Throughout the ages mankind has developed philosophies to explain the true nature of reality. Outstanding among these are the profound and varied systems of Indian philosophy, which provide a rich complement to the more empirical outlook of modern western philosophy. The Eastern orientation is becoming increasingly important in the West today, as investigations into the more subtle aspect of nature have revealed the inadequacy of some of the basis tenets of Western philosophy.

Many scholarly description s of Indian philosophy exist, but most are difficult for beginners to comprehend. Seven System of Indian Philosophy. Accurate and accessible, it is a straight foreword introduction survey. The reader who is already familiar with the system described - Buddhism, Nyaya, Vaisesika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta - will enjoy a refreshingly clear and lively treatment of these subjects. Seven System of Indian Philosophy is both an invaluable introduction and basic references to be turned to again and again.

Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, Ph.D., is the Spiritual Director of the Himalayan Institute. He received his doctorate in Sanskrit from the University of Allahabad in India, and a doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania. A disciple of Sri Swami Rama and lifelong practitioner of yoga and meditation, Pandit Tigunait is the author of eight books and numerous articles, and has given lectures throughout the world.

About the Author

As spiritual head of the Himalayan International Institute, Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, Ph.D., is the successor of Swami Rama of the Himalayas. A life-long practitioner of meditation, and a Sanskrit scholar, he has studied with various adepts and scholars in the time-honored guru/disciple lineage. He holds a doctorate in Sanskrit from the University of Allahabad in India, and a doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to having written ten books, Pandit Tigunait lectures throughout the world and is a regular contributor to Yoga International magazine.

Contents:

Foreword
Preface
Spelling and Pronunciation of Sanskrit
Chapter 1
   What Is Indian Philosophy?
     Why is philosophy needed?
     The Veda and its contribution to Indian philosophy
     Gradual development of the systems of philosophy
     The common characteristics of Indian philosophy
     An overview of the seven systems

Chapter 2
   Buddhism: Transcendence of Suffering
     The ten unanswered questions
     The Four Noble Truths
     Other major theories of Buddha
     The four main schools of Buddhist philosophy
     Summary and conclusion

Chapter 3
   Nyaya: Valid Knowledge Through Logical Criticism
     Prameya-the object of knowledge
     Pramana-the sources of valid knowledge
     The nature of the physical world
     The concept of the individual soul
     The concept of liberation
     The concept of God
  
Chapter 4
   Vaisesika: Analysis of the Aspects of Reality
     The category of substances-nine dravyas
     The category of quality-twenty-four gunas
     The concept of creation and annihilation of the world
 
Chapter 5
   Samkhya: A Dualistic Theory
     The theory of cause and effect
     Prakrit-the unconscious principle
     Purusa-Consciousness
     The process of the evolution of the universe
     The source of valid knowledge
     The concept of liberation
     The concept of God
     The practical teachings of Samkhya

Chapter 6
   Yoga: Practical Disciplines for Knowing the self
     The Yogic view of mind
     The eightfold path of Yoga
     Samyama
     The concept of God

Chapter 7
   Mimamsa: Freedom Through the Performance of Duty
     The concept of duty
     The concept of rituals
     The divergent teachings of the Veda
     The science of mantra
     The concept of gods and goddesses
     The concept of divinity within physical objects
     The source of valid knowledge 
     The concept of soul
     Major teaching of the Mimamsa system
 
Chapter 8
   Vedanta: the Philosophy of Monism
     Views common to all schools of Vedanta
     Monism-the school of Sankara
     The concept of Atman, the Self
     The concept of Brahman, the supreme Consciousness
     The concept of Maya
     The concept of the universe
     The concept of God
     The self and human life
     Liberation and the means for attaining it

Index

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