Consciousness in Indian Philosophy - (Bloomsbury Introductions to World Philosophies) by Matthew MacKenzie (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A comparative and critical introduction to several influential theories of consciousness developed in the Indian tradition. Primarily focused on the classical period (approximately 100 CE-1400 CE), it surveys the views of consciousness developed in the Abhidharma, Yogåacåara, and Pramåaònavåada schools of Buddhism and the Nyåaya, Yoga, Advaita, and Pratyabhijänåa schools of Hinduism"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Consciousness has been a central theme of Indian philosophy for more than 2500 years. Returning to the theories that originated in the Classical age, Matthew MacKenzie presents the first comprehensive overview of Indian views about the nature and structure of consciousness.

MacKenzie looks to the Upanisads and the early Buddhist discourses for the roots of the theories, following consciousness as it developed in the Abhidharma, Yogacara, and Pramaavada schools of Buddhism and the Nyaya, Yoga, Advaita, and Nondual Saiva schools of Hinduism. In the Upanisads, he introduces us to sages and kings who discussed the elusive light (prakasa) of consciousness and its relation to one's deepest self (atman). In early Buddhist texts the complex flow of conscious mental events are explored within an impermanent, selfless reality. In yogic texts we find a sharp distinction between ever-shifting objects and the pure light of consciousness.

Addressing timeless questions surrounding the fundamental nature of reality, MacKenzie focuses throughout on whether and how consciousness illuminates objects as well as itself. A critical and comparative introduction to a major philosophical subject, this book marks a new direction for understanding the cross-cultural philosophy of consciousness.

About the Author

Matthew MacKenzie is Professor of Philosophy at Colorado State University, USA.