Jean-Marie Schmitt

BA in Religious Studies - Bard College (2000)

MA in Indian Philosophy - Banaras Hindu University (2002)

 

Completed his D.Phil at the University of Oxford. His research dealt with the non-dual system of Vedanta as presented by its most celebrated exponent, the late 7th century AD philosopher, Shankara.

 

His thesis examined Shankara's soteriological tradition in the light of certain pedagogical and interpretive principles. It introduced the key teaching techniques, which allow Shankara to formulate a coherent and cohesive system of thought from the variegated materials of the Advaita Vedanta tradition. As a whole, his work attempts to show that the soteriological value of Shankara Vedanta lies in its being based on well-established principles of textual interpretation and, ultimately, on universal experience.