The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha

This work offers a rare glimpse into the vibrant intellectual world of fourteenth‑century South India, where a learned scholar systematically surveys the sixteen major philosophical schools of Hindu thought. Presented as a series of concise yet thorough sketches, each system is laid out with its core doctrines, the arguments its proponents wield, and occasional witty exchanges where the author momentarily adopts the opponent’s stance. The translation, the product of a collaborative effort between two seasoned classicists and native scholars, brings the original’s nuanced debates and subtle humor to an English‑speaking audience.

Beyond its role as a reference guide, the book shines as a window onto the critical spirit of its era. Readers will find clear explanations of complex concepts, direct quotations from foundational texts, and insightful commentary that illuminates the subtleties of Vedānta, Sāṅkhya, Buddhism, Jainism, and the other traditions. For anyone interested in the foundations of Indian philosophy, it serves as an accessible and engaging companion to deeper study.