“Philosophy as the Handmaid of Theology” in India: Šaňkara and the Initial Sūtras of Vedānta

Can and may the notion of theology be implemented in interreligious context, even where very term is unavailable, if so, to which extent? Given that we lack anything comparable concepts θεολογία or kalām India, author article demonstrates “theological practice” did take place though not same format as, for example, Neo-Platonism, i.e. as metaphysics. The how Šaňkara (7th–8th A.D.) presents correlation between sacred authority (the Vedas) a rational discourse (logical inference) concludes while founder Advaita-Vedānta considers Upanişads primary most reliable source knowledge Divinity, world man, rationality does contradict them should accomplish two services, elucidating defending what transmitted by (a translation from Sanskrit Šaňkara’s comments on three prolegomenic sūtras Vedānta are attached article). parallels with theistic theologies culminate statements acquisition highest good necessitates repudiation false philosophical doctrines (those materialists, Buddhists, Sāňkhyas, etc.) his understanding Vedas words Divine Author (in obvious contradiction view Mīmāňsākas whom their ‘underwritten’ absence author). Christianity come end difference “matter” being revealed: basic Christian (beginning doctrine Holy Trinity) can characterized surpassing reason, revealed quite understandable verities panentheistic worldview. investigation undertaken well set prospect dealing an intercultural reality.