Indian Philosophy: A Counter Perspective

by Daya Krishna

Most writings on Indian philosophy assume that its central concern is with moska , that the Vedas along with the Upanishadic texts are at its root and that it consists of six orthodox systems knowns as Mimamasa , Vedanta , Nyaya , Vaisesika , Samkhya , and Yoga , on the one hand and three unorthodox
Buddhism, Jainism and Carvaka , on the other. Besides these, they accept generally the theory of Karma and the theory of Purusartha as parts of what the Indian tradition thinks about human action. The essays in this volume question these assumptions and show that there is little ground for
accepting them. A new counter-perspective is presented for the articulation of the Indian philosophical tradition that breaks from the traditional frame in which it has usually been presented.

Genres: Philosophy

230 pages, Hardcover

First published July 23, 1992

Reviews

[Anmol]

Some interesting perspectives on Indian philosophy, questioning the myths of Indian philosophy being "spiritual" or concerned with "authority", as if Western philosophy isn't so. I particularly liked the later chapters on the concept of adhyasa in Shankara, and the meaning of Vedanta.

[s]

Very technical, with a frustratingly incomplete glossary. Does necessary work in pointing out the internal contradictions that come with received wisdom about the various schools, but gets a little repetitive in setting up the dogmas and knocking them down in a skeptical mode. Still, "we need to reject traditional authority and reorganize the vedas in a way that makes more rational and historical sense" is a position I can't help respecting.

[A. B.]

Daya Krishna is such a radically original thinker, who is yet deeply rooted in the tradition and erudite, to boot! Loved this book.