An Evaluation of the Methodologies, Unity and Ethics: Advaita Vedānta, Jain and Buddhist Philosophies
Rajeev Lochan Tripathi
Abstract
This article aims at providing evidence of contemporary application and integration of various methodologies with the interdisciplinary field of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist traditions learnt under Dharma Studies. Drawing from philosophy, ethical theory, religious and cultural studies this article discusses how these Indic traditions engage with global and diaspora issues of environmental ethics, social justice, and identity. It examines recent works to show the synergies and differences in terms of the common and each perspective in ethical, epistemological, and hermeneutical uses in the contemporary world. This review makes a plea for intersubjective methodologies in Dharma Studies to augment spiritual and philosophical reflection and asserts that these traditions are pivotal in the provision of normativity and resources for maintaining culture in the contemporary world. Further, the article also explores the non-dualism found in the Indian philosophies of Advaita Vedānta, Jain Anekāntavāda and Buddhist Madhyamika a has a rich interpretation of Consciousness, Self and Ethical endeavour. This article examines non-dual imagination in each of those traditions may help develop an epistemology that is free from the assumptions of liberal individualism and Dualism for the present-day context. Although previous research provides non-duality as a meditative or mystical paradigm, little attention is paid to ethical aspects and global problems such as environmental ethics and intercultural relations. In this study, major non-dual concepts including Brahman, śūnyatā (emptiness), and anekāntavāda are chosen and analysed with the aim of filling this research gap and presenting a fresh approach to how non-dual ways of thinking lead to ethical behaviour based on compassion and interconnection.
Keywords: Unity; Buddhist Philosophy, Jain Philosophy; Ethics; Inter-Subjectivity