Dispelling Illusion: Gaudapada's Alatasanti with an Introduction

This book sets Gauapāda in historical context and develops a commentary that makes the meaning and significance of the Alātasānti text clear. In the Alātasānti, Gauapāda uses terms made familiar by Buddhism in order to expound his Vedantic philosophy. It places him at the watershed between Mahāyāna Buddhism and Vedanta.
Among the important issues discussed are Gauapāda'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 the author

Douglas A. Fox is David and Lucille Packard Professor of Religion at The Colorado College.

Product details

• Authors: Douglas A. Fox
• Publisher: Global Academic Publishing
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 01.08.1993
• EAN: 9780791415016
• ISBN: 978-0-7914-1501-6
• No. of pages: 146
• Weight: 390 g
• Series: SUNY Series in Philosophy; Suny Series in Religious Studi; Suny Religious Studies
• Subject: Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Other world religions