Classical Indian Philosophy - by Deepak Sarma (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Deepak Sarma completes the first outline in more than fifty years of India's key philosophical traditions, inventively sourcing seminal texts and clarifying language, positions, and issues. Organized by tradition, the volume covers six schools of orthodox Hindu philosophy: Mimamsa (the study of the earlier Vedas, later incorporated into Vedanta), Vedanta (the study of the later Vedas, including the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads), Sankhya (a form of self-nature dualism), Yoga (a practical outgrowth of Sankhya), and Nyaya and Vaisesika (two forms of realism). It also discusses Jain philosophy and the Mahayana Buddhist schools of Madhyamaka and Yogacara. Sarma maps theories of knowledge, perception, ontology, religion, and salvation, and he details central concepts, such as the pramanas (means of knowledge), pratyaksa (perception), drayvas (types of being), moksa (liberation), and nirvana. Selections and accompanying materials inspire a reassessment of long-held presuppositions and modes of thought, and accessible translations prove the modern relevance of these enduring works.

Review Quotes

...A welcome new resource...-- "Journal of the American ORiental Society"

Classical Indian Philosophy is a strongly recommended and core addition to any religious and philosophical studies collection.-- "Midwest Book Review"

The readings from original texts selected by Sarma are quite good and appropriate for introductory courses in classical Indian philosophy.-- "Choice"

An excellent and long-overdue introduction to classical Indian philosophy. Drawing on many years of training in both traditional and academic philosophical circles, Deepak Sarma has identified the core texts of the various classical schools, provided them with lucid and concise introductions, and put together a very readable and accessible sampling of some of the main streams of Indian philosophical thought over the centuries. Indeed, the volume itself is part of that ongoing tradition. Suitable for course work and accessible to the educated reading public, this edition will, I predict, become the standard go-to text in the field.--Edwin Bryant, Rutgers University

This is the work of a philosopher. Clear, cogent, and well organized, it is driven by a philosophical spirit as it lays out what schools hold and then invites the reader to examine those views critically.--Thomas A. Forsthoefel, Mercyhurst College

With this collection, Sarma has performed a valuable service. The need for a reader of this kind, incorporating more recent translations of classical Indian philosophical texts, has been felt by many for a number of years. A most welcome addition to the teaching materials available in this field.--Jeffrey Long, author of Jainism: An Introduction and A Vision for Hinduism

About the Author

Deepak Sarma is an associate professor of religious studies at Case Western Reserve University. He is the author of An Introduction to Madhva Vedanta and Epistemologies and The Limitations of Philosophical Inquiry: Doctrine in Madhva Vedanta and editor of Hinduism: A Reader.