Classical Indian Metaphysics

by Stephen H. Phillips

Our knowledge of the most ancient times in India rests mainly on tradition. The Puranas, the Mahabharata, and in a minor degree of Ramayana profess to give accounts from tradition about the earliest accurrences. The Rgveda contains historical allusions, of which some record contemporary persons and events, but more refer to bygone times and persons and are obviously based on tradition.

Almost all the information therefore comes from tradition. The results obtained from an examination of Puranic and epic tradition as well as of the Rgveda and Vedic literature are set forth in the present book, which happens to be a pioneering work in the area by an important orientalist of the nineteenth century.

About the Author:

Stephen Phillips is professor of philosophy at the university of Texas at Austin. He has received a Fullbright and other fellowships for the study of Indian philosophies and has been visiting professor of philosophy at the University of Hawaii. Professor Phillips is author of Aurobindo`s Philosophy of Brahman and editor of Philosophy of Religion.