Author: O N Krishnan
Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass
Year: 2004
Language: English
Pages: 442
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8120820215
Description
In Search of Reality makes a comparative analysis of the philosophical systems of the Upanisads, Advaita Vedanta and various schools of Buddhism in a comprehensive manner. It expounds the philosophical stand points of various Buddhist schools and Advaita Vedanta of Gaudapada and Sankara.
The present work A Layman’s Journey through Indian Philosophy by O N Krishnan is a philosophical treatise in itself. Although the title claims that it is a layman’s journey, this is indeed an erudite attempt and a sincere search to know the ultimate truth of existence and to grasp the essentials of the Indian philosophical teachings over he ages on the sources of pains and miseries of beings and the means of attaining liberation from these pains and miseries. It is an attempt with an objective to gain an insight into the ultimate reality and a realization of the summum bonum of life.
This work is an unbiased and undaunting study of Indian philosophy which is unusual in the tradition where faith is more praised than reason. The author has traveled throughout the breath-taking marvelous hills and vales of Indian philosophy and has brought to us many a treasure of lofty conclusions as gifts. Any student of philosophy as well as any common man can gain much from this work-not only as a food for thought but also as a memento for motivation and a searchlight for finding the path to realize the ultimate reality.
Contents
List of Figures
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
Introduction
CHAPTERS
PART I- VEDIC IDEAS
Vedic Ideas
PART II-UPANISADS
Basic Ideas
Theories on Origination of the Universe
Karma and Rebirth
Theories on Brahman
Liberation (Life Eternal)
Moral Preparation for Spiritual Life
Path to Liberation (Life Eternal)
PART III - BUDDHISM
Early Buddhism
Abhidhamma
Prajnaparamita
Madhyamaka
Yogacara
Selflessness of Buddhism Vs Self of Upanisads
Paths and Stages of Bodhisattva
PART IV-EARLY ADVAITA VEDANTA
Gaudapadiya-Karika
PART V- ADVAITA OF SANKARA
Advaita of Sankara
PART VI-ULTIMATE TRUTH
Ultimate Truth
Bibliography
Index