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Early Advaita Vedanta and Buddhism: The Mahayana Context of the Gaudapadiya-Karika (Suny Series in Environmental Public Policy)

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The origins of the school of thought known as the Advaita Vedanta in medieval India is a subject that is fraught with numerous controversies. This is a very important study on the relationship between the Advaita Vedanta and Mahayana Buddhism. It is important because it approaches the study of Advaita Vedanta from a historico-philosophical perspective, that is, it situates Advaita Vedanta squarely within the context and influence of Mahayana Buddhism. This is a context that is usually ignored in present-day studies. This is an approach that is at once distinctive and penetrating, for it gives us a deeper insight into how the medieval Indian philosophers (i.e. Sankara) understood their project, rather then imposing our usualy presuppositions on them. What is the relationship between Advaita Vedanta and MAhayana Buddhism? Is it appropriate to view Sankara as a Buddhist in disguise? What is the philosophical basis of Advaita Vedanta and Mahayana Buddhism? These are but some of the questions that the author explores. This is a must-buy for any serious student of Indian thought in general. BE WARNED though, because just as this work is illuminating, it may also be deconstructive of our most deeply entrenched beliefs about Advaita Vedanta and MAhayana Buddhism.