Book Review Encyclopedia Of Indian Philosophies

Author(s): Johannes Bronkhorst
Publisher: Johannes Bronkhorst

Page 8

BUCHBESPRECHUNGEN / COMPTES RENDUS 725 grammatical study (vyakarana) the attainment of heaven (svarga) through the correct use of words and liberation from bondage (moksa)." This is misleading, for Patanjali's Mahabhasya does not even contain the word moksa. A note refers to K.A. Subramania Iyer's article "Bhartrhari on vyakarana as a means of attaining moksa" (ALB 28, 1964, 112-131) pp. 112-113. But these pages do not contain the words liberation and moksa either (except of course in the title). In fact, Iyer concludes his first section with the words: "Thus, according to Bhartrhari, the author of the Mahabhasya looked upon both abhyudaya and nihsreyasa as two of the aims of the study of grammar" (my emphasis). Be it noted that not even nihsreyasa is offered by Patanjali as an aim of grammar. One regrets once again that a work meant for non-Indologists (i.e., for those who cannot, or are not likely to check what is presented to them) is so sloppy in the information it provides. To conclude, the volume on The Philosophy of the Grammarians is as a whole rather disappointing. Let us hope, however, that it will inspire others to improve upon it, and especially that it will induce them to participate in the exploration of Bhartshari's philosophy, and of the role of language in Indian thought in general. Johannes Bronkhorst