Recent Vedanta Literature

This document is a review of recent literature on Vedanta philosophy, written by George Burch. The review focuses on several books that explore different schools and thinkers within the Vedanta tradition, primarily in English.

Here's a breakdown of the key points:

1. Gaudapada and Advaita Vedanta:

• The review begins by highlighting the importance of Gaudapada, the founder of Advaita Vedanta, whose fame has been overshadowed by Shankara.
• Burch discusses Gaudapada's Karika (or Agamasastra), a concise work that expounds his philosophy of ajativada (non-birth-ism). This doctrine asserts that nothing is ever born, drawing parallels and distinctions with Eleatic philosophy.
• Gaudapada's arguments are based on scripture, rational analysis of experience, and intuition.
• The review details the content of Gaudapada's Karika across its four chapters, covering the Self in different states of consciousness, the rejection of creation theories, the meaning of "Aum," subjectivism, and the concept of the singular Self.
• Burch then reviews different editions and translations of Gaudapada's work, including those by Vidhushekhara Bhattacharya, Swami Nikhilananda, and R. D. Karmarkar, noting their strengths and weaknesses, particularly regarding interpretations and scholarly disputes (e.g., Gaudapada's relation to Buddhism).

2. Key Scholars and Their Works:

• T. M. P. Mahadevan: His Gaudapada: A Study in Early Advaita is praised as the first comprehensive exposition of Gaudapada's philosophy in English. Mahadevan's work emphasizes Gaudapada's reliance on the Upanishads, the interplay of reason and revelation, and his core principles of non-dualism and non-origination. The review notes Mahadevan's interpretation of Gaudapada as a consistent advocate of a "common sense" Advaita, potentially differing from Shankara's more nuanced view on the world's status.
• T. M. P. Mahadevan's Time and the Timeless: This book is presented as an original work that bridges Vedanta and Christian philosophy by highlighting the significance of time and history in achieving spiritual freedom. It argues that individuals cannot achieve liberation individually but that the world as a whole can, moving towards a "cosmic freedom" and an "age of truth."
• P. T. Raju's Idealistic Thought of India: This work provides a historical survey of Indian philosophy, focusing on idealistic schools. The review finds its accounts of Vedanta and Buddhist schools too brief for specialists and too vague for novices, but appreciates its discussion of contemporary Indian idealists.
• G. R. Malkani's Vedantic Epistemology: This book is described as a rigorous exposition of Advaita Vedanta, influenced by K. C. Bhattacharya. Malkani's work emphasizes a strict non-dualism and a two-valued logic, often simplifying or reinterpreting Bhattacharya's more nuanced ideas. The review notes Malkani's attempt to make Vedantic thought accessible, though it concludes that Malkani's stringent logic leads back to classical non-dualism.
• A. K. R. Chaudhuri's The Doctrine of Maya and Self and Falsity in Advaita Vedanta: These books are characterized by a scholastic style, making them less suitable for beginners. Chaudhuri focuses on the concept of maya (illusion) and the theory of ignorance, presenting Shankara's orthodox Advaita in detail. His works are noted for their thoroughness and appeal to those interested in detailed philosophical arguments, akin to medieval scholasticism.
• Kalidas Bhattacharya's Alternative Standpoints in Philosophy: This book is highlighted as a strikingly original contribution, offering a new approach to philosophy based on a "logic of alternation." Bhattacharya proposes that different philosophical standpoints (subjective, objective, dialectical) are alternatively valid, a concept he developed with his father. The review praises its innovative logic and its attempt to reconcile diverse philosophical views.
• P. N. Srinivasachari's The Philosophy of Visishtadvaita and The Philosophy of Bhedābheda: These books cover the other major schools of Vedanta. Visishtadvaita is described as a popular philosophy, emphasizing the reality of all things and salvation through various paths, including devotion. It is presented as a "yes philosophy" that harmonizes metaphysics, ethics, and religion. Bhedābheda (or Dvaitadvaita) is presented as an intermediate philosophy between Advaita and Visishtadvaita, asserting that reality is both one and many. The review notes the author's scholarship and clarity in explaining these distinct viewpoints.
• R. Naga Raja Sarma's Reign of Realism in Indian Philosophy: This book vigorously defends Dvaita (dualism), arguing for realism, pluralism, and theism. The review points out Sarma's critical stance towards monistic interpretations and his emphasis on empirical experience and reason as the basis for understanding the Vedas.
• P. R. Damle's Philosophical Essays: Damle's work is characterized by its popular style and its attempt to reconcile all viewpoints. He advocates for a broad tolerance of different philosophies, including materialism and sensationalism, and encourages a constructive exposition of non-monistic and non-idealistic systems.

3. Overall Themes and Observations:

• Flourishing Vedanta Literature: Burch notes a significant and growing body of philosophical literature in English from India, indicating that Indian philosophy is not solely an ancient or medieval subject.
• English as a Language of Scholarship: The review underscores the importance of English in contemporary Indian philosophical discourse.
• Diversity within Vedanta: The review showcases the distinct and sometimes contrasting views within the Vedanta tradition (Advaita, Visishtadvaita, Bhedābheda, Dvaita).
• Scholarly Debates: The review touches upon ongoing debates among scholars regarding the interpretation of texts and the influence of different philosophical traditions (e.g., Gaudapada and Buddhism).
• Philosophical Value: Burch deliberately selects books that he believes have special philosophical value, offering insights into the depth and complexity of Indian thought.

In essence, George Burch's review serves as a guide to recent scholarship on Vedanta, highlighting key texts, thinkers, and the intellectual vibrancy of the tradition in the modern era. It emphasizes the importance of Gaudapada and the diversity of Vedanta schools, while also critiquing and contextualizing various scholarly approaches.