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CHAPTER FOUR
Philosophy and Psychology
of The Jainas*
In the concluding paragraph of the Prospectus of mind I find the following suggestive words: While granting due credit to Hindu metaphysics and the mysticism of the Orient in general, we are yet inclined to look for the development of a Western Psychology that will harmonize with the conditions of life in the Occident, at the same time tending to promote the spiritual welfare of the race as a whole.” This statement seems to whisper in my ears that "Hindu' metaphysics has not been able to offer the right solution of the various intricate problems of life that are staring in the face of the Western thinker. By “Hindu" is meant, of course, the special phase of Vedanta philosophy that has been presented to the people of the West during the last four years.
I am glad that the truth in Vedanta has come to the shores of this country. It would have been much better, however, if the whole truth lying back of the different sectarian systems of India had been presented, so that a complete instead of a partial view of India's wisdom might have satisfied the craving of deep students. But the history of the religious and philosophic progress
* Reprinted from Mind, Vol. 1, No. 4
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