Within Dvaita Vedānta, the bond between the individual soul (jīva) and God (Viṣṇu/Brahman) is understood as one of eternal and fundamental distinction, joined with complete dependence. God alone is the truly independent reality (svatantra), while the jīva is a dependent reality (paratantra), deriving its very existence, knowledge, and capacity for action from the divine. This difference is not treated as illusory or provisional; it is real, intrinsic, and persists at all times. The jīva is never a part of God nor an expression of an underlying identity, but a genuinely separate entity that stands in need of divine support at every moment.

This metaphysical difference shapes a relationship that is often characterized as that of Lord and servant. The essential nature of the jīva is that of a servant (dāsa), whose highest fulfillment lies in devotion (bhakti) and surrender to God. God is infinite, omniscient, and omnipotent, whereas the jīva is finite and limited in power and knowledge. Even when the soul attains liberation (mokṣa), it does not become identical with God or lose its individuality; rather, it remains distinct, enjoying eternal bliss in God’s presence and under God’s sovereignty.

Dvaita further emphasizes that this distinctness is not only between God and each soul, but also among souls themselves. Each jīva is inherently and eternally different from every other jīva, and this plurality is as real as the difference between God and the individual soul. Liberation, therefore, is not a dissolution of difference but the perfection of a relationship: the liberated soul abides in unending proximity to God, in a state of blissful dependence and devoted service, while always remaining other than the Supreme.