philosophy of religion and Advaita Vedānta, The

Book Description

This groundbreaking work bridges two of humanity's most profound philosophical traditions, offering spiritual seekers a unique opportunity to explore fundamental questions about existence, divinity, and human purpose through both Western and Eastern lenses.

Arvind Sharma presents a thoughtful dialogue between Western philosophy of religion and Advaita Vedanta, the influential Hindu school that views ultimate reality as non-dual consciousness. Rather than treating these traditions as separate or incompatible, this scholarly yet accessible exploration demonstrates how ancient Indian wisdom can illuminate contemporary religious and philosophical inquiries.

The book systematically examines core spiritual questions that have captivated human minds for centuries: the nature of the divine, the problem of suffering, the meaning of faith, and humanity's ultimate destiny. By drawing on the insights of Western philosopher John H. Hick alongside the teachings of Sankara and modern Advaitic thinkers like M. Hiriyanna and S. Radhakrishnan, Sharma creates a rich conversation between different ways of understanding spiritual truth.

Each chapter focuses on a specific philosophical concern, from the nature of religious language to questions of verification and reality itself. The work culminates in an examination of how different religious traditions make competing claims about truth, offering readers tools for navigating spiritual diversity with both intellectual rigor and genuine respect.

This cross-cultural approach opens new pathways for understanding both traditions more deeply while fostering a truly global philosophy of religion.