It is well known that there are three prominent theories pertaining to God and this world. One is Advaita, other is Vishistadvaita and third is Dvaita. It has been a source of conflict between many as to which of these three is actually true. Although many people say that these represent different levels of reality and that Advaita is really the most superior one, but things are not very clear. Why should a dvaitin accept this view? Today while reading "Brahmasutras", one thought dawned on me. It is said that Brahman is Sat-Chit-Ananda. We can relate these three words to the three theories mentioned above. "Sat" is "Existence" which means that Brahman is aware of its own existence and does not acknowledge the existence of anything separate from it. So, this "Sat" element is like Advaita. Now, "Chit" is knowledge. This is like Vishishtadvaita in the sense that in this theory, there is a supposed difference between Jiva and Brahman and it is by knowledge of its true nature that a Jiva can reach Brahman. "Ananda" resembles Dvaita. This is clear because a bhakta who believes in dvaita is completely filled with the divine joy of chanting the Lord's name.
So, Advaita, Vishishtadvaita and Dvaita resemble the three aspects of the Supreme Reality namely Sat-Chit-Ananda. And one cant exist without the other. So, there is no contradiction between the three theories and neither of them is higher or lower. They all represent three different aspects of the same reality.
