Indian Thought and Western Theism ─ The Vedanta of Ramanuja

This book is a study of the Vedanta of Ramanuja, in particular his concept of Brahman and of Brahman’s relationship with the world. It is also a critique of modern Western and Indian interpretation of Ramanuja’s work. Placing emphasis on Ramanuja’s account of Western theistic thought, it argues for a major rethinking of what kind of account is offered and for a reversal of the tendencies of earlier interpretations.
Modern Western and India studies of Ramanuja have drawn parallels with Western theistic accounts or used Western concepts to describe his thought. The author puts forward that fundamental points of convergence with classical Western theism and fundamental divergences from non-classical forms can be identified, thus reversing the tendency of earlier interpretation. It examines in detail the general comparisons that have been made and the various terms used, addressing the neglect of classical Western theism and of its relationship to Indian thought by Western and Indian scholars and furthers the proper appreciation of Ramanuja as a great Vedantic teacher.

Martin Ganeri is Lecturer in Theology at Heythrop College, University of London and Prior of Blackfriars, Cambridge, UK.