Indian Philosophies Rediscovered: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Relevance
By Rajeev Kurapati
Rupa Publications, 232 pages, Rs 395.00

Western philosophy, in its original conception, offered guidance on the key question: ‘How to Live’. Over the centuries, the job of answering that question was taken over by the Church, leaving philosophy proper to do the dry and dirty work of analyzing concepts and doing metaphysics. In recent decades, a movement has been on to discover the roots of philosophy as a lesson in living.

The Indian question is exactly the opposite. Philosophy here sounds so other-worldly and spiritually motivated that a movement has been on to prove that it also has ‘philosophy proper’ in the western, academic sense of the term.

Be that as it may, there is no denying the fact that the many schools of Indian philosophy are full of exciting debates on the best mode of living. In ‘Indian Philosophy Rediscovered’, Rajeev Kurapati seeks to present this ancient wisdom to a modern reader. In a sense, the reader also comes to re-examine, re-understand and re-integrate India's diverse philosophical heritage into the global philosophical discourse. 

While there have been many introductions to philosophies with an academic bent, Kurapati offers the distilled wisdom to the rest of the readers. It presents intricate philosophical concepts in an accessible and coherent way, making them understandable to both newcomers and those with prior interest. For those with some background on one of the schools, this book provides an ideal introduction to the rest of them.

It also serves as the first step in the study of the Indian civilization. The backbone of every civilization lies in its ability, determination, and resilience to build a foundation of knowledge, discourse, and critique. The history of our world, as a collective, is shaped by the treasure troves of ideas and philosophies born from the minds of remarkable women and men. These philosophies continue to influence and define our existence. 

Throughout history, Western thought has dominated global discourse, introducing readers worldwide to insights from its rich intellectual traditions. This prominence, supported by historical power structures, often led to the overshadowing of Eastern philosophies. In recent times, however, there has been a growing recognition of the need to rediscover the wisdom of the East. India, in particular, offers a wealth of philosophical systems grounded in reason and logic. 

In ‘Indian Philosophies Rediscovered’, Kurapati, a U.S.-based physician and philosopher, embarks on a journey down the memory lane of ancient India, aiming to reawaken the depth and richness of its philosophical legacy. The book offers an engaging exploration of India’s philosophical systems and the thinkers behind them, illuminating the often-overlooked contributions of Indian thought. By systematically examining the major schools of Indian philosophy, the book highlights the importance of integrating their insights into the global philosophical canon, emphasizing their enduring relevance and significance in reasoned inquiry. 

Grounded in philosophical inquiry and practical insights, this work reflects a balanced approach to understanding universal truths. It can put the reader on an exciting journey of finding meaning in today’s chaotic world.