In Rig Veda, we read, "ekam sad vipra bahudha vadanti" this means that which exists is One; sages call it by various names. If this is true that there is only one reality then why do we criticize others saying, I am the best and others are not. In some sense we are subjective and we are trying to project our transcendental self through different ways and means for example, through philosophy, theology and religion. The main reason behind this is nothing but ego and because of that ego we like certain things and deny certain things. There are similar problems in philosophy too, one considers himself as the best and puts down the other. Even when we accept God as an article of faith, the concept varies with different religions and traditions. How God is conceived in one tradition is different from the other and therefore it should be studied comparatively. The present book attempts to probe into such basic questions of God in the light of the historical and philosophical development of this concept and the contemporary reaction to the question of God concerning to two prominent traditions, namely, Nyaya and Christianity, with special reference to Udayana and Thomas Aquinas.
Dr. Rajen Lakra has made a genuine effort towards the shaping and growth of an authentic understanding of God that enjoys the true freedom of the spirit from within. This book is a comparative study of the concept of God in Nyaya and Christianity. He took up these two traditions because they are the two prominent traditions in East and West. He has dealt with three important aspects in this book. The first is about the proofs for the existence of God in Nyaya and Christian traditions. The second is about the role of God in their moral life. Lastly, he has compared a few primary concepts that are found in both the traditions, such as divine attributes, monotheism, creation, the problem of evil, liberation and he has tried to find an ontological argument whether possible through double negation in Nyaya tradition. The ontological argument is one of such topic that we don't find in Indian Philosophy directly.
This study is intellectually exciting because it provides access to the mysteries of the other tradition. Further, this helps me to develop certain aptitudes like critical thinking, communication competence, interpersonal awareness, and inter-cultural literacy, etc. Above all, it provides me an opportunity to have a better insight into my own religion, which leads me to become a better person. I believe this study can enhance our understanding of the history of ideas relating to Eastern and Western understanding of the concept of God, and to shed light on the implications of their future development. Further, this study may teach us to cultivate the virtue of sympathetic understanding, that is to say, you are tolerant; you do not think mine is the best, but others also have something to contribute.
There is a verse in the Rig Veda which says, "ekam sad vipra bahudha vadanti"3 - this means that which exists is One; sages call it by various names. If this is true that there is one reality then why do we criticize others saying, I am the best and others are not. In some sense we are subjective and we are trying to project our transcendental self through different ways and means for example, through philosophy, theology and religion. The main reason behind this is nothing but ego and because of that ego we like certain things and deny certain things. There are similar problems in philosophy too, one considers himself as best and puts down the other. Even when we accept God as an article of faith, the concept varies with different religions and traditions. How God is conceived in one tradition is different from the other and therefore it should be studied comparatively.
Thus I make an effort to compare the aspect of God in two prominent traditions of East and West. Because God is a major source of inspiration for all, who gives meanings to our religion, culture, history, arts, literature, etc. One of the important reasons for comparative studies is to respect the other's belief system because it can bring different cultures closer. Respecting and accepting each other's religions means one less reason to discriminate others and fewer conflicts and fights. This kind of study yields a deeper understanding of the fundamental theological and philosophical concerns of religion.
Book's Contents and Sample Pages
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Vedas (1274)
Upanishads (477)
Puranas (741)
Ramayana (893)
Mahabharata (329)
Dharmasastras (162)
Goddess (474)
Bhakti (242)
Saints (1289)
Gods (1280)
Shiva (335)
Journal (132)
Fiction (44)
Vedanta (322)
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