The Disinterested Witness is a detailed study of the concept of saksin in Advaita Vedanta, comparing it with Western phenomenology. The book explores the notion of witness-consciousness and its relevance to knowledge theory, offering a significant contribution to comparative philosophy. The reviewer finds the book clear and insightful, though they note some complexities in the treatment of the concept.
The Disinterested Witness by Bina Gupta is a comprehensive exploration of the concept of saksin, or witness-consciousness, in Advaita Vedanta. The book delves into the phenomenological relevance of this concept and compares it with similar notions in Western philosophy. Gupta's work is praised for its clarity and depth, though the reviewer notes the complexity of the subject matter. The book is seen as a major contribution to comparative philosophy, offering a vantage point for cross-cultural comparison. The reviewer appreciates Gupta's schematic approach and her detailed analysis of various philosophical perspectives, including those of Shankara and later Advaitic thinkers. However, they also point out some areas where the treatment could be improved, such as the metaphorical interpretation of perception. Overall, the book is considered a valuable resource for students of philosophy interested in the nature of knowledge and consciousness.
Quick quotes
The difference between them is that in the former the mind is a qualifying attribute (visheShaNa) and in the latter a limiting adjunct.
Mental cognitions cannot reveal themselves because they are inert as well. Hence, the need for the self-luminous witness consciousness to reveal mental cognitions.
Whatever possesses unknown existence (aj~nAtasatta) is revealed by a means of true cognition (pramANa) and so requires a mental mode; but whatever has no unknown existence is revealed directly by the witness-consciousness.