Parmenides’ and Śaṅkara’s Nondual Being without Not-being
Philosophy East and West January 1, 2016 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1353/pew.2016.0013
Summary
The essay examines the parallels between Greek philosopher Parmenides and Indian philosopher Śaṅkara, particularly their views on being and nonduality. Both philosophers distinguish between being (the real Self) and not-being (the unreal Non-self) and utilize negative dialectic to evaluate common perceptions of reality. Their methods aim to guide readers toward understanding nondual reality.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | Parmenides’ concept of being is compared to Śaṅkara's nonduality of Brahman and ātman, highlighting their similar philosophical approaches. |
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Abstract
This essay explores the similarities in the thought of the Greek philosopher Parmenides (fifth century b.c.e .) and that of the Indian philosopher Śaṅkara (eighth to ninth centuries c.e .). Parmenides’ being is compared to the nonduality of Brahman and ātman , as defended by Sankara. The focus is especially on the methods used by both philosophers to help readers know nondual reality. First, they both make a distinction ( krísis/viveka ) between being (real, Self) and not-being (unreal, Non-self); and second, starting from this distinction, they both test, by means of negative dialectic, what, according to common sense, are the fundamental characteristics of reality.