The Concept of the Spiritual in Indian Thought

Abstract

FOR SYSTEMATIC COMPARATIVE philosophy, the concept of the spiritual needs clarification more than any other concept in the field. Eastern philosophies in general and Indian philosophy in particular are spoken of as spiritual in outlook when compared to Western philosophies, which are said to be humanistic, naturalistic, and scientific. But when an Indian philosopher addresses a Western audience and speaks of the spirit in Indian thought? Of course, since the world has different connotation faith, soul, God, immortality, and the like, which are common to both Eastern and Western religions and which are incorporated into many of their major philosophies. Consequently, the audience asks itself how Eastern philosophies are more spiritual than Western. Some Western philosophers, those who are acquainted with Indian thought, also ask how Indian philosophy is more spiritual than certain forms ofThomism, Neo-platonism, and Western idealism. Most Western students also find it difficult to under-