మాధ్వులకు భుక్తి, వైష్ణవులకు భక్తి, అద్వైతులకు యుక్తి

madhvulaku bhukti, vaishnavulaku bhakti, advaitulaku yukti

Translation

Food for Madhvas, devotion for Vaishnavas, and logic for Advaitins.

Meaning

This is a popular saying in South India that characterizes the three main schools of Hindu philosophy based on their perceived primary focus. It suggests that Madhvas (followers of Dvaita) give importance to ritualistic offerings and food, Vaishnavas (followers of Vishishtadvaita) are known for their intense emotional devotion, and Advaitins (followers of Monism) are recognized for their intellectual reasoning and logical discourse.

Related Phrases

How can wicked people possess good character?

This expression is used to suggest that individuals with a crooked or malicious nature are unlikely to possess or develop virtuous qualities. It implies that a person's inherent deceitful character acts as a barrier to goodness.

Oil according to the [ quantity of ] Sesamum.

This expression is used to indicate that the result or output is directly proportional to the investment, effort, or resources put in. It is often used to tell someone that they get what they pay for, or that rewards are commensurate with the work performed.

Whose property is strength? Achieve it through strategy!

This proverb emphasizes that physical strength is not an exclusive possession of anyone and that intelligence or clever strategy (yukti) can overcome raw power (shakti). It is used to encourage using one's wit to solve problems that seem physically impossible or daunting.

Fly for fly

This expression means to copy something exactly as it is, without any changes or corrections, even including the errors or mistakes present in the original. It is used to describe blind imitation or literal reproduction.

Do troubles come to trees or to humans?

This expression is used to emphasize that suffering and challenges are an inherent part of the human experience. It is often said to comfort someone going through a hard time, suggesting that since they are human, it is natural to face difficulties, unlike inanimate objects or trees ('maakulu') which do not experience emotional or situational distress.

A person who converts to Vaishnavism midway through life wears excessive religious marks.

This expression is used to describe someone who has recently acquired wealth, status, or a new belief and flaunts it excessively. It suggests that those who are 'new' to a position often show off more than those who have been in that position for a long time.

Like asking for a confinement fee for cows that have gone into the forest.

This proverb describes a situation where someone demands payment or taxes for something they do not control or have no authority over. It is used to mock illogical or greedy demands made by people who try to exploit situations where they have provided no service or protection.

A squirrel's devotion

This expression refers to contributing one's small or humble part towards a much larger cause. It originates from the Ramayana, where a squirrel helped Lord Rama build the bridge to Lanka by carrying tiny grains of sand. It is used to describe a modest contribution made with sincere dedication.

A squirrel performs a squirrel's service. The squirrels are said to have assisted Râma in building the bridge at Râméśvaram by dipping themselves into the water and then rolling in sand, which they brought for the mortar. Willingly doing what one can.

This expression is used to describe a small contribution or help offered towards a larger cause or project. It originates from the Ramayana, where a squirrel helped Lord Rama build the bridge to Lanka by carrying small grains of sand. It signifies that even a tiny effort, when done with sincerity and devotion, is valuable and significant.

Squirrel's devotion

This expression is used to describe a small but sincere contribution to a much larger cause. It originates from the Ramayana, where a small squirrel helped Lord Rama build the bridge to Lanka by carrying tiny grains of sand. It is used when someone wants to humbly acknowledge that while their help might be minimal in the grand scheme of things, it is offered with great sincerity.