B. Nimbarkacharya

Nimbarkacharya, also known as Nimbarka or Nimbaditya, was a philosopher and theologian who lived in the 13th century in India. He was a prominent proponent of the Bhedabheda philosophy, which is a school of Vedanta.

Bhedabheda Philosophy:
The Bhedabheda philosophy, also known as the philosophy of difference and non-difference, is a dualistic-monistic philosophy. It combines elements of both Dvaita (dualism) and Advaita (monism) philosophies. According to this philosophy, the individual soul (jiva) and the Supreme Soul (Brahman) are both distinct and non-distinct from each other.

Key Beliefs of Bhedabheda Philosophy:
1. Difference and Non-Difference: Nimbarkacharya believed that the individual soul and the Supreme Soul are both distinct and non-distinct at the same time. While they are different in terms of their individuality, they are also non-different in terms of their inherent connection and dependence on each other.
2. Relationship of Servant and Master: Nimbarkacharya compared the relationship between the individual soul and the Supreme Soul to that of a servant and master. The individual soul is considered a servant of the Supreme Soul and is eternally dependent on it.
3. Path of Devotion: Nimbarkacharya emphasized the path of devotion (Bhakti) as the means to attain liberation. He believed that through unwavering devotion and surrender to the Supreme Soul, the individual soul can attain union with it and achieve spiritual liberation.
4. Concept of Leela: Nimbarkacharya also introduced the concept of Leela, which refers to the divine play or sport of the Supreme Soul. He believed that the Supreme Soul engages in various divine activities and manifestations for the benefit and enjoyment of the individual souls.

Significance of Nimbarkacharya's Teachings:
Nimbarkacharya's teachings had a significant impact on the Bhakti movement in India. His philosophy emphasized the importance of devotion and surrender to the Supreme Soul, which resonated with the spiritual aspirations of many people. Nimbarkacharya's followers, known as Nimbarka Sampradaya or Nimbarkis, continue to propagate his teachings and practices to this day.

In conclusion, Nimbarkacharya believed in the theory of Bhedabheda, which combines elements of dualism and monism. He emphasized the relationship of difference and non-difference between the individual soul and the Supreme Soul, and advocated the path of devotion as the means to attain liberation. His teachings have had a significant influence on the Bhakti movement in India.

Nimbarkacharya believed in the theory of Bheda Abheda. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu amalgamated the views of all the previous Acaryas in his thesis of Acintya-bhedabheda Tattva explicitly explained by Sri Baladeva Vidyabhusana in his Govinda Bhasya of the Vedanta-sutra.