|
Anindita Balslev, a profound expert in Asian as well as in western thought-traditions, enters with her article an up to now neglected
domain, which provides especially the western reader with highly interesting informations about Asian culture. Taking up the scientific discussion about the differences and generalities of western and eastern
Philosophy, she asks about its relevance today, focusing on the central question, in how far Philosophy could contribute to a cross-cultural understanding.
She approaches this subject very critical, distinguishing herself sharply from the common opinions and prejudices, as there are for example the
distinction between a 'mystical, mysterious and non-rational East' and a 'demystified, enlightened and rational West'. Very rightly she points out, that these clichés contribute to the existing thought-borders
between western and eastern Philosophy.
Looking back, there have been many attempts to establish the eastern way of thinking in our culture, for example the Hippie-Movement, the Theosophical
Society or in our times the New-Age-Movement. But the above mentioned clichés can be seen very clear in these movements. They tend to value negatively and finally deny their own culture and to replace it by a new,
exotic and mystic way of thinking and rituals, yearning for more wisdom and transcendental experiences. For sure, these attempts helped to a better understanding of eastern philosophy and religion, but mostly this
insight remained veiled by some kind of romanticism. A real discussion with the own tradition took place only partly.
In the world of science we have the same problem. The same prejudices, the same clichés hinder these two traditions in taking up a real communication
and understanding. Balslev argues, that for example comparative religion, literature and philology present some interesting approaches concerning this problem, but we don’t find a proper approach in Philosophy. In
her article Anindita Balslev demonstrates very clearly the necessity and capability of interdisciplinary working in the field of arts, and points out, that Philosophy as a 'Mother-Discipline' should work on
developing cross-cultural models and methods in order to establish a 'cultural bridge' and to contribute to a better communication and understanding in world.
top
back to "Universal Significance of Jnanadeva's Philosophy"
|
