A creative and systematic Axiology of Vedic ideas and ideals. It is an independent Axiological study which gives an integral system of values in the Vedas. The attempt made by the Author is novel and adventurous and its findings are profound. The author has made use of the well-known concept of four Purusarthas: Dharma; Artha; Kama and Moksa. This method has enabled the author to grasp the value-core of the Vedas with freshness of vision and he has brought out the main value-affirmations in the Vedas. The present volume is a study of the most ancient book of mankind, but in advanced form. It is an exploration that leads to the development of the Vedic Axiology. Reviews ....invaluable for students of Vedas, and to Indologists. The thought-provoking comments on the topics are presented in rather unusual manner. Dr. Varadachari, Review Projector (India), Vol. 7, Nos. 7–9. ``Nonetheless, this book will be of an immense help both to the student and the researcher, and is, therefore, a must for libraries.'' Dr. S.R. Sehgal, Organiser, January 1, 1989.

First Published in 2001. While classical Indian philosophy is incredibly rich in rigorous discussion s of topics in epistemology, logic and metaphysics, comparable discussions in the area s of ethics, politics and aesthetics were not as extensive as might have been expected. The selections in this volume discuss Indian treatments of topics in the theory of value like the proper ends of life, the relation of dharma and moksa, liberation and pleasure, the sources of our knowledge of right and wrong, the ethics of non-violence, the status of the supra-moral. egoism and altruism, the theory of rasa, aesthetic experience and catharsis.

It is really gratifying to note that the culture developed on the basis of the Vedas has evolved into a massive reservoir of humanistic culture. The term Veda signifies the deep repository of knowledge handed down from generation to generation since time immemorial. These Vedas stood not only the test of scrutiny by the knowledgeable authorities but also of time. Despite all political conquests, economic upheavals, social transformations and cultural deviations, the Vedas have survived hitherto because of the humanistic culture engendered by them. References can be made in this connection to A.L. Bhasam’s book The wonder that was India and R.T.H. Griffith’s RigVeda (The oldest divine book). The Vedas are quite distinct from other religious literature in terms of concepts, structure, content and application. The Arya Samaj has always insisted on treating the Vedas as a philosophical and divine matter. European philosophers and scholars are greatly in acceptance of the Vedas too and hold the same in high esteem Celebrated western scholars such as Max Muller, Oldenberg, Wilson, Griffith etc. tried to delve into the vast expanse of the religious-cultural endowment of the Vedas.

Ethics and the History of Indian Philosophy, by Shyam Ranganathan, presents a compelling, systematic explication of the moral philosophical content of history of Indian philosophy in contrast to the received wisdom in Indology and comparative philosophy that Indian philosophers were scarcely interested in ethics. Unlike most works on the topic, this book makes a case for the positive place of ethics in the history of Indian philosophy by drawing upon recent work in metaethics and metamorality, and by providing a through analysis of the meaning of moral concepts and PHILOSOPHY itself- in addition to explicating the texts of Indian authors. In Ranganathan`s account, Indian philosophy shines with distinct options in ethics that find their likeness in the writings of the Ancient in the West, such as Plato and the Neo-Platonists, and not in the anthropocentric or positivistic options that have dominated the recent Western tradition.

Indian culture has a rich spiritual heritage, deeply rooted in Dharma signifying ethical values. These ethos insist on understanding the nature of good, laying down practical means of attaining a life of perfection, with actual application of moral ideals. Ethical Values like truth, ahimsa were the core of social life in ancient India - demonstrated, endorsed and re-emphasized in various ancient Indian scriptures like the Vedas, Upanishads, Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, Manusmriti, etc. This book consists of nine chapters portraying a treasure of ethical values and is an attempt by the author to highlight these jewels of ancient Indian heritage which have stood the test of times and can help our society at large and corporates in particular, for being imbibed , to lead a more contented life and better sustainable business. Happy Reading.