It is generally held that for Sankara, `Jnana marga' is the only way for
Self-realization and that `Karma marga' has no salvific importance. It is this notion that
this book proves it wrong! Sankara, while considering `Jnana' as the only means for
salvation, never negates the importance and the obligatoriness of `Karma'. He rather
recognizes twofold Vedic religion - religion of work and religion of renunciation of work
(knowledge) as ordained by God. Though these two are distinct means which cannot be
conjoined, meant for two distinct classes of the people - the path of works (rites) for
the ignorant and the path of knowledge for the knowledgeable (the sannyasins), they are
integrally related in the sense that works help people to climb the ladder of spirituality
in order to attain purity of mind. Only those whose hearts are pure are eligible to tread
the path of knowledge. So, these two means are complementing one another - `Karma yoga'
leads to `jnana yoga' and `jnana' in turns leads to Self-realization. Thus, there is
essential relationship between `Karma Yoga' and `Jnana Yoga' for Self-realization in
Sankara Advaita Vedanta.
Contents
Preface
Introduction
1. The Life and Thought of Sankara: An Overview
2. Sankara's Theological Method
3. Sankara's Interaction with the Mimamsa
4. Sankara's Interpretation of the `Karma Yoga' of the Bhagavad Gita
5. Integral Relationship between `Karma' and `Jnana' for Self-realization
Conclusion
Bibliography
The author Rev. Dr. Rodinmawia Ralte was formerly the Associate
Professor of Religion at Bishop College, Kolkata and also the Associate Professor of
Religion and Philosophy at the North India Institute of Post Graduate Theological Studies,
Kolkata, India. He is presently serving as a Pastor under the Baptist Church of Mizoram.
He authored three books in English and another 4 books in Mizo and published numerous
articles in the leading theological Journals in India. His English books include - `Hindus
and Hindutva' (2014), `The Unveiled Christ of the Indian Gurus' (2017), and `The Interface
of Science and Religion' (2017); the latter two being CWI publications.
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