nondifferent to that of Brahman. His instructions place a strong emphasis on the way of divine love and devotion to Radha-Krishna.

Dwarkari Madhvacharya (Dualism)
The founder of the Dvaita Vedanta philosophy, Dwarkari Madhvacharya, firmly upheld the concept of dualism. He taught that the human soul and Brahman are two eternally separate entities. Madhvacharya’s teachings were based on the “Tattvavada” school of thought, which divided reality into three parts: God (Vishnu), individual souls, and the physical universe. Vaishnavism greatly benefited from his emphasis on devotion, service, and worship of Vishnu.

Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj

The fifth original Jagadguru in the history of the world Prior to him, only four Saints had been acknowledged as Jagadguru: Jagadguru Shri Shankaracharya, Jagadguru Shri Ramanujacharya, Jagadguru Nimbarkacharya and Jagadguru Shri Madhvacharya, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj presented a unique reconciliation of their varying philosophies while revealing his profound and unparalleled scholarship of the Vedas, Shastras, Puranas and other scriptures, during a series of discourses he delivered in pure Sanskrit before the eminent representatives of Kashi Vidvat Parishat. This esteemed body of India’s 500 topmost scholars, were left spellbound and astounded by his scriptural omniscience, so much so that they unanimously honoured him with the unprecedented title of Jagadguruttama — the Supreme among all Jagadgurus on 14 January 1957, when he was just thirty-four years of age. So charmed were they by his personality, suffused with the nectar of devotion and divine love, that they also declared him to be Bhakti-yoga-rasavatara (the Descension of Divine Love and Bliss).

Conclusion:
These five original Jagadgurus have left behind a legacy that continues to inspire and direct spiritual seekers all across the world. Their teachings cover a wide range of philosophical perspectives and provide a rich tapestry of wisdom that meets the many spiritual requirements of people. These spiritual giants, whether through non-dualism, qualified non-dualism, dualistic non-dualism, or dualism, have irrevocably altered the spiritual landscape of humanity, serving as a constant reminder of our ongoing desire for self-realization and oneness with the divine.