A Hermeneutical Approach to Sri Madhvacarya's Interpretation of the Srutis

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About the Book The important issue explored in the book is the interpretation of the Srutis by Sri Madhvacārya (1238 CE-1317 CE), the historical founder of the Dvaita Vedanta. The study specially focuses on Madhva's interpretation of the Rgveda, the Brahmasutras and the Upanisads in order to highlight his contribution to Sruti Hermeneutics.

The work has mainly focused on Madhva's hermeneutical enterprise. Towards this end, it has highlighted Madhva's method of interpretation by means of 'Paramamukhyavṛtti'. The book has also discussed Madhva's unique contribution to Vedic hermeneutics in terms of three layers of meanings. Madhva's creative interpretation of the four adhikaranas in the Brahmasutras is an interesting feature. The central chapter on the interpretation of "tattvamasi' emphasizes the importance of the context and the 'Bimba-pratibimba-bhava' as the import of tattvamasi'. There is also a discussion on the presuppositions like Visnusarvottamattva' and the concepts of 'Sadagama' and 'bheda' informing Madhva's interpretation.

The field of hermeneutics is very fascinating, though it is very complex. The scope for further research in Madhva's hermeneutics is immense. One could for example focus on his creative interpretation of the Mahabharata and the Bhagavata Purana. 'Paramamukhyavṛtti' as the chief hermeneutical device needs further study and research.

About the Author Fr Henry D'Almeida, SJ is a Jesuit belonging to the Karnataka Province of the Society of Jesus. He teaches Logic, Indian Philosophy, Sanskrit, Pali, Buddhist Classics, Faith and Reason, Summa Theologiae and Bhagavadgita at Jnana Deepa, Pune. He is also a Visiting Staff at Karnataka Regional Theology Centre, Anekal (Bangalore) and Mater Dei Institute (Goa). His areas of interest are Logic, Indian Hermeneutics and Philosophy of Language. The Scriptural Hermeneutics of Madhvacharya was the area of his doctoral work. At present the author is the Head of the Department of Epistemology and the Coordinator of the Licentiate Programme in Systematic Philosophy at Jnana Deepa.

Preface I am deeply grateful to God for providentially bringing me into the field of Indological studies in general and into Madhva Vedanta in a special way. God has led me through different circumstances from the field of Science to the Divine Science. I have no regrets.

My heart wells up in profound gratitude to my parents who took care of my early life despite poverty. Many people have been instrumental to shape my life. In a special way am in an eternal debt to the Madhva Gaudasarasvats who took care of me during my high school studies, treating me as one of their own. My existential encounter with the Madhva tradition began then.

My heartfelt thanks to my Jesuit superiors and friends who supported and guided my journey into this field. If it was not for the Society of Jesus I would not have been what I am today. I sincerely thank my guide Dr. Shailaja Bapat who has given me scholarly and friendly guidance.

If at all I can speak a little bit on Vedanta, it is because of her keen interest in me. I am grateful to all the teachers who taught me different subjects in the Sanskritic field.

I am very much indebted to all the scholars of Dvaita Vedanta on whose shoulders I am standing. They have made my journey easier in the form of books and personal guidance. In a special way I would like to thank Dr. A. V. Nagasampige, (the director of Purnaprajna Samsodhana-mandiram, Bangalore) who took special interest in me wherever I approached him. I am grateful to Dr. D. N. Shanbhag and Dr. K. T. Pandurangi who helped me with their books and personal guidance.

I can hardly find appropriate words to express my indebtedness to late Dr. BNK Sharma whose books have provided me invaluable help. A special thanks to Fr Ryan Savio Rodrigues, SJ for the technical assistance and formatting.

**Contents and Sample Pages**