The systems of Indian philosophy represent the attempts at a logical explanation of the problem of a reality and a reasoned interpretation of spiritual experiences. Traditionally, the systems are divided into the `Astika darsanas', i.e. the orthodox systems and the Wastika darianae, i.e. the heterodox systems-Buddhism and Jainism. This division is founded on the acceptance or rejection of the Vedas as the source of authority, not only in the worldly but also in the spiritual matters (srutipramanya). The six orthodox systems of Indian philosophy profess an allegiance in varying degress to the authority of the Vedas and thus display a profound regard for tradition, a positive outlook towards the world, the life and its manifold activities, these are some of the features shared in common by these systems which mark them out from Buddhism. Buddhism signified right from its origin a negative at-titude in different field. In the beginning it stood against the sacrificial and ritualistic practices highly prevelant in the society at large, against the distinction among men based on four social classes. In philosophy, as presented by the Brahmanical systems there was first the denial of soul, as sup-ported by the theory of universal flux which meant denial of any enduring thing. Buddhism denied causation as a real process. The six orthodox systems of Indian philosophy have waged a fierce and continuous intellectual warfare with the Buddhist.
The present book contains 19 chapters, which are - Buddhism as presented by Gotama in the Nyayasutra and Vatsyayana in the Nyayabhasya ; Buddhism as presented by Udyotakara in the Nyayavarttika; Bud-dhism as presented by Vacaspati Misra in the Nyayavarttikatatparyatika ; Buddhism as presented by Jayanta Bhatta in the Nyayamarijari ; Buddhism as presented by Sridhara in the, Nyayalcandali; Buddhism as presented by Sabara in the Sabarabhasya ; Buddhism as presented by Kumarila in the Slokavarttika; Buddhism as presented by Prabhakara in the Brhati ; Buddhism as presented by Badrayana in the Brahmasutras ; Buddhism as presented by Sankara in the Br. S. Bhasya; Buddhism as presented by Patanjali in the Yogasutras; Buddhism as presented by Vyasa in the Yogabliasya ; Buddhism as presented by Vacaspati in the Tattvaisaradi ; Buddhism as presented in the Yuktidipika ; Buddhism as presented by Kapila in the Sankhyasutras; Buddhism as presented by Aniruddha in the Sankhyasutravrtti; Buddhism as presented by Vijflanabhikshu in the Sankhyapravacanabhasya. The book contains a resume. Chronology, Bibliog-raphy, and an index.
