Three schools of Vedanta

Here is a useful quote about the different schools of Vedanta. Vedanta is the oldest religious tradition in India, and is in some form or forms a part of virtually every philosophy or school. Hindus call Hinduism the Sanatana Dharma (Eternal Way or Religion). Hinduism is a unique combination of philosophy and religion, and agreeing or disagreeing about anything doesn't mean we don't share Gods, scriptures, rituals, holidays, art and anything else that's important. Hinduism is a vast shining array of historical and living light, a light that also shines in and through Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, Sufism, and more. 

Jyoti, or light. c 18th century tempura in gold

"According to the three schools of Vedanta there are three relationships between God and the individual. The dualistic school looks upon man as a soul, and God as the supreme Person, eternally different from man. According to the qualified monistic school, God is the supreme Person and the repository of all auspicious qualities. Individual souls are parts of God, even as sparks of fire are parts of fire. God is the Soul of souls. According to the non-dualistic school, the individual and God are identical in their divine essence; nothing exists other than Brahman. Everything else is illusory like a mirage on the desert, vanishing on the dawn of Knowledge." ~ from Vedanta.ru