Dispelling Illusion: Gaudapada's Alatasanti (SUNY Series in Religious Studies): Gauḍapāda's Alātasānti with an Introduction - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0791415023 ISBN 13: 9780791415023

Publisher: State University of New York Press, 1993

Synopsis

This book sets Gaudda in historical context and develops a commentary that makes the meaning and significance of the Alatasaanti text clear. In the Alatasaanti, Gaudda uses terms made familiar by Buddhism in order to expound his Vedantic philosophy. It places him at the watershed between Mahayana Buddhism and Vedanta.

Among the important issues discussed are Gaudda's radical doctrine of non-production (ajati), that is, the view that despite appearances nothing is ever actually brought into existence; his notion of the illusory nature of sensory experience; his conviction that reality is "not two" (and certainly not more than two); his theory of knowledge; and the "touchless yoga" he hoped would dispel our illusions about ourselves and our world. His logic and the content of his arguments are examined critically.

About this title

Review:

"This is a very useful and valuable work. The topic is a central one in Indian philosophy, yet not many books and none in recent times, have ventured to explore it. The author does a persuasive job, especially given the controversial nature of the topic. The book's chief merit is its clear and readable style. The format clearly elucidates the Ajativada of Gaudda through critical and historical introduction, summaries, translations and commentary. This is a work which will not only draw general readers who are interested in Indian philosophy but also serious scholars who are concerned about textual interpretations. The translation of the text is very well done, both in terms of readability and authenticity." -- Deen K. Chatterjee, University of Utah

Synopsis:

A new translation of and commentary on the fourth section of a commentary on the Mandukya Upanishad by Gaudapada, a Buddhist philosopher who seems to have lived in India somewhere between the fifth and eighth centuries, and heavily influenced the course of both Buddhism and Hindi. Paper edition (unseen), $12.95. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: State University of New York Press
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0791415023
• ISBN 13: 9780791415023
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 164