ARISTOTLE AND VEDĀNTA: THE RATIONAL HERO, THE DREAMING SAGE, AND THE WISDOM THAT DEVOURED THEM BOTH

Abstract

This chapter examines how Aristotelian ethics merges with Advaita Vedānta through an analysis of three essential contrasts between Phronēsis and Jñāna as well as Psyche versus Ātman and Catharsis versus Māyā. Through his works De Anima and Poetics Aristotle demonstrates how practical wisdom Phronēsis and rational psyche development lead people toward ethical growth and sufferer management for achieving human fulfillment. According to Aristotle suffering represents a tangible experience which art and therapy can eliminate through their purgative method known as catharsis. Advaita Vedānta opposes the traditional beliefs about self (Ātman) and suffering because it establishes Māyā creates the illusion of self and true wisdom (Jñāna) emerges from non-dual realization when personal identity dissolves. The article presents two viewpoints to analyze the experiential consequences of holding onto personal identity while releasing the self into nonexistence.