The Essentials of Indian Philosophy

by Mysore Hiriyanna

This text provides a concise, connected account of Indian philosophy. An introductory chapter summarizes Vedic religion and philosophy, then Indian thought is considered in chapters dealing respectively with the early post-Vedic period and the age of the systems. A brief historical survey accompanies each natural division of the subject, in addition to an exposition of its theory of knowledge, ontology and practical teaching. A glossary of Sanskrit terms and a subject index are provided.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, India, Hinduism, Mythology, Eastern Philosophy

216 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1949

About the author

Mysore Hiriyanna (1871–1950) was one of the foremost writers on Indian philosophy who lived in the last century. His prominent works include Indian Conception of Values, Outlines of Indian Philosophy, Quest after Perfection and Art Experience. His books are held in hundreds of libraries, even outside India.
Professor M Hiriyanna was born in Mysore on May 7, 1871. Having obtained his M.A from the Madras Christian College, he joined as a librarian at the Mysore Oriental Library, (now, the Oriental Research Institute, Mysore) and at a later stage of his career he went on to become the curator of the institute. In an intervening period, he served as an Assistant Master and later as the Head Master at the Mysore Normal School.
He joined the newly established Mysore University as a lecturer in Sanskrit and was promoted as a professor of Sanskrit and Philosophy during 1918 - 1927. His works show clarity, precision and brevity.

Source: Wikipedia

Reviews

[Nidish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is most definitely one of the best introductions to Indian Darsana. Although the sections on the historical review makes a lot of (now) dated claims, the subject matter of the book is fantastic and highly recommended as a starting text.

[Venkat Ramanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indian Philosophy is an Ocean.

To make this appear simple is a feat and Professor Hiriyanna achieves this.


He rightly observes that this book is an Introduction and one must read in detail.

However, one understands the basics of Indian Philosophy and its systems and characteristics.

It deals extensively with the Six Systems of Indian Philosophy ,Sankhya,Yoga,Nyayaya Vasisehika, Purva Mimamsa and Uttara Mimamsa(Vedanta)


It also deals with the Nastika Systems ,Buddhism and Jainism.

This was a recommended text for Graduates in 1967( when I studied Philosophy).

I still read this Book often.

For those who want an introduction to Indian Philosophy.

The Book is without any bias or any philosophical leaning and reports texts as they are..

[Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been introduced to certain religious philosophys in other books. Now I can put those ideas into context better since I have read this book.

[Chethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

See Outlines of Indian Philosophy. They are "essentially" the same book.

[Iami Menotu · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a comprehensive summary of Indian philosophy.

[r0b · Rating 3 out of 5]

Concise but somewhat dry, not much fun to read.

[Viji (Bookish endeavors) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book for beginners and general readers. Those who are really into philosophy might find it a bit boring. This was suggested to us during our first year of graduation and in no time, I realized that this is just a first step and not really the best one at that. If you really want a quick and thorough reading, read Chandradhar Sharma.