<p>Throughout Śaṁkara's bhāșyas on the Upanișads, Bhagvad Gītā, and Brahma Sūtra, we are entreated to oft elaborate discussions on the principle of causality. These latter discussions are metaphysical in flavour and seem to have as their intent the establishment of a transcendental ground, Brahman. However, on the other hand, there are arguments adopted and utilized by Śaṁkara tat deny the causality principle ultimately. This thesis is an attempt to place these seemingly antithetical positions in proper perspective , and to illustrate that the principle of casuuality, for the Advaita, is no real hermeutical principle of Being (Brahman), but only a tentative proposition adopted within the structure of māyā and avidyā. At most causality is a tentative proposition utilized in a endeavour to appease the gods of reason, and not Brahman.</p> / Master of Arts (MA)

Master of Arts (MA)

<p>This thesis explores the Dionysian currents in the work of Friedrich Nietzsche through the motifs identified by Catholic philosopher Jean-Luc Marion. Marion's study of Nietzsche, conducted primarily in his text The Idol and Distance, focuses on the interest the latter took in sounding out the idols of the metaphysical tradition. Marion suggests that Nietzsche allows the reader to imagine the possibility of a non-idolatrous encounter with the divine, one characterized by, and taking place across, distance. The remainder of the thesis investigates this claim. First, it looks at Nietzsche's style of writing - a philosophical poetics marked by playful and dangerous experimeritation - in order to suggest that the style itself opens up distance in his work by fostering receptivity and personal abandon. Second, it studies Thus Spoke Zarathustra in order to notice how this important text promotes abandon, receptivity and praise as alternatives to idolatry. In reading Nietzsche through the work of Jean-Luc Marion, this paper contributes to the body of scholarship that considers Nietzsche a deeply religious figure, and questions the sharp distinction between Nietzsche's Dionysus and the Christ.</p> / Master of Arts (MA)

The purpose of this thesis is to examine Jain attitudes toward renunciation in the final two books of the Triṣaṣṭiśalākāpuruṣacaritra, the Pārśvanāthacaritra and the Mahāvīracaritra, through the creation of a typology of the stories of male renunciation. I argue that tensions exist between the two distinct models of renunciation found in the text - spontaneous renunciation early in life, and late, stage of life based renunciation. Such tensions also exist between the models of renunciation advocated by the heterodox and orthodox traditions of India. The early time renunciation is consistent with the model of renunciation presented by heterodox traditions, while the late time of renunciation parallels the orthodox asrama system's model of renunciation. The forty-nine stories discussed in this thesis are organized according to a tripartite typology based on the social position of the renunciant, the time of renunciation, and the cause of renunciation. The stories are initially divided into three groups according to the social position of the renunciant- ordinary individuals, kings, and princes. Each group is then discussed according to the remaining two aspects of the typology. Stories of ordinary individuals portray spontaneous, early renunciation, while stories of kings predominantly portray renunciation late in life, based on a particular stage. The stories of princes reveal that renouncing immediately upon experiencing the desire to do so is not always the most effective time to renounce. As such, the text clearly shows that a homogenous model of renunciation does not exist in the text and reveals flexibility on the proper time of renunciation. Although the time of renunciation is the focus of this thesis, other aspects of Jain attitudes toward renunciation are discussed, such as the importance of a personal and catalytic experience in bringing about firm resolve in renouncing. / Master of Arts (MA)

<p>p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.5px Times}</p> <p>This thesis translates and critically examines passages from the Hodayot or Hymns Scroll of Qumran in order to show that vital aspects of sectarian thought and self understanding are expressed by means of the concept of secrecy.</p> / Master of Arts (MA)

<p>The thesis is the outcome of a sustained exegesis of the Tiruarutpayan, a theological writing in Tamil by the thirteenth century Saivite theologian Umapati Sivācharya. The thesis begins with a brief statement of the background of the Tiruarutpayan, with special reference to the Saivite saints whose experience of grace formed the experiential groundwork for Umapati's theology. Next the general framework of Saiva Siddhanta belief is set forth in the light of Umapati's collection of Saiva agamas, the Satratanasangraha. The remainder of the work is a detailed study of Saiva Siddhanta grace doctrine, with special emphasis on the ideas of concealed and revealed grace, karma and maya as adjuncts of grace, the role of guru, and the nature of the awakening of the soul.</p> / Master of Arts (MA)

<p>This thesis uses Leo Strauss' analysis of Ibn Rushd's <em>Decisive Treatise</em> as an analytic framework to approach the <em>Decisive Treatise</em> anew and consider the political and philosophical importance of Ibn Rushd's argument about the relationship between reason and revelation. Using primary source documents in English, Arabic, French, and German, this thesis proposes that, by returning to Ibn Rushd' s text, the reader can develop a richer understanding of (1) the role of the philosopher in politics, according to Ibn Rushd, and (2) some of the complicated differences between the Islamic thought of Ibn Rushd and the Jewish thought of Maimonides as presented by Leo Strauss. This thesis offers an analysis of Strauss' reading of Ibn Rushd, a reading long overlooked by readers of Strauss and readers of Ibn Rushd alike. It provides the foundation for further research that will demonstrate the importance of Ibn Rushd' s thought, both for Islamic philosophy in general and for Leo Strauss specifically.</p> / Master of Arts (MA)

<p>It is increasingly acknowledged in treatments of the Cold War that any definitive narrative regarding this historical period must account for the role of religion in the public discourse of the time. Yet limited attention is accorded to the role of more marginal Catholic devotional organizations and their voice in Cold War discourse, most notably in the North American context.</p> <p>The Fatima Crusade is one such organization, founded in 1978 by Fr. Nicholas Gruner and based in Fort Erie, Ontario. Devoted to the serial apparitions of the Virgin Mary at Fatima, Portugal in 1917, the Fatima Crusade developed the call for Russia's conversion made explicit in Mary's revelations at Fatima into the focus for a peripheral yet extremely vocal conservative element of the Catholic Church in North America. This organization vehemently opposed Soviet Communism in the pages of its quarterly magazine during the latter years of the Cold War era.</p> <p>Fr. Nicholas Gruner's Fatima Crusade, marked by its apocalyptic Marianism and conservative Catholicism, provides a privileged vantage-point from which to examine the role of religiously-informed ideology in fashioning an anti-Communist polemic during the Cold War era in North America. This thesis explores the Fatima Crusade's development of the Fatima messages into an authoritative Marian apocalyptic worldview, its conflicts with the Church hierarchy regarding the interpretation of these messages, and the Crusade's ability to adapt its message to the latest historical developments and social issues following the collapse of the Soviet Union. While the Crusade's greater emphasis on social issues after the end of the Cold War tapped into larger Protestant apocalyptic discourses in North America, it still constitutes the latest articulation of a distinct and long-standing Marian apocalyptic tradition in Roman Catholicism.</p> / Master of Arts (MA)

<p>1. Scope of the Study</p> <p>The-purpose of this thesis is to provide an in-depth study of those opinions of Pierre Vallières which deal with the place . which the Roman Catholic Church has in the history of Quebec. In the course of this study, some examination will be made into the opinions of some other thinkers who have written about Quebec. These people's views are important to the extent that they serve to help further the point of the thesis which is to explicate the position of Pierre Vallières.</p> <p>The secondary material will help to establish in the reader's mind the over-all scope and nature of the topic under study. In a sense, it provides background information to Vallières' own thoughts. This material will indicate the complexity of the topic, and will give a clearer picture of that material of Vallières which is examined. In addition, these views will, in many ways, provide a contrast to those of Pierre Vallières, thereby giving to the reader a basis of comparison between the ideas of others and the ideas of Vallières.</p> <p>I will pay greatest attention to the writings of Pierre Vallières, specifically his first book, Nègres blanks d'Amèrique. This particular book deals more with the Roman Catholic Church in Quebec than any of his other writings, including his second and only other book, L'urgence de choisir. Because of this fact, only minor attention will be given to Vallières writings other than Nègres blanks d'Amèrique. From those writings which are available, Nègres blanks d'Amèrique stands out as the prime source with regards to Pierre Vallières position on the Roman Catholic Church·in Quebec.</p> <p>2. Purpose of the Study</p> <p>Why is it important at this time to do a study of this type which deals with the opinions of someone like Pierre Vallières particularly as they pertain to the Roman Catholic Church in Quebec? There are two basic reasons which provide the answer to this question: <strong>(1) </strong>The Roman Catholic Church has always been a most important force in the development of French Canada. This is reflected in the strong influence it has had on the social conditions in Quebec. This religious institution more than any other significant organization has determined the type of culture -- including language, religion -- which the Québécois have always thought of as their own. In addition, it has been a most powerful force in determining the political developments in Quebec. Thus, the Roman Catholic Church should be examined because it has been central to the development of various aspects of French Canadian life. (2) The views of Pierre Vallières are particularly important because of the significant role he has played in the movements of protest -- in both the religious and political spheres -- which are fermenting in present day Quebec. Pierre Vallières -- the man's ideas, and, as well, his lived-world involvement -- represents a model of the forces of change that have affected Quebec. For one thing, he represents a new generation of French Canadians whose ideas, beliefs and customs are very different from those held by past generations. Many members of the new generation look to Pierre Vallières as the one who most clearly expresses the ideas which they hold to be true -- this was especially true during the fifties and sixties which were the decades of most turbulent ferment and change.</p> <p>In Nègres blancs d'Amérique, Vallières integrates a condemnation of the traditional societal patterns in Quebec with a condemnation of the Roman Catholic Church in Quebec. By doing so, he states what many Québécois believe to be true about their own society. Those Québécois who have turned away from the R.oman Catholic Church and have opted for ways which are basically secular and, at times, anti-clerical, often identify with the opinions expressed by Pierre Vallières. Indeed, it also seems to be true that many Québécois who continue to believe in the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church have come to identify with much which Pierre Vallieres states concerning, Quebec. In some ways, Nègres blancs d'Amérique can be viewed as a handbook for these various types of dissidents, for the changing attitudes regarding traditional ideas, beliefs and customs are reflected in the pages of this book.</p> <p>Thus, the views of Pierre Vallières, which are concerned with a number of topics pertinent to Quebec and her history, but, above all, with the. religious and political spheres of activity, are important because they are in a broad way representative of the beliefs of many contemporary Québécois.</p> <p>To examine the thoughts of Pierre Vallières is a relevant and important task, since these·thoughts are pertinent in a central way to the over-all pattern of behaviour which the Quebecois of today are coming to adopt as their own. Vallières and others like him are rebelling against a strong force of traditionalism which has had a great influence on the character of Quebec for so many years. This traditionalism has, in large measure, placed the Roman Catholic Church at its centre to the extent that the Church has become the guiding force of the tradition. The importance which the Roman Catholic Church has had in Quebec is reason enough for a study of that role. To do so through the eyes of someone like Pierre Vallières is all the more valuable since in many ways it involves a bringing together of the old and the new. The old, in this case, is the Roman Catholic Church in Quebec, while the new concerns those citizens of modern-day Quebec who express their reaction to the Roman Catholic Church in secular political terms. p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Times} span.s1 {font: 9.0px Helvetica} span.s2 {font: 9.5px Helvetica}</p> / Master of Arts (MA)

<p>In this thesis, I address the popular idea that Buddhism is a religion of nonviolence through the case study of a Sōtō Zen Buddhist group in Montréal, Canada. I focus on the following question: Is nonviolence a major concern for practitioners at the Association Zen de Montréal (AZM), and, if yes, why? I first examine Zen Buddhist violence and nonviolence scripturally and historically to show that both trends are present in the tradition. I also address the way in which the founder of the AZM, Deshimaru Taisen, presented his actions during the Fifteen-Year War to his Western followers. After providing ethnographic details about the group and its mother organization, the Association Zen Internationale (AZI), I turn to a discussion of the possible models of nonviolence in Deshlmaru's writings. I then turn to practitioners' own views of the relation between their Zen practice and nonviolence.</p> <p>I demonstrate that although nonviolence is not a defining characteristic of the AZM, practitioners do not hesitate to advance that Zen has a nonviolence impact on their lives. Furthermore, I argue that the variety of responses to the topic of nonviolence in this group is best explained by looking at the different discourses present in their views. These are the Western traditions such as analytic psychology, Romanticism, and Enlightenment thinking, the modern discourse on Zen produced in the post-Meiji years, and Deshimaru's own personality and behaviour, still emulated by his close disciples. Finally, the fact that Deshimaru never articulated a clear stance on nonviolence also helps explain why individuals possess different views on nonviolence.</p> / Master of Arts (MA)