Relevance of the Concept of M��y�� in the Monistic Ontology of ��a���kara

This book illustrates the relevance of the concept of Māyā in the ontology of the Advaita system in Indian Philosophy. Here I systematically evaluate the Hindu Sacred Scriptures which are the basis of this philosophical system and find out the different understanding of the concept of Māyā and the role that it plays in the whole system. The paper consists of four chapters. In the first chapter I have mentioned the different general features of the philosophy system in India and the different understandings of reality by different traditions. This would help us to realize the distinctive role of the Advaita school in Indian philosophy. In the second chapter I have examined the linguistic and conceptual understanding of the term ‘māyā’. The third chapter the core chapter of this work explains the specific role of māyā in explaining the monistic ontology of the Advaita Vedānta. The fourth chapter illustrates the different criticisms of the concept of māyā both from Indian and Western philosophical traditions. The Advaitins’ responses to the raised criticisms enrich this chapter.