The text ëVa½canåmætamí, a collection of dialogues

contains a well-formulated Vedånta. In Indian

tradition, Scripture is considered the primary

source. Therefore, an extensive study of the text

in hermeneutic perspective is undertaken.

The book is divided in six parts. Part one comprising three

chapters gives an overview of Hermeneutics from Western and

Indian perspectives, and the text ëVa½canåmætamí in the hermeneutic

perspective. Part II covering two chapters gives a glimpse of the life

story of ›ri Swåminåråyaƒa and the general history of Gujaråt.

Part III comprises two chapters meant for the general introduction

of the text and of the compilers. Part IV covering five chapters

discusses various methods employed; and beauty of the prose of

the text. Part V in three chapters deals with the major topics ñ Epistemology,

Ontology, Ethics and Religion. Part VI comprises two

chapters; one chapter with reference to Hermeneutics as an ongoing

process covers a comparative reading of different traditions, and in

the concluding chapter, I offer my personal observations.

Purnima M. Dave (b. 1946, Mumbai), she is an M.A. in Philosophy of

the University of Mumbai. Dr. Dave joined as adjunct faculty in the

Philosophy Department of University of Mumbai after her retirement as

Head of the Department of Philosophy in Parle College (Mumbai). She

earned her doctorate in Philosophy from Mumbai University.