Hindu And Buddhist Ideas In Dialogue

The debates between various Buddhist and Hindu philosophical systems about the existence, definition and nature of self, occupy a central place in the history of Indian philosophy and religion. These debates concern various issues: what 'self' means, whether the self can be said to exist at all, arguments that can substantiate any position on this question, how the ordinary reality of individual persons can be explained, and the consequences of each position. At a time when comparable issues are at the forefront of contemporary Western philosophy, in both analytic and continental traditions (as well as in their interaction), these classical and medieval Indian debates widen and globalise such discussions. This book brings to a wider audience the sophisticated range of positions held by various systems of thought in classical India.

The debates between various Buddhist and Hindu philosophical systems about the existence, definition and nature of self, occupy a central place in the history of Indian philosophy and religion. These debates concern various issues: what 'self' means, whether the self can be said to exist at all, arguments that can substantiate any position on this question, how the ordinary reality of individual persons can be explained, and the consequences of each position. At a time when comparable issues are at the forefront of contemporary Western philosophy, in both analytic and continental traditions (as well as in their interaction), these classical and medieval Indian debates widen and globalise such discussions. This book brings to a wider audience the sophisticated range of positions held by various systems of thought in classical India.

Dialogue between characters is an important feature of South Asian religious literature: entire narratives are often presented as a dialogue between two or more individuals, or the narrative or discourse is presented as a series of embedded conversations from different times and places. Including some of the most established scholars of South Asian religious texts, this book examines the use of dialogue in early South Asian texts with an interdisciplinary approach that crosses traditional boundaries between religious traditions. The contributors shed new light on the cultural ideas and practices within religious traditions, as well as presenting an understanding of a range of dynamics - from hostile and competitive to engaged and collaborative. This book is the first to explore the literary dimensions of dialogue in South Asian religious sources, helping to reframe the study of other literary traditions around the world.

It is hoped that this book will recreate an interest in Schopenhauer’s philosophy in India and abroad with a new perspective. There is a recent revival of Schopenhauerism or at least a rediscovery of certain very original and fundamental ideas of Schopenhauer in the contemporary academic world. Schopenhauer has been rightly described as a â€Âbridge’ between Western and Indian philosophy. In this regard Prof Kossler (President of Schopenhauer Gesellschaft) writes, â€ÂI think in his (Schopenhauer’s) thinking lies a way of bridging cultural differences but that requires a thorough investigation of the relations between the two, which can only be carried out in co-operation with scientists of both cultures.†Hence, this kind of research-oriented volume will further foster mutual understanding between the Eastern and Western philosophical traditions. Indian philosophy already owes so much to Schopenhauer in the sense that he paid homage to the Vedas, Upanisads and Buddhism. Hence the significance of the book would have to be judged in terms of a tribute to Schopenhauer. It will be an honour to the memory of Schopenhauer, one of the first Western thinkers who brought recognition to Indian Philosophy in the west. The most important aspect of the book is that the list of paper-contributors is composed of an international team which includes selected Schopenhauerian scholars from Australia, Japan, USA, Canada, Germany and India who are working on this theme for a long time. But the significance is that the serious research works of these international scholars will be combined for the first time in one single book. Its specialty lies in the fact that the Indian scholars are participating in a large number in this book.

Christianity is no longer th dominant belief system in today's pluralistic culture. Eastern religions, esecially, have attracted wide interest. Pressing the theological and dialogical dimensions of religious pluralism, Vroom offers a broad study of the views of Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam, especially their views on truth.

Argues that Christian dialogue with other faiths is an integral part of our call to proclaim the message of Christ.