This thesis analyses the structure of Abhinavagupta's theory of the non-duality of consciousness as expressed in 108 verses of his Miilinivijaya-viirttika (2. 1-108), a section translated here for the first time. The main research problem of this study has two major concerns: 1) how it is that the structure of Abhinavagupta's theory of the non-duality of consciousness (samvtdadvayavada) correlates different types of analyses (e.g. hermeneutic, metaphysical and soteriological), allowing mapping between various elements of these analyses; 2) how it is that this structure is able to integrate elements, more than simply cancelling them out, without disturbing the coherence of the theory. The purpose of this thesis is to offer an answer to these concerns. I shall do so by defending the claim that such a structure can be mapped by a model with two components, termed: (i)'uni-propositionality' and (ii)'recursiveness'. I argue for the claim that both components will show how that structure allows for the systematic correlation between these types of analyses, allowing the integration of elements without disturbing the theory. In this study both components (i & ii) and their mutual interrelations will be termed the 'Correlative Model'. If one type of analysis can be understood in terms of the' Correlative Model', the other two will also be understood. By 'uni-propositionality' in Abhinavagupta's 'philosophy I mean that there is one single proposition to be demonstrated in the three types of analyses mentioned. This single proposition can be stated as follows: X is the ultimate non-dualist principle that appears to be many due to Y'. 'Recursiveness' is understood as a pattern which allows each part of a given sequence to perform a systematic reintroduction of one pre-established value/proposition; in such a way that any subsequent element in a given sequence (e.g. a sequence of sloka-s in a text, or the sequence of tattva-s, etc.) is defined by a pre-established value/proposition.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:556696 |
| Date | January 2010 |
| Creators | Ruiz, Xicotencatl Octavio Martinez |
| Publisher | Lancaster University |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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