Śaṅkarācārya and Ānanda

• Published in: Philosophy east & west Vol. 48; no. 4; pp. 553 - 567
• Main Author: Myers, Michael W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Honolulu University of Hawaii Press 01.10.1998; University Press of Hawaii
• Subjects: Analysis; Atman; Axiology; Beliefs, opinions and attitudes; Brahmans; Consciousness; Desire; Empiricism; Felicity; Happiness; Hinduism; Indian philosophy; Judgment; Philosophy; Philosophy of religion; Philosophy, Indian; Pleasure; Sankara (700?-50?); Self; Shankara, Adi; Theology; Upanishads; Vedanta

This essay defends the view of G. C. Pande that, contrary to received opinion, "ānanda" (bliss, felicity) is accepted by Śaṅkara (ca. 788-820) as a feature of Brahman consistent with and parallel to sat (being) and cit (consciousness). It also includes a counterargument by B. N. K. Sharma,...