An Approach Road to Philosophy (An Old and Rare Book)

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LATE DR. VINAYAK HARI DATE

The author, a former University Professor of Philosophy has after his retirement in 1963 totally dedicated himself to a single pursuit of life, namely, the writing of books of spiritual import.

Much might have been written by others on this subject, but a close reader of his books will be struck by his original contribution and many of the readers' superstitions, prejudices and prepossessions will be removed since what the author has written is based either on his own experience or on the experience of his Spiritual Teacher and of other saints in general.

Dr. Date used to quote Professor R.D. Ranade and say that philosophy does not teach us to bake bread, it teaches us the value of it. Today, unfortunately we are after study of subjects which are only likely to bake bread for us. As a result, we have lost grasp over the eternal moral and spiritual values. Our outlook on life has become so narrow that we are unable to have a more synthetic and comprehensive view of the different and conflicting values of life. Dr. Date believed that turning to the study and practice of philosophy alone, especially to the one having direct bearing on spiritual life, will enable us to discover and regain what we have lost.

He was not unaware of the inherent difficulties in the study of philosophy. Conflicting views of different philosophers did nothing but confuse the minds of the people, and the subtleties of their arguments frightened away an ordinary render. As a highly respected teacher of philosophy interesting and instructive with an intention of drawing at least some to the serious study of it, his lectures had the force of his convictions. He always pointed out the common thread running through all the systems of philosophy.

This small book is a continuation of his endeavour. The attempt here is to make philosophical terms, phrases, and statements as less technical as possible while meticulously retaining their spirit and the meaning. This simplification should rouse the interest of the reader in knowing more about the subject. The book will help a newcomer to philosophy to understand the basic ideas in the subject with ease. In all, including teachers of philosophy, it will help bring a cohesive knowledge and a deeper meaning based on the common thread that runs hidden through seemingly different theories and systems; this thread being the ultimate goal of God. Realization.

Dr. Date's leaning towards Advaita philosophy of Sri Sankaracharya and his conviction in the mystical type of spiritual life is easily discernible in this work. He uses them as the basis and the standard for judging the significance of each system of thought.