ABSTRACT
The proposition on which Madhwa bases his realism is that both the knower and the object of knowledge must be real, for otherwise no knowledge would be possible. Madhwa’s whole philosophy is thus based upon the idea of difference or distinction. He wrote commentaries upon the Upanisads, in addition to those on the Brahma Sutras and the Gita already mentioned, and also many treatises in which he expounded his own views and attacked others, particularly Samkara’s theory of maya. In the course of extensive travels in the peninsula of India, he encountered the exponents of many systems of thought, discussed ideas with them, and attempted with success to gain a hearing for his doctrines. Physically strong and swift, he defeated his playmates in running, in jumping, in swimming, and in other athletic feats. The universe is divided into two categories: Swatantra, independent being, and aswatantra, dependent beings. God is the only independent being.
