Brahman and the World

Book Details:

• Author: Bhattacharya Sastri, Ashokanath
• Brand: Shakti Publications
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of Pages: 118
• Release Date: 23-04-2024
• EAN: 0008194622107
• Package Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Languages: English

About the Book:

This book offers a deep philosophical exploration of Vedānta, often regarded as the finest culmination of Indian thought. The Vedānta is rooted in the Upaniṣads, which are considered the core philosophical texts of Hinduism, offering insights into the nature of reality, the self, and the universe. The Vedānta philosophy spans a variety of schools, including Advaita (non-dualism), Bhedābheda (difference and non-difference), Viśiṣṭādvaita (qualified non-dualism), and others, elaborated by thinkers like Śaṅkara, Bhāskara, Rāmānuja, Madhva, and Vallabha.

The book delves into the philosophical discourse between Bādarāyaṇa's Brahmasūtra and Śaṅkara's Advaita Vedānta, especially addressing the perception that the Brahmasūtra challenges the monistic views expressed in the Upaniṣads.

Key topics covered in the book include:

• Nature of Brahman and its association with the world: The book examines questions such as what kind of cause Brahman is and what sort of material causality can be ascribed to it.

• Conflicting Views on Brahman: It analyzes views on Brahman, particularly those of Vivarttavāda (illusionism) and Rāmānuja’s Saguṇa-Brahman (personal god), offering a comparative analysis of these differing philosophies.

• Universal Causation: The book addresses the philosophical question of whether Brahman can be considered the Universal Cause and how the sūtrakāra (compiler of the Brahmasūtra) supports or refutes various schools of Vedānta.

This work is intended for those devoted to the teachings of Advaita Vedānta and its renowned preceptors. It provides readers with an in-depth understanding of the key debates within Vedantic philosophy, offering both historical and conceptual insights into its diverse schools.

About the Author:

• Ashokanath Bhattacharya Sastri is a noted scholar with expertise in Vedānta philosophy and its classical texts. He is known for his analytical approach to the study of ancient Indian philosophies and their continued relevance.