Life, Thought and Mysticism in India

by Mahendra Nath Sircar

The present book by Dr. M.N. Sircar is a unique work on Indian Philosophy. It is not just an exposition or history of Indian Philosophy in the traditional sense. Dr. Sircar has brought out in this work what is living in the continued history of Indian philosophy in inimitable language and style. The author has brought out the true essence of Upanishadic mysticism which is the fountain head of all Indian thought currents and religious life. With equal penetration and understanding he has fully explained the philosophy and practice of the Tantras. Chapters on the Bhagavadgita and the Bhagavatapurana describes the development of Indian mysticism and its impact on the religion and thinking of modern India.

The author has further traced the continuity of Indian philosophical thought through the life and teachings of great thinkers of modern India, viz. Rammohan Roy, Ramakrishna, Vivekananda, Swami Dayananda and Sri Aurovindo. The contribution of these great men of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to religious life and social reforms have been evaluated against the background of the philosophical traditions of India. The small volume presents a complete picture of Indian religion, philosophy and society.

About the Auothor:

Dr. Mahendra Nath Sircar (1882-1954) started his career as a lecturer in the Govt. Sanskrit College, Calcutta. Later on he taught philosophy in the Presidency College and Calcutta University. He lectured on Indian Philosophy in a number of Universities and became internationally known as a great exponent of Indian Philosophy. He presided over the all India Philosophical Congress held in Benares, in 1947. Among his works, Upanishader Alo and Hindu Mysticism deserve mention.