Sambodhi 2014 Vol 37

Author(s): J B Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 62

A Critique of 'Avidyāvicāra' of
Prof. Nagin G. Shah
Vijay Pandya
Prof.Nagin G. Shah whose work 'Sankara-Vedāntaman Avidyāvicára' in Gujarati has been taken up here for a philosophical evaluation is a well-known erudite scholar of Indian Philosophy. He has written several volumes on various Indian philosophical systems such as Jaina, Buddha, Samkhya, Yoga, Nyāya, Vaišesika and Vedānta and it can be seen that he has covered a vast ground of Indian Philosophy. His doctorate thesis entitled Akalanka's Criticism of Dharmakīrti's Philosophy A Study has been critically acclaimed by the scholarly world for its meticulous marshalling of the cogent arguments and sharp critical acumen. His three other works in English (1) A Study of Nyāyamañjarī, a mature Sanskrit work or Indian Logic (in three parts) (ii) Essays in Indian Philosophy and (iii) Samantabhadra's Aptamīmāṁsā - Critique of an Authority can be regarded as his substantial contribution to the Indian Philosophical world. His two volumes in Gujarati entitled as Saddarśana : Samkhya and Yoga and Nyāya and Vaiśesika have served as an authentic text book of Indian Philosophical Systems for several generations of students of philosophy of Gujarat, though it is a misnomer to call it as Saddarśana as it does not complete the figure of six having left out Pūrvamīmāṁsā and the Uttaramimāṁsā systems. This, my paper, though in its present form in which I am presenting, is somewhat elementary and introductory in its nature, may be regarded as a humble tribute to this great Savant of Gujarat who contributed ceaselessly and tirelessly, while he lived, a lot to the cause of Sanskrit and Indian Philosophy. Now to take up the subject of this paper, the book entitled Śānkara-Vedānta man Avidyāvicāra, is written by Dr. Nagin G. Shah, taking up the consideration of the concept of Avidyā, a cornerstone of the grand edifice of the system of philosophy of the Sānkara-Vedānta. According co me, there are two strange things, which draw our attention regarding this book. First of