The Problems Of Knowledge In Yogacara Buddhism

Description

The Problems Of Knowledge In Yogacara Buddhism The present work ‘The Problem of Knowledge in Yogācāra Buddhism’ is the published form of my thesis ‘An Appraisal of Yogācāra Epistemology’ which was approved for the Degree of the Doctor of Philosophy by the University of Allahabad in 1966. It aims to draw a vivid and true picture of Yogacăra epistemology by presenting its critical exposition along with its western parallels. It wants to clear up the misunderstanding caused by the biased and unbalanced criticism of Yogācāra epistemology from Indian and Western philosophers.

The work took long four years of toil and turmoil. During these years I received support both moral and material from many great men without whose encouragement I would not have been able to reach the goal.

First of all I want to pay my homage to the sacred memory of late Professor R. N. Kaul, the Head of the Department of Philosophy, University of Allahabad. The paternal love and affection which have been bestowed upon me by him are valuable treasure which will remain always fresh in my memory and remind me the ideal relationship between the teachers and students of ancient India. Further I want to express my gratitude to Dr. Balbhadra Prasad the ex Vice- Chancellor of Allahabad University who has been a great patron of scholars and students and whose reign as the Vice- Chancellor of this University shall be remembered by all the students who come to University to study and prepare them- selves as the soldiers of free India in all walks of life. I am grateful to Dr. Umesh Mishra the ex Vice-Chancellor of the Darbhanga Sanskrit University, Bihar and Pandit Raghuvara Mittha Lal Sastri who always encouraged and explained me the problems of philosophy. Dr. S. Datta, the ex-Head of the Department of Philosophy, Allahabad University had always been kind enough to help me and solve my difficulties.