Razmeđa azijskih filozofija 1-2

One of the most significant works of Croatian philosophy of the 20th century. Čedomil Veljačić, our leading expert on Asian thought traditions, wrote this major two-part work as a thorough comparative overview of two great Asian cultures – Indian and Chinese – in their most fertile period.

The work starts from the realization that both cultures experienced their classical peak in the middle of the first millennium BC, in the so-called axial age. In the first volume, Veljačić first introduces the reader to the comparative method, and then elaborates in detail on the oldest Indo-Iranian spiritual foundations (the Vedas and the Avesta), the emergence and development of Jainism and Buddhism, and classical Chinese philosophy, especially Taoism and Confucianism.

In the second volume, the author continues with an investigation of the scholastic periods of Indian philosophy, the later development of Buddhism, and the mutual contacts and differences between Indian and Chinese thought.

Veljačić's work is distinguished by its exceptional erudition, philological precision, and ability to present complex Asian philosophical systems in a manner that is both faithful to the original traditions and accessible to the educated Western reader. It is not just a historical overview, but a true philosophical reflection and dialogue between cultures.

The Boundaries of Asian Philosophies represents the crowning achievement of Veljačić's life's work and one of the highest achievements of Croatian humanistic thought. It is an indispensable work for anyone seriously interested in Indology, Sinology, comparative philosophy, and cross-cultural studies.