Indian Philosophy and Yoga in Germany

During the nineteenth century, German scholars engaged with classical Yoga philosophies, which were translated from Sanskrit. The book explores how these translations were caught up in debates about the origins of western religious and intellectual culture, as well as the rise of pantheism. It also examines how concerns about the perceived nihilism of Yoga were addressed by key voices in the early twentieth century Indian Renaissance. The book is written for non-specialists and will be of interest to students and scholars in nineteenth-century philosophy, Indian philosophy, comparative philosophy, Hindu studies, intellectual history, and religious history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 178 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intriguing and, at times, enigmatic reception of classical Yoga philosophies in Germany during the nineteenth century. As the debates over God, religion, and morality reached a fervent peak in Europe, Sanskrit translations of ancient Indian thought became accessible for the first time, igniting a significant controversy concerning the origins of Western religious and intellectual culture. Building upon this controversy, this book explores how early translations of renowned texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras became entangled in another debate surrounding the rise of pantheism, a doctrine that identifies God and nature. It reveals how these theological concerns shaped the perception of Indian thought in the works of prominent figures such as Schlegel, Gunderrode, Humboldt, Hegel, Schelling, and others, enduring into the nineteenth century and beyond. Furthermore, this book delves into how concerns about the perceived nihilism of Yoga were addressed by key voices in the early twentieth-century Indian Renaissance, notably Dasgupta, Radhakrishnan, and Bhattacharyya, who defended sophisticated counterreadings of their intellectual heritage during the colonial era.

Written with a clear and accessible style, Indian Philosophy and Yoga in Germany is an invaluable resource for students and scholars engaged in nineteenth-century philosophy, Indian philosophy, comparative philosophy, Hindu studies, intellectual history, and religious history. It offers a comprehensive exploration of the complex interplay between Indian thought, German intellectual traditions, and the broader cultural context of the nineteenth century, shedding new light on the enduring influence of these philosophical traditions on Western thought.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032452333