An Evaluation of the Vedantic Critique of Buddhism

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This book represents an attempt to compare the critique of Buddhism as set forth in the interpretations of Sankara, Ramanuja and Madhva to the Brahma-sutra II.2.18.32, with the positions actually elaborated by the Buddhists in their own texts. It is also an attempt to compare the conflicting interpretations of the three commentators. In order to provide a background for the study of these sutras, however, it is necessary to explore the following topics: A) The Text; B) The Three Vedantins; C) Arguments Among the Buddhist Realists-Sarvastivadins and Sautrantikas; D) Vijnanavadins and the Logicians; E) The Madhyamikas; F) The Later Logicians; G) Sankara's "crypto"-Buddhism.

From the Jacket

This book represents a comparison of the critique of Buddhism as set forth in the interpretations of Sankara, Madhva, and Ramanuja to the sutras of the second section (adhyaya) of the Brahma-sutras concerned with the refutation of Buddhism, with the positions actually elaborated by the Buddhists in their own texts. An attempt is also made to compare the conflicting interpretations of the three commentators to these particular sutras, in accordance with the philosophical approach unique to each commentator.

The book is divided into two parts. The first part consists of an Introductory Background. It includes a brief description of the Brahma-sutras as a text and summarizes the philosophical positions of the three commentators. The second part proceeds sutra by sutra to study the three commentators' interpretations of the particular sutras directed against the Buddhists.

Gregory J. Darling received his Ph. D. from the Department of Religion at Columbia University in New York City in 1982. He specialized in Indic Religion. His advisor was Alex Wayman, Professor of Sanskrit at Columbia University and author of many books and articles on Buddhism.