Les hiérarchies spirituelles selon l'Anuvyakhyana de Madhva

by Suzanne Siauve

The Anuvy?khy?na, composed by Madhva at the start of the 14th century A.D., is a commentary on the Brahma-s?tras containing philosophical and theological developments. The present volume comprises passages from the last chapters of the text in which the personal reflections of the author can be distinguished from the exegesis. These passages deal with the doctrine of the hierarchy of the gods, one of the essential doctrines of Madhva’s theology. In a polytheist environment, questions must be answered concerning the status and role of the gods, as well as the degree of surrender that a true devotee must demonstrate. The understanding of the hierarchy, which reconciles the existence of multiple gods and the unique supremacy of Vis?n?u, is one of the surest ways of salvation. This Sanskrit text on Dvaita philosophy is accompanied with a French translation and introduction.