About the Book

The aim of Hindu Philosophy is the extinction of sorrow and suffering by the method of knowledge that alone can free man from the bondage of ignorance. It points to a clear way of thinking which enables one to understand Reality by direct experience. In this perspective, Hindu Philosophy is an art of life and not a theory.

In this book the author presents a precise and illuminating study of a six systems of Indian Philosophy classified into three divisions: (1) Nyaya-Vaisesika, (2) Samkhya-Yoga, and (3) Mimamsa-Vedanta. The first division lays down the methodology of science and elaborates the concepts of Physics and Chemistry to show how manifestations of phenomena come into being. The second division sets forth an account of cosmic evolution on purely logical principles. The third division critically analyses the basic principles; developing them in greater detail and furnishing arguments to substantiate, as well as making incidental contributions on points of special interest.

Beside presenting an account of philosophical systems of Indian, the author adds a study of Kashmir Saivism - a system of Ideal Monism founded by Vasugupta and based on Siva Sutras. In this context the author throws sufficient light on the traditional Tantric literature that has suffered wide criticism both from Western and Eastern scholars.

The book is documented with Preface, Introduction and Glossarial Index.

Contents:

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION

Purpose of Hindu Philosophy
Test of Philosophy
The Darsanas
Influence
   Samkara
   Ramanuja
   Madhva
   Kasmir Saivism
   The Tantras
   Saivism
   Saktism
   Vaisnavism

NYAYA

Purpose Scope Philosophy Literature

VAISESIKA

Purpose
Scope
Philosophy
   Paramanus
   Akasa
   Kala
   Dik
   Atman
   Manas
Literature

SAMKHYA

Purpose
Scope
Philosophy
   Purusa
   Prakrti
   The Gunas
   Mahat
   Ahamkara
   Manas
   Indriyas
   Tanmatras
   Mahabhutas
Literature

YOGA

Purpose
Scope
Philosophy
   Jiva
   Gunas
   Citta
   Buddhi
   Ahamkara
   Manas
   Indriyas
   Tanmatras
   Bhutas
Literature

MIMAMSA

Purpose
Scope
Philosophy
Literature

VEDANTA

Purpose
Scope
Philosophy
   Brahman
   Atman
   Maya
Literature

KASMIR SAIVISM

Purpose
Scope
Philosophy
   The Siva Tattva
   The Sakti Tattva
   The Sadasiva Tattva
   The Isvara Tattva
   The Sadvidya Tattva
   The Maya Tattva and Its Evolutes
   The Kancukas
Literature

GENERAL WORKS

Nyaya
Vaisesika
Samkhya
Yoga
Mimamsa
Vedanta
Kasmir Sivaism

ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS

GLOSSARY

INDEX