Description
Book SynopsisThis book introduces the vast topic of Indian philosophy. It begins with a study of the major Upanishads, and then surveys the philosophical ideas contained in the Bhagavadgita. After a short excursion into Buddhism, it summarizes the salient ideas of the six systems of Indian philosophy: Nyaya, Vaisesika, Samkhya, Yoga, Purva Mimamsa, and Vedanta. It concludes with an introduction to contemporary Indian thought.
Trade Review“Written in an easy-flowing style, Professor Ram Murty’s Indian Philosophy: An Introduction can serve as an ideal textbook for undergraduates interested in Indian philosophy. The chapters are well-structured, and the chapter on Modern Thought is especially attractive as it illustrates the application of Indian philosophical concepts in the lives of some contemporary thinkers.” — Trichur S. Rukmani, Professor Emeritus and former Chair in Hindu Studies at Concordia University
“Professor Murty’s book provides a unique Neo-Vedantic perspective on Indian philosophy in the grand tradition of Vivekananda, Aurobindo, and Radhakrishnan. An appendix includes study questions and a guide for undergraduate writers. The book will also be of interest to advanced students, given its copious detail and skillful interpretative framework. Highly recommended.” — Michael W. Myers, Professor of Philosophy and Coordinator of the Religious Studies Program at Washington State University
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements
Preface
Introduction
- Why Study Indian Philosophy?
An Outline of Indian Philosophy
1 The Vedas
2 The Upanishads
3 The Kena and Katha Upanishads
- The Kena Upanishad
The Katha Upanishad
4 Prasna and Mundaka Upanishads
- The Prasna Upanishad
The Mundaka Upanishad
5 The Māndukya, Taittirīya, and Chāndogya Upanishads
- The Māndukya Upanishad
The Taittirāya Upanishad
The Chāndogya Upanishad
6 The Brhadāranyaka and Other Upanishads
- The Brhadāranyaka Upanishad
A Brief Look at Some Other Upanishads
7 The Bhagavadgīta
- The Historical and Literary Background of the Gita
An Overview of the Bhagavadgīta
8 Buddhism
- The Story of the Buddha
Ethical Philosophy of the Dhammapada
The Expansion of Buddhist Thought
9 Nyāya and Vaisesika
10 Sāmkhya and Yoga
11 Pūrva Mimāmsā and Vedānta
12 Modern Thought
- Vivekananda
Aurobindo
Tagore
Gandhi
Krishnamurti
Radhakrishnan
Appendix 1: Possible Topics for Essay 1
Appendix 2: Possible Topics for Essay 2
Appendix 3: How to Write an Essay
Works Cited
Index
