Sunya Purusa : Bauddha Vaisnavism of Orissa

Contents: Prologue. Introduction. I. The cultural milieu: 1. The cultural heritage of Orissa. 2. The Jagannatha Dharma. 3. Vaisnavism in Orissa. 4. Buddhism in Orissa. 5. Orissan Santha tradition. II. Philosophical concepts: 6. Sunya Purusa. 7. Sunya Purusa, Samsara and Jiva. 8. Jnanamisra Bhakti. 9. Pinda Brahmanda Tattva. 10. Srsti Tattva. 11. Mana. 12. Sudrabhava. Conclusion. Appendices. Glossary. Bibliography. Index.

"This pioneering study of the indigenous philosophical tradition of Orissa which evolved between the 15-16 century CE brings into limelight the wonderful syncretism of Buddhism and Vaisnavism, traditions that are generally considered philosophically antithetical. A deep metaphysical quest underlies the enquiries and analyses of this assimilative tradition and is epitomized in the works of the philosopher-poets of Orissa in the concept of the Sunya Purusa--the ineffable, indescribable and non-dual reality. This is a unique concept that encompasses within its fold the idea of Jagannatha (the Vaisnavite deity of Puri) as Sunya. The author explores the whole range of Indian philosophical heritage including Vaisnavism, Buddhism, Advaita Vedanta, Yoga, and Natha tradition to bring out the highpoints of this rare philosophical tradition. She, very competently, throws light on the philosophical theories/concepts of Bauddha Vaisnavism--Vaisnavic in form but Buddhist in spirit.

The book is a valuable guide on this distinctive Orissan Vaisnava tradition to all students and scholars of Indian religion and philosophy." (jacket)