Filozofija istočnih naroda 1

This is the first book of a major two-part work by one of the greatest Croatian experts on Asian philosophies. Čedomil Veljačić (1915–1997) wrote The Philosophy of the Eastern Peoples as a systematic and profound introduction to the intellectual traditions of Asia, with a special emphasis on India in the first volume.

The first volume is dedicated to Indian philosophy. Veljačić begins with the oldest Vedic scriptures and the Upanishads, in which the fundamental ideas about the relationship between man and the cosmos, Atman and Brahman, and the cycles of rebirth are formed. He then analyzes in detail the emergence and development of heterodox systems – especially Buddhism and Jainism – and later orthodox darshanas (vedānta, nyāya, mīmāṃsā, etc.) in the scholastic periods.

The special value of the book lies in the fact that Veljačić, in addition to his own expert interpretation, also brings a rich selection of translations of original philosophical texts, allowing the reader direct contact with the sources. The work is written to a high scholarly standard, but at the same time readable and thoughtful, with a clear comparative perspective towards the Western philosophical tradition.

The Philosophy of the Eastern Peoples is considered a classic of Croatian philosophy and an indispensable piece of literature for anyone interested in Indology, Buddhism, comparative philosophy or the history of ideas. It represents the culmination of Veljačić's many years of research and one of the most important contributions of Croatian culture to the dialogue between East and West.