Bhedabheda is a category of Vedantic philosophy in Hinduism that asserts that the individual self (jiva) is both different and not different from the ultimate reality known as Brahman. The term "Bhedabheda" translates to "difference and non-difference" or "identity and difference". This philosophy accommodates a diversity of perspectives by acknowledging the simultaneous oneness and multiplicity of reality.
In Bhedabheda philosophy, there is a simultaneous and paradoxical sense of unity and diversity in the relationship between the individual self and the ultimate reality. The philosophy posits that while the individual self (jiva) and Brahman (the ultimate reality) are identical in one sense, they are also distinct. This dichotomy is expressed through the term "Bhedabheda", which signifies both difference and non-difference.
According to Bhedabheda, the universe and all beings within it are a manifestation of Brahman. Therefore, while individual beings may appear different (Bheda), they are also fundamentally the same as Brahman (Abheda). This philosophy encourages a holistic view of existence, recognizing the inherent interconnectedness and unity of all things, while also understanding the unique qualities and experiences of individual beings.
Bhedabheda philosophy has been influential in shaping various spiritual practices and perspectives within Hinduism, providing a framework for understanding the complex relationship between the individual and the divine.
Tzimtzum is a concept in the mystical branch of Judaism known as Kabbalah. It refers to the idea of divine contraction, or the self-limitation of God's presence in order to allow for the existence of a conceptually independent world. The term "Tzimtzum" translates to "contraction" or "withdrawal".
According to this doctrine, God began the process of creation by "contracting" His infinite light in order to allow for a "space" within which a finite, seemingly independent world could exist. This contraction created an "empty space" in which the universe could be created.
However, even with this contraction, God's essence remains present in the world, although hidden. In other words, while God appears to be absent or hidden from the world, He is in fact immanently present, involved in its ongoing existence and sustenance. This concept is used to reconcile the idea of God's immanence and transcendence.
The concept of Tzimtzum has played a significant role in Jewish mysticism, influencing various philosophical and theological ideas. It provides a framework for understanding the paradoxical nature of God's relationship with the world, reflecting the simultaneous transcendence and immanence of God.