Tradition and Reflection: Explorations in Indian Thought: No. 133 (Sri Garib Dass Oriental S.)

Book Details:

• Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications

• Author: Wilhelm Halbfass

• Language: English

• Edition: 1992

• ISBN: 9788170303008

• Pages: 433

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 9 x 6 inches

• Weight: 632 gm

About the Book:

This profound work by Wilhelm Halbfass delves into fundamental issues of traditional Indian philosophy, examining the intricate relationship between reason and Vedic revelation. It explores key concepts such as dharma, karma, rebirth, and the role of man in the universe, alongside broader philosophical questions about the justification and motivation of human actions.

Divided into ten insightful chapters, Halbfass addresses both the philosophical and historical aspects of Indian thought. The book explores Vedic orthodoxy, the nature of ritual, and the foundation of ethics, while also engaging with important thinkers like Sankara, Kumarila, Bharthari, and Udayana. These reflections are examined not only through the lens of classical Indian philosophy but also through the historical and social contexts that shaped them.

A unique feature of this book is its exploration of previously lesser-known materials concerning sectarian movements and connections between Indian and Iranian thought. The author challenges readers to reconsider the traditional understanding of Hindu philosophy, shifting the focus from theories of reality and knowledge to the larger framework of human motivation and hermeneutical reflection.

About the Author:

Wilhelm Halbfass is a distinguished Professor of Indian Philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania. He is widely known for his academic work on the philosophical interactions between India and Europe, and his previous book, India and Europe: An Essay in Understanding, established him as a leading scholar in the field. Halbfass has contributed significantly to the study of Hindu philosophy and its historical developments, offering deep insights into the complexities of Indian self-understanding and its philosophical heritage.