This is a Memorial Volume for Prof. Noel Kantilal Sheth SJ, a man of ahimsa, compassion and dialogue. Calm and sober in his attitude, he reached out to others respectfully and reverentially. His meticulous and methodological nature and analytic-synthetic mind made him a humble servant, erudite scholar, efficient teacher and responsible administrator. Twenty scholars have contributed in this volume to topics like Creative Dialogue, Practical Compassion, Innovative Inclusiveness, Living Diversity, Collective Search for Wisdom, Commitment to Indian Traditions and Religion for Peace.

This book is about encountering other traditions, building friendly bridges with them, affirming others compassionately, enabling them and appreciating their diversity and differences, through dialogue, interaction and cooperation.

The editors are both students and colleagues of Professor Noel Sheth. They both reside at Papal Seminary, Pune and teaches at Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune, India. Prof Pandikattu teaches Philosophy and Prof Karimundackal teaches Scripture. For details see here.

Freedom and Joy : Reflections on the Essential Characteristics of Christian Life Today

Rev. Kurien Kunnumpuram

This book looks at freedom and joy as the fundamental dimensions of Christian living. It reflects on the essential characteristics of Christian life today, which includes befriending the other, experiencing God, sensitivity to others, etc. It also explores Christian Mission in India Today, Growth in the Church's Understanding of Marriage and the Family, Reflections on `Laudato Si' and The Joy of Love: A Discussion of the Apostolic Exhortation on Marriage and the Family. The book also reflects on the Formation of Priests Today: A Study of "The Gift of Priestly Vocation." It is an inspiring and transforming book that makes us more human, liberative and close to God and fellow-human beings.

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Postmodernity : An Indian Christian Philosophical Appraisal

Cyril Desbruslais, edited by Kuruvilla Pandikattu

The book is meant to provide answers to questions like: What is postmodernism? How does it challenge us? Especially religious people? What is its contribution to Contemporary society?

This introductory book on postmodernism surveys this subject meticulously, beginning with modernity, it explores the subject further by taking up the major postmodern thinkers. Then, it offers a critique of postmodernism and suggests a meaningful and rewarding response to it, inspired by the integral philosophy of Ken Wilber. The book acknowledges that postmodernism has permeated every aspect of human, social and religious life today.

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The book is meant to provide answers to questions like: What is metaphysics? What is its nature, role and relevance? Is it really possible? How does metaphysics provide us with a larger view of life and reality?

In our technological age, any dream of "going beyond" the findings of sense-experience, a variety of pragmatic inventions from space-craft to pocket computers emerged, that are understandably dismissed as precisely, a foolish idle dream and nothing more.

In contrast to the clear and verifiable statements, measurements, and laws of science; metaphysics seems to offer a collection of high-flown words and phrases shot through with vagueness and uncertainty. Still, as human beings, we do need to ask bigger questions! We need to explore fundamental issues. This philosophical endeavor is a modest attempt to raise the "why" questions, which form the basis of our physical and natural world. It poses questions larger than life! It provides perspectives on life and shows the necessary connection between physical realities and those beyond it.

Cyril Desbruslais is an Indian Jesuit priest (Calcutta Province), Professor (Emeritus) of Philosophy at Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune, India, and an accomplished laywright. He has taught almost all the subjects in philosophy except Logic and Indian Philosophy for more than 40 years. He has been an animator of youth throughout his life. He initiated "Searching in Service and Unity" (SSU) in 1971 for the youths of Pune. He has staged more than 25 plays on socially relevant topics.

This book details on the handpicked modern and contemporary Indian thinkers, and their creative attempt to respond to challenges of modern times by revisiting and reinterpreting the classical Indian thought together with adapting suitable western ideological inputs. Question of tradition and modernity rocked the minds of the thinkers of the given period compelling each one to effectively face the challenges in their own milieu, socio-economic political-academic-religious-spiritual-cultural contexts.

Schooled in classical philosophical thought, loaded heavily by medieval devotional beliefs and practices, and now challenged by modern ideas in colonial and post-colonial periods, these thinkers and activists have critically analysed both their own cherished traditions and that of others. An attempt is made by the author to mark their thoughts relevant to the contemporary times enabling the readers to respond creatively.

This book is a homage to Prof. John Vattanky SJ, the world authority on Navya-Nyaya, for his pioneering contribution to Indian philosophy and Indian Church. He has been relentlessly seeking God through Logic (Indian philosophy of Navya-Nyaya) and Love (Western Spirituality). The Twenty one articles in this book are subdivided into Logic and Nyaya, Hermeneutics and Dhvani, Spirituality and Sadhana, and Dharma and Ethics. The articles attempt to articulate a philosophy that integrates Indian and Western insights as we all as a spirituality that is both humanising and world-open.

Prof. John Vattanky, who has inspired this book is the world authority on Navya-Nyaya. He has tried to dialogue between Indian philosophy and Western spirituality. As an eminent professor of Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth, he has contributed significantly to Indian Philosophy and Christian Spirituality. He has been the Founder-Director of Centre for Advanced Indian Studies, since 1988. This book is a loving homage to our mentor, guide and guru. For details see here.

Consecrated life in the Catholic Church is a vital and healing presence in Indian society. Religious men and women make an integral contribution to the society through their institutions in the fields of education, spirituality, medical care, social services, and other charitable activities. In the present context of India, however, consecrated men and women can experience challenges of relevance and identity in their vocations. These concerns have their basis in the fundamental need for a renewal of religious life itself in India, one which is imbued with a Christ-centered spirituality and reflects the prophetic charism that marks apostolic religious life.

Sr. Fabian Jose, UMI was born in Alakode, Kannur District, Kerala, India. She belongs to the Ursulines of Mary Immaculate (UMI) congregation, founded by Blessed Brigida Morello in Italy, 1649. She has rich experience of contributing to the formation of the sisters. She has completed her MTh in Spirituality from Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth (JDV) Pune, and has the Doctorate in Prophetic Mysticism in Consecrated Life, at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University, California, USA. For details see here.

Prof Dr Kurien Kunnumpuram SJ is a versatile personality: a committed professor of theology, creative thinker, prolific writer, gentle mentor and compassionate guide to many people. As a Professor of Theology, he has been the pioneer to introduce and implement the vision of Vatican II to the Indian Church. As a thinker, he has contributed significantly to an Indian theology that is both contextual and relevant. As a writer, he has founded Jnanadeepa: Pune Journal of Religious Studies and edited Asian Journal for Religious Studies, besides his own numerous books. As a mentor, he has been inspiring a countless number of students in their academic and affective progress. As a guide, he has been accompanying people in their intellectual and spiritual journey. In short, he has been a critical, creative and gentle personality who has touched the lives of many people respectfully and reverentially! He cherished freedom, affirmed the dignity and accepted others as they are and rejoiced in the happiness of others!

In this volume, 34 colleagues and admirers of Prof Kurien have come together to study his understanding of the Church and of human beings. He pleads for a community of disciples who are liberated and compassionate; and at the same time committed to the nation as well as rooted in the Church. More details

Who is God? How can we relate to him? How can we visualise a spiritual leader? Borrowing from the classical Philosophy of God, Dr Cyril Desbruslais makes the philosophical reflections on God relevant for our times. The author has taken up critical reflection on our understanding of God and thence takes up the debate on whether God's existence can be proved or not.

Besides the normal questions like proving God's existence, evil, creation-evolution, comparative religions, myths-idols, he attempts to relate the issue of God to human fulfilment. He lays stress on personal encounter with God and challenges us to transform ourselves and the world, by experiencing God as a lived reality in our midst.

Dr Cyril Desbruslais SJ (1940-) has been teaching philosophy at Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune for more than 40 years. He is a Jesuit priest of Calcutta Province. As a creative thinker, an accomplished playwright and an innovative philosopher, he has inspired thousands of young people to lead a liberative and humane life for the larger good of others. He has been residing at De Nobili College, Pune. For details see here.

We are not only “spiritual beings having a human experience,” but also human beings having a spiritual experience. This book on living spirituality assumes that what happens to us as ‘human’ is spiritually relevant and invites us to improve our own behaviour or become more inclusive in our living and thinking. A genuine spirituality will make us worry about human rights violations or creating social and political structures that enhance our sacred significance, and our living together here on this planet. From this vantage point, we cannot ignore the needs of humanity because we understand that everything is sacred. It is time for us to nurture a spirituality that is not dualistic, not other-worldly, not fear based, not cultic, but life-affirming, compassionate, joy-giving and celebrating the simple things of life.

Dr Thomas Karimundackal, SJ, (Kerala Province) is teacher of Sacred Scripture and Dr Kuruvilla Pandikattu, SJ (Dumka-Raiganj Province) teaches Philosophy, at Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth. Both the editors have been friends and colleagues of Dr Stephen C. Thadam.

As Cyril Desbruslais approaches 80 years, his friends, colleagues and admirers have come together to reflect on his philosophy (understanding of God, human beings and world). The 36 articles in this volume, reflecting on the rich and varied experiences of humans beings "fully alive," is a labour of love for Cyril.

Prof Kuruvilla Pandikattu SJ is a Jesuit of Dumka-Raiganj Province and Dean, Faculty of Philosophy, Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune.

For details see here.

This book presents impressive collection of essays on marginal questions related to science, faith, reason, scripture and philosophy in honour of Dr. George Karuvelil SJ. This work is a fitting homage to Dr. George who dared to walk consistently on border questions and formulate its implications for the quest for the Ultimate.

Thomas Karimundackal SJ teaches Old Testament at the Faculty of Theology, Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune, and currently serves as the Head of the Department of Scripture Studies, and coordinator of the Masters Programme in Biblical Studies at Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune.

Dolichan Kollareth SJ holds Masters Degrees in Psychology and Philosophy and a PhD in Social Psychology. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune and a Research Associate Professor at Boston College, USA.

Befriending the Other : Christian Embrace of Other Religions

Editor: Kuruvilla Pandikattu, SJ.

It comes naturally for us to form our identities in terms of our social, cultural, economic, religious, ethnic realities. Along with our multiplicities of identities comes our understanding of the other, who do not share our identities. Normally we rival the other, ridicule, ignore or talk them down. The 33 articles in this volume urge us to respect the other, enable and empower the other. The other makes us what we are. To some extent, they provide us with our own identities. The book, emerging from a seminar organized on the quasquicentennial (125 years) of Jnana Deepa, Institute of Philosophy and Theology (Nov 24-28, 2015), urges us to befriend the other and treat them with gentleness, kindness and compassion. It looks on the other from Christian perspectives, drawing from philosophical, theological, psychological, sociological and multidisciplinary perspectives

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Contemporary Philosophy : A Historical Introduction (1800-2020 AD)

Cyril Desbruslais SJ; Editor. Valerian Mendonca SJ

This volume on Contemporary Philosophy deals with the main thinkers and themes of Western Philosophy from the beginning of 19th century. Movements like idealism, positivism, existentialism and philosophy of life are dealt with succinctly. A brief history of the main thinkers (including Fichte, Hegel, Schopenhauer, Comte, Spencer, Kierkegaard, Sartre and Heidegger, etc.) are given and their contemporary relevance emphasized. Based on his 40 years of interaction with young philosophy scholars, this volume is a must for anyone interested in dealing with contemporary thought and vision. This concise book is a continuation of the author’s earlier volume on Ancient, Medieval and Modern Philosophy. A must for anyone interested in the history of contemporary Western philosophy.

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