Classical Indian Philosophy

A Reader

Deepak Sarma author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Columbia University Press

Published:17th May '11

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Classical Indian Philosophy cover

"This is the the work of a philosopher. Clear, cogent, and well-organized, it is driven by a philosophical spirit in its attempt to lay out what schools hold, then invite the reader to examine those views critically." -- Thomas A. Forsthoefel, Mercyhurst College

Deepak Sarma completes the first outline in more than fifty years of India's key philosophical traditions, inventively sourcing seminal texts and clarifying language, positions, and issues. Organized by tradition, the volume covers six schools of orthodox Hindu philosophy: Mimamsa (the study of the earlier Vedas, later incorporated into Vedanta), Vedanta (the study of the later Vedas, including the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads), Sankhya (a form of self-nature dualism), Yoga (a practical outgrowth of Sankhya), and Nyaya and Vaisesika (two forms of realism). It also discusses Jain philosophy and the Mahayana Buddhist schools of Madhyamaka and Yogacara. Sarma maps theories of knowledge, perception, ontology, religion, and salvation, and he details central concepts, such as the pramanas (means of knowledge), pratyaksa (perception), drayvas (types of being), moksa (liberation), and nirvana. Selections and accompanying materials inspire a reassessment of long-held presuppositions and modes of thought, and accessible translations prove the modern relevance of these enduring works.

This is the work of a philosopher. Clear, cogent, and well organized, it is driven by a philosophical spirit as it lays out what schools hold and then invites the reader to examine those views critically. -- Thomas A. Forsthoefel, Mercyhurst College An excellent and long-overdue introduction to classical Indian philosophy. Drawing on many years of training in both traditional and academic philosophical circles, Deepak Sarma has identified the core texts of the various classical schools, provided them with lucid and concise introductions, and put together a very readable and accessible sampling of some of the main streams of Indian philosophical thought over the centuries. Indeed, the volume itself is part of that ongoing tradition. Suitable for course work and accessible to the educated reading public, this edition will, I predict, become the standard go-to text in the field. -- Edwin Bryant, Rutgers University With this collection, Sarma has performed a valuable service. The need for a reader of this kind, incorporating more recent translations of classical Indian philosophical texts, has been felt by many for a number of years. A most welcome addition to the teaching materials available in this field. -- Jeffrey Long, author of Jainism: An Introduction and A Vision for Hinduism The readings from original texts selected by Sarma are quite good and appropriate for introductory courses in classical Indian philosophy. Choice Classical Indian Philosophy is a strongly recommended and core addition to any religious and philosophical studies collection. Midwest Book Review ...A welcome new resource... Journal of the American ORiental Society

ISBN: 9780231133999

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

288 pages