Bhamati and Vivarana Schools of Advaita Vedanta: A Critical Approach

The book is an attempt at presenting to the readers a critical analysis of the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta by comparing the views of the Bhamati and the Vivarana Schools, the two most important protagonists of Sankara’s philosophy, with a detailed study of the original texts. It begins with a survey of the historical development of Advaitic thought, starting right from the Vedas to end up with the modern period. In the successive chapters, the author delves into the problems of error, Jiva, Jagat, Isvara and their relation with Brahman, and the concepts of the absolute and Moksa, with an additional note on Buddhist Absolutism. The author has taken up for discussion in this work the basic concepts of Advaita Vedanta as interpreted by Vacaspati Misra and Prakasatman, encompassing the concepts of Maya, Avidya, Adhyasa, Anirvacaniyata, Bimba-pratibimba-vada, Avaccheda-vada, Parinama-vada, Vivartavada, the Locus of Avidya, Brahmavagati, Jivanmukti, Videhamukti etc. The arguments presented here in a logical manner backed by copious references have contributed in making the book very lucid and authentic. It is no doubt a must for research scholars of Advaita Vedanta and for all those interested in Indian philosophy, and in Indian spiritualism in particular.