World of Philosophy

Author(s): Christopher Key Chapple, Intaj Malek, Dilip Charan, Sunanda Shastri, Prashant Dave
Publisher: Shanti Prakashan

Page 967

is no philosophy but empty intellectual construction which may quench the thirst of the curious but is otherwise irrelevant. This is the reason why Indian society from the beginning took guidance from the philosophers to lead good life. The idea of Plato that philosophers must be the rulers and directors of society is practiced in India. The real philosopher is a living example of knowledge, freedom, tranquility, simplicity, wisdom and peace. Real philosophers are revered and admired as ideal men in Indian society and culture. Heinrich Zimmer rightly pointed out that "In India , Philosopher is not respected merely for his subtle dialectical powers and vast theoretical knowledge, he is respected and looked up to as an inspiration because of the wisdom his life reflects" ( Philosophies of India. P.50].
Indian way of looking at philosophical problems are quite different from that of Western philosophy. Philosophical problems are closely related to daily life of man. We can not separate these problems from life. Thus, Indian thinkers have adopted synthetic approach to philosophy and within it , they have included, Metaphysics, Epistemology, Logic and Ethics. The close relation of the spiritual and moral life has resulted in the unity of philosophy and religion in India Infact; both philosophy and Religion are inseparable from Indian life. Philosophy and Religion are two sides of the same coin. Philosophy is theoretical aspect and religion is practical side of the same. Philosophy, with its scientific and rational analysis elucidates the way and the wherefore of life and the universe and contains a coherent system of thought for interpreting the Reality. The religious injunctions laid down the spiritual practices to be followed for reaching the ultimate goal of life. Philosophy satisfies the curiosity of mind with reason and religion takes him nearer to truth. For Indian thinkers, Philosophy without practice is tantamount to an utopian myth and religion divorced from philosophy becomes a bundle of superstitions. So, the Religion in India is , an endeavor to translate the high philosophical principles, values and virtues of life to practical living. Philosophy and religion together help us to grow from world of intellect, world of divided consciousness with its discords, dualities, to a life of harmony, of freedom, of love and peace. Main aim of philosophy is the integration of personality, which reconciles individual to his/her own nature, his/her fellow men and women and the supreme spirit. The reality which is to be realized in life is the soul of the truth, delight of life, the fullness of peace and Immortality
[ Satyatmapranaramam mana anandam shantisamruddham amrutam').Indian philosophers, keeping this great ideal in mind, provides not only metaphysical or philosophical theories, but also mechanism to operate them and has exhorted people to test these theories in practical life. Philosophy in India conceives of man as a spiritual in nature, is interested primarily in his spiritual destiny and relates him in some way to a universe which is also spiritual in essential character. According to Indian philoso
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