Studies In Indian Philosophy

This comprehensive volume, "Studies in Indian Philosophy: A Memorial Volume in Honour of Pandit Sukhlalji Sanghvi," is a collection of essays by esteemed scholars, honoring the significant contributions of Pandit Sukhlalji Sanghvi to the field of Indian philosophy. Published by the L. D. Institute of Indology in Ahmedabad in 1981, it serves as a tribute to his manifold writings, his profound scholarship, and his role as an academic advisor to the institute.

The volume opens with a preface by Nagin J. Shah, Director of the L. D. Institute of Indology, expressing gratitude to the contributors and highlighting Pandit Sukhlalji's remarkable and singular contribution to Indian Philosophy. This is followed by brief biographical sketches and appreciations of Pandit Sukhlalji's life and work by prominent figures like S. Mookerjee, T. R. V. Murti, A. N. Upadhye, D. D. Malvania, and N. J. Shah. These pieces emphasize his intellectual prowess, his independent thinking, his dedication to truth, his unassuming nature, his mastery of various Indian philosophical systems (including Nyaya, Mimamsa, Buddhism, and Jainism), and his remarkable versatility despite his physical disability. His commitment to simplicity, voluntary poverty, and his influence on his students are also highlighted.

The core of the book comprises research papers contributed by an international group of scholars, covering a wide spectrum of topics within Indian philosophy. The essays explore various schools and concepts, offering diverse perspectives and analyses. Key themes and contributions include:

• Buddhism:

  • C. S. Prasad examines the Attitude of Buddha and Early Buddhism towards Metaphysics, discussing Buddha's silence on certain metaphysical questions and the reasons behind it, as well as the limitations of various media of knowledge.
  • K. R. Norman offers a Note on Attā in the Alagaddūpama-sutta, analyzing the Buddhist concept of self (attā) in the context of refuting non-Buddhist doctrines and its implications for the understanding of anattā.
  • Douglas Dunsmore Daye discusses Circularity in the Inductive Justification of Formal Arguments (Tarka) in Twelfth Century Indian Jaina Logic, exploring how Jainas justified inductive reasoning and the inherent circularity in their methods, drawing parallels with contemporary Western discussions.
  • Bimal Krishna Matilal delves into Memory, examining the Jaina epistemological perspective on memory as a valid source of knowledge, contrasting it with Hindu and Buddhist views, and exploring the philosophical reasons for the dispute.
  • Jan Yun-hua provides an analysis of The Chinese Buddhist Wheel of Existence and Deliverance, comparing Tsung-mi's modified Wheel of existence with the Indian twelve links of Dependent Origination and highlighting the unique aspects of Chinese Buddhist thought.
  • H. V. Guenther discusses the Psychological Implications of the Preparatory Stage in Buddhism, detailing the graded steps in Buddhist practice, emphasizing introspection and the development of an integrated personality, and contrasting Hinayana and Mahayana approaches.
  • Suzuko Ohira and Hans G. Herzberger contribute on Sukla Dhyana and Bharthari's Paradox respectively, the former focusing on Jaina meditative practices and the latter on the linguistic and philosophical challenges of naming the unnameable.
  • S. D. Joshi examines Konda Bhatta on the Meaning of the Negative Particle, analyzing the grammatical and philosophical nuances of negation in Indian logic.
  • Leonard Zwilling provides a Case Study on the Influence of Exegesis upon Translation in Tibet concerning Sa skya Pandita's version of a verse from Dharmakirti's Pramāṇavārttikam, highlighting how doctrinal interpretations shaped translations.
  • Hammalava Saddhātissa analyzes The Abhidhammatthasangaha and its Tīkā, focusing on a popular compendium of Buddhist philosophy and its influential sub-commentaries, particularly the Vibhāvinī-ṭīkā.

• Jainism:

  • E. A. Solomon discusses Tamas and Chāya in the Jaina View, examining the Jaina perspective on darkness and shadow, refuting the Nyaya-Vaiśeṣika's view of them as mere negations.
  • Y. Krishan explores The Unique Jaina Doctrine of Karma and its Contribution, highlighting the Jaina conception of karma as a material entity and its implications for their ascetic practices, contrasting it with Buddhist and Hindu views.
  • T. G. Kalghatgi reflects on Right Understanding - Some Hurdles, identifying psychological and sociological impediments like vanity and folly that hinder the development of correct perspective, drawing parallels with Francis Bacon's critique of "Idols of the mind."
  • Elisabeth Strandberg remarks on The Role of the Lay Followers in the Jaina Community, drawing insights from the Uvasagadasão to argue for the significant and active role of lay followers in preserving Jainism, particularly through flexible interpretations of vows and community ties.

• Other Indian Philosophical Traditions:

  • K. K. Dixit analyzes Materialism, Idealism and Dualism in Indian Philosophy, categorizing the different ontological positions and discussing their contributions to general philosophical problems, and critically evaluating their rationalism.
  • George Cardona discusses Reasoning from Anvaya and Vyatireka in Early Advaita, explaining the logical method of positive and negative concomitance used by Advaitins like Shankara and Sureśvara to establish meanings and refute materialistic arguments.
  • K. Krishna Moorthy examines Indian Aesthetic Terminology: An Integral Analysis, tracing the development of aesthetic concepts like Alankara, Guna, Rasa, and Dhvani, and emphasizing their interrelationship and contribution to understanding beauty and poetic expression.
  • S. S. Barlingay poses the question What did Bharata mean by Rasa?, critically analyzing the theory of Rasa as presented by Bharata in the Natyaśāstra and contrasting it with later interpretations by Abhinavagupta, suggesting that Bharata's focus was on the medium of drama rather than solely on aesthetic consciousness.
  • Harvey B. Aronson investigates Brahman, Masculine and Neuter, in the Pre-Buddhist Upanisads, exploring the evolving concept of Brahman, its association with immortality, and the interplay between the neuter Brahman and the masculine Brahmā in early Upanishadic thought, particularly in the Kausitaki Upanishad.
  • Karel Werner discusses Mysticism and Indian Spirituality, tracing the universality of mysticism through Vedic, Upanishadic, Buddhist, and Hindu traditions, highlighting the significance of experience, doctrine, and the path, and noting the parallels with European mysticism.

The volume provides a rich tapestry of scholarly inquiry into the depths of Indian philosophical thought, offering valuable insights into the diverse schools, concepts, and methodologies that have shaped this intellectual tradition. It stands as a fitting tribute to the intellectual legacy of Pandit Sukhlalji Sanghvi.