First Five Brahmasūtras (विज्ञानभिक्षोः ब्रह्मसूत्रपञ्चचसूत्रीभाष्यम्)

Book Detail

• Author: T.S. Rukmani
• Brand: D.K. Printworld
• Edition: First Edition
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of Pages: 259
• Release Date: 01-01-2021
• EAN: 9788124610633
• Package Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.5 x 2.0 inches
• Languages: English

Description:
This book presents an annotated English translation of Vijñānabhikṣu’s commentaries on the first five Brahmasūtras (BS) of Bādarāyaṇa, known as the Vijñānāmṛtabhāṣya (VijBh). It is a pioneering work, as no translation of VijBh has been available so far. Vijñānabhikṣu is a unique Vedānta scholar who argues for Brahman along with his prakṛti-śakti as the cause of the world, coining his philosophy as Avibhāga-Advaita. His approach contrasts with Śaṅkara’s Advaita, which holds that Brahman alone is the material and efficient cause of the world.

Bhikṣu stands out as an Advaita scholar who integrates Sāṁkhya and Yoga principles into his Vedāntic interpretations. The selection of only the first five sūtras for commentary was made due to the extensive nature of the VijBh and because these sūtras sufficiently convey Bhikṣu’s Avibhāga-Advaita. His commentary on the fifth sūtra (BS I.1.5) is particularly significant, as it addresses the Vedāntic objection to prakṛti as the world’s cause.

Just as scholars have analyzed the first four sūtras of Śaṅkara’s Bhāṣya to understand his Advaita philosophy, Bhikṣu’s commentaries on the first five sūtras provide deep insights into his Avibhāga-Advaita Vedānta. This book is an essential resource for scholars and students of Vedānta, Sāṁkhya, and Yoga philosophy.