Augustine Thottakara CMI

Augustine Thottakara                                                    Professor at Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram

Name                : Augustine Thottakara Date of birth     : 25 September 1940 Place of birth    : Manjapra, Kerala Department       : Philosophy Specialization   : Indian Philosophy and Sanskrit

Augustine Thottakara is a Professor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Philosophy with a specialization in Indian Philosophy and Sanskrit at Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Bengaluru. Augustine is an aacharya of Sanskrit language. He was born on 25 September 1940 in Manjapra, Kerala. He was ordained a priest in the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church on 3 January 1971, and is a member of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) congregation.

Academic Background  

Augustine Thottakara did his two-year course of languages Malayalam, English, Latin and Syriac at St. Antony’s Monastery, Aluva, from 1960 to1962. He did his three-year Diploma in Indian and Western Philosophies at Dharmaram College, Bangalore, from 1962 to 1965. He did his three-year Degree Course in Christian Theology and Comparative Religion at Dharmaram College, Bangalore, from 1965 to 1968.

In 1972, he passed the examination and attained the position of Sastri in Sanskrit language from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bombay. In 1986, he became Vedanta Vidvan by successfully completing a long course of thirteen-years. He passed the examination with distinction and received a special cash award and Ponnada from the Government of Karnataka for the same. He studied at Sri Chamarajendra Samkrta Mahapathasala, Bangalore.

He did his Diploma in German Language at Max Mueller Bhavan, Bangalore- Pune from 1972 to 1973. He attained Certificate in Teachers Training Course in German language from Vienna University in 1978. He did his Diploma in French at Institut Catholique de Paris, Paris, in 1976.

He was awarded Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Indology/Comparative Religion by the Faculty of Philosophy in Vienna University, Austria, during 1973-1980. He did his Post-Doctoral Studies at the University of Lancaster, UK during 1984-1986. Dr. Augustine’s doctoral dissertation was titled Tattvasara of Varadaguru: A Critical Study (Translation of the Text and Commentary), which was completed under the guidance of (late) Prof. Dr. Gerghard Oberhammer and (late) Prof. Dr. Ninian Smart.

Service of Teaching

Augustine Thottakara has served as Professor of Philosophy and Indology at Dharmaram College and Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram (DVK) from 1971 to 1973, 1980-1984, 1997-2005, 2008-2011, and from 2014. He taught Indian Philosophy, Indian Religions, Sanskrit and German there. He was an Associate Professor at the University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome during 1986-1997.  He taught Indian Spirituality, Gandhian Spirituality, and Sanskrit there. During 1988-1994, he served as a Guest Professor at Pontifical Oriental Institute, Rome, where he taught Indian Culture and Interreligious Dialogue. He rendered his service as a Guest Lecturer at Regina Mundi (Institute of Theology for Women), Rome, during 1999-2001.

Subjects Taught

Augustine Thottakara has taught subjects like Indian Philosophy (Vedas and Upanisads, Religion and Philosophy of Smrti Literature, Six Vedic Systems of Indian Philosophy, Philosophy, Religion and Spirituality of Gita), Indian Religious and Spiritual Movements, Heterodox systems, Philosophy and Theology of Interreligious Dialogue, Sanskrit, German, etc.

Proficiency in Languages

Prof. Augustine is proficient in languages like Malayalam, Sanskrit, English, German, Italian, Latin and French.  He has working knowledge in Kannada, Tamil and Hindi.

Offices Held

Dr. Augustine was the Programme Director of CSWR (Centre for the Study of World Religions), Bangalore, during 1980-1984. He served as the Controller of Exams in Dharmaram Pontifical Institute from 1980 to1984. He was the Director and Professor of CIIS (Centre for Indian and Inter-religious Studies), Rome, during 1986-1997. He rendered his service as a Professor at St. Thomas Aquinas University (Angelicum), Rome, from 1986 to 1997. He was appointed as the Consultor to the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue in Vatican by the Pope John Paul II during 1988-1998.

He served as the Chief Editor of Journal of Dharma (International Journal of World Religions), Bangalore, from 1997 to 2003. He was the Director of Dharmaram Publications during 1998-2005. He served as the Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy at DVK (Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram), Bangalore, from 1998 to 2005. He was the Provincial of SH Province, Rajagiri from 2005 to 2008. He was the Rector of Dharmaram College and the Chancellor of Christ University, Bangalore, during 2008-2011. He served as the Prior of St. Antony’s Monastery, Aluva, from 2011 to 2014.

Publications

Books by Prof. Augustine Thottakara

God, Man and Nature: A Vedantic Perspective. A Study of Varadaguru’s Tattvasara, Rome: CIIS, 1990, pp.x+337 (out of print).

Vedanta Philosophy.  A Study of Varadaguru’s Tattvasara, Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications, 2004, pp.374.  HB. Rs.320.oo; US$ 22.oo; PB. Rs.275.oo; US$ 18.oo.  ISBN: 91-86861-68-8.

Indian Spirituality. Hindu Spiritual Traditions. A Christian Interpretation, Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications, 2005, pp. 376.  HB. Rs. 320.oo, US$ 22.oo; PB. Rs. 250.oo, US$ 16.oo.  ISBN: 81-86861-79-3.  (Second Edition:  2010.

Philosophical Studies at Dharmaram. A Historical Overview, (booklet) Bangalore: Faculty of Philosophy, DVK, 2002, pp. 22.

Le Grandi Figure dell’Induismo (Italian), Assisi: Cittadella  Editrice, 1991, pp. 320. Lire 26000.oo.  .

Sanskrit for Beginners, Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications: 2014, pp. 200.  Rs. 320.oo, $ 25.oo.

The Gita and the Gitas, Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications, 2014, pp. 168.  Rs. 250.oo, $ 20.oo

German for Beginners, Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications, 2014, pp.220.

Brahman-Atman Parables: Spiritual-Philosophical Significance of Upanisadic Stories, Bengaluru: Dharmaram Publications, 2015, pp.280. Rs.300.oo, $ 25.oo.

Indian Philosophy. Basic Concepts and Important Themes, Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications, 2015, pp. 706.  Rs. 1000.oo, $ 50.oo.

Books edited by Prof. Augustine Thottakara

Self and Consciousness: Indian Interpretations, Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications, 1989, ppxii+219.

East Syrian Spirituality, Rome: CIIS, & Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications, 1990, pp. xii+202.

Gandhian Spirituality, Rome: CIIS, & Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications, 1992, pp. v+136.

Islamic Spirituality, Rome: CIIS & Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications, 1993, pp. xv+157.

Spirituality of Dialogue: Indian Experiences, Rome: CIIS, & Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications, 1994, pp. xvi+256.

Dialogical Dynamics of Religions, Rome: CIIS & Bangalore:.

Eco-Spirituality: Perspectives from World Religions, Rome: CIIS, 1995, pp. xvi+211.

Eco-dynamics of Religion: Thoughts for the Third Millennium, Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications, 2000, pp.328. Rs. 250.oo, $ 18.oo. ISBN: 81-86861-20-3.

Women and Worship, Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications, 2000, pp. 296.  Rs. 250.oo, $ 18.oo.  ISBN: 81-86861-22-X.

Indian Interpretation of the Bible, Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications, 2000, pp. 492.  Rs. 350.oo, $ 22.oo.ISBN: 81-86961-27-0

Religion and Politics in Asia Today, Bangalore; Dharmaram Publications, 2001, pp. 320.  Rs. 250.oo, $ 18.oo.  ISBN: 81-86861-33-5..

Western Encounter with Indian Philosophy, Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications, 2002, pp. ii+362.  Rs. 250.oo, $ 20.oo. ISBN: 81-86861-40-8.

Philosophical Education in Indian Seminaries: Prospects and Perspectives, Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications, 2003, pp.246. Rs.165.oo; $ 10.oo.  ISBN: 81-86861-51-3..

Research Articles

1.         “Bhakti a Sadhana for Mukti”, Jeevadhara 13, No. 74 (1983), 151-159.

2.         “Religious Education in Hinduism: Ancient and Modern” Jeevadhara 14, No.82 (1984), 299-318.

3.         “Antaryamin: The Inner Spirit” Journal of Dharma 23, 2 (1998), 341-359.

4.         “Gandhian Experiments with Ahimsa” in A. Thottakara (ed.), Gandhian Spirituality Rome: CIIS,  & Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications, 1992, 49-76.

5.         “Islam and Its Founder Muhammad” in A. Thottakara (ed.), Islamic Spirituality Rome: CIIS & Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications, 1993, 1-24.

6.         “The Universe as God’s Attributive Body: A Vedantic Perspective” in A. Thottakara (ed.), Eco-Spirituality: Perspective from World Religion, Rome: CIIS, 1995, 51-79.

7.         “Sarvadharma-samabhavana: Gandhian Concept of Spirituality of Dialogue” in A. Thottakara (ed.), Spirituality of Dialogue: Indian Experiences, Rome: CIIS,  & Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications, 1994, 102-135.

8.         “Eco-spiritualita e Induismo” in Giulio Sforza (ed.), Musica ed Ecologia in Prospettiva Estetica, Edizione Seam, Rome, 1997, 137-153.

9.         “Sankara” in M.Amaladoss, et al. (eds.), Le Grandi Figure dell’Induismo, Cittadella Eidtrice, Assisi, 1991, 35-68.

10.       “Ramanuja” in Le Grandi Figure dell’Induismo in M.Amaladoss, et al. (eds.), Le Grandi Figure dell’Induismo, Cittadella Eidtrice, Assisi, 1991, 69-102..

11.       “Induismo ed Educazione” in Giulio Sforza (ed.), Religioni ed Educazione: Dialogo delle Civilta, Anicia,Rome, 1994, 15-37.

12.       “Eco-dynamics of Religion: A Vedantic Perspective” in A. Thottakara, (ed.), Eco-dynamics of Religion: Thoughts for the Third Millennium, Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications, 2000, 83-109.

13.       “Religion and Politics in Ancient India: Kautilya’s Arthasastra: Its Relevance Today” in A. Thottakara (ed.), Religion and Politics in Asia Today, Bangalore; Dharmaram Publications, 2001, 17-43.

14.       “An Indian Poet Contemplates on the Life of Christ. A Critical Appreciation of the Kristu-bhagavata of Prof. P.C. Devassia” in A. Thottakara (ed.), Western Encounter with Indian Philosophy, Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications, 2002, 65-92.

15.       “Rta through Ahimsa. A Gandhian Interpretation” Third Millennium, June (2002).

16.       The Puruşa-Sūkta: Agony and Ecstasy of Being Universal”, Journal of Indian Philosophy, XII.1 (August 2002), 261-289.

17.       “The Puruşa-Sūkta: Agony and Ecstasy of Being Universal”, in Ho Sung Kim (ed.), The Role of Indian Philosophy in the Age of Globalization, Seoul: Dogguk University, 2002, pp.56-70.

18.       “Ŗta Through Ahimsā: A Gandhian Interpretation”, Journal of Dharma, XXVII.3 (July-September 2002), 327-348.

19.       “Ŗta Through Ahimsā: A Gandhian Interpretation”, Third Millennium, V (July-September 2002), 44-64.

20.       “The Guru Ideal of Hinduism and the Guruship of Christ”, Jeevadhara, XXXIII.195 (May 2003), 181-207.

21.       “Philosophy as Darśana” in Augustine Thottakara (ed.), Philosophical Education in Indian Seminaries: Prospects and Perspectives, Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications, 2003, pp.29-42.

22.       “Nama-Japa: A Means for Mukti.  Hindu and Christian Perspectives”, Third Millennium, VI (April-June 2003), pp.41-66.

23.       “Inculturation in India: Prospects and Problems”, Dhyana. Journal of Religion and Spirituality, II/1 (October 2003), pp.110-138.

24.       “Hindu Sannyasa”, The Divine Shepherd’s Voice”, II/3 (July-September 2004), pp.185-203.

25.       “Methodology for Indian Christian Philosophising: An Introductory Reflection” in Johnson Puthenpurackal (ed.), Philosophical Methods. Through the Prevalent to a Relevant, (Association of Christian Philosophers of India, No. 5), 2004, pp.15-30.

26.       “Reference to Vakyakara in Visitadvaita Literature: A Philosophical-Historical Critique”, in Johnson Putherpurackal (ed.), Going to the Roots. A Multi-disciplinary Study (Festschrift in Honour of Dr. Luke, ofm. Cap.), Bangalore: Asian Trading Corporation, 2005, pp.74-92.

27.       “God and Consciousness in Indian Philosophical Traditions” in Kurian Kachappilly (ed.), God-Talk: Contemporary Trends and Trials, Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications, 2006, pp. 30-52.

28.       “Ahimsa and Dharma: Vedas to Gandhi”, Samasya, (Kerala Cultural Academy, Vienna), 2006, pp.30-35.

29.       “Concept and Dynamics of the Life of Renunciation in Hinduism”, Word and Worship, 48.1 (January-March 2015), 14-41.

30.       “Means for Right Knowledge: An Issue of Nyaya Epistemology”, Eds. B. Ramesha, S. Ally Sornam and John Neelankavil, Bangalore: Dharmaram Publications, 2015, 182-192.

31.       “Eco-Spirituality: A Hindu Paradigm”, Word and Worship, 48.2 (April June 2015), 72-87.

32.   “India: The Home of Yoga” (Malayalam), Karunikan, 12.07 (July 2015), 21-

Participation in International Seminars and Conferences

Fr. Augustine participated and presented papers at the World Sanskrit Conferences of the International Association of Sanskrit Studies (IASS) held in Vienna (Austria), Bangalore, Melbourne (Australia), Turin (Italy), Helsinki (Finland), and Kkyoto, Japan. He participated and presented papers at the International Seminar on “Eco-Spirituality” in Rome in 1995.  And also he participated and presented papers at the International Seminar on “Indian Philosophy and Globalization, at Dogguk University, Seoul (Korea) in November 2003. In February 2005 he participated and presented papers at the International Seminar on “Art, Spirituality and Mysticism” at Sogang University, Seoul (Korea). He has participated and presented papers at numerous International Seminars in India.