Author Description

The concept of non-duality is foundational to various Asian religious and philosophical traditions, finding its most sophisticated and diversified expressions in Indian thought. Focusing on a rich array of premodern Indian texts across multiple languages and traditions, this handbook charts the different articulations, functions and typologies of non-duality for the first time. Chapters highlight the seminal thinkers who creatively developed or engaged innovatively with an aspect of non-dualistic thought and praxis in their tradition. Written by a team of recognized experts, they cover all major Sanskrit-language religious and philosophical traditions of India-brahmanical, Buddhist, Jain and tantric-and vernacular works. Each contribution introduces critical terms, concepts and definitions used to convey and qualify non-duality, speaking directly to fundamental questions such as what is a key element of non-duality in this philosophical system or religious tradition? What work does it accomplish therein and how? Weaving together traditions that are often discussed in isolation, it reframes the scholarly approach to non-duality in premodern India and provides a comprehensive treatment of a complex and central issue in Indian philosophy and religion. This is an invaluable and accessible resource for scholars and students alike.