An Analysis of Dream in Indian Philosophy

DETAILS : 

• Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications
  
• Author: Satyajit Layek
  
• Language: English
  
• Pages: 157
  
• Cover: HARDCOVER
  
• Weight 310 gm
  
• Edition: 1990
  
• ISBN: 8170302250
  

ABOUT THE BOOK

An Analysis of Dream in Indian Philosophy, authored by Dr. Satyajit Layek, is a profound psychological and metaphysical investigation into one of the most fascinating subjects of Indian thought: the nature of dreams (Svapna). Published as an academic monograph, this book systematically tracks how different classical schools of Indian philosophy interpreted the dream state to validate their respective theories of reality and consciousness.

While Western psychology largely approaches dreams through a Freudian or psychoanalytic lens, classical Indian thinkers viewed the dream state as a critical epistemological bridge between waking reality and ultimate liberation. Dr. Layek’s book provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of:

• The Upanisadic View: How texts like the Mandukya Upanisad utilize the dream state (Taijasa) to explain the four states of consciousness, positioning it between the waking state (Vaishvanara) and deep sleep (Prajna).
• Advaita Vedanta: The use of dreams as an analogy to explain Maya (cosmic illusion), arguing that just as dream objects feel absolutely real until we wake up, the waking world is a relative reality until we awaken to Brahman.
• Nyaya-Vaisesika: The logical and epistemological assessment of dreams as a form of memory-revival (Smriti) or erroneous cognition (Viparyaya).
• Buddhist & Jain Perspectives: How Yogacara (Buddhist Idealism) uses dreams to prove that external objects do not exist independent of the mind, contrasted with the realistic frameworks of Jainism.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Satyajit Layek is a respected Sanskrit scholar, indologist, and academician associated with the University of Calcutta. He specializes in classical Indian philosophy, epistemology (Pramana-sastra), and the intersection of ancient text commentary with modern analytical philosophy.

Dr. Layek is recognized for his meticulous textual research, often pulling directly from primary Sanskrit treatises to build his arguments. His writing style is academic yet accessible, designed to help contemporary scholars of philosophy and cognitive science appreciate the sophisticated psychological frameworks developed by ancient Indian rishis and logicians. His work stands out for showing that ancient Indian philosophy was not just speculative theology, but an intensely rational inquiry into the human mind.