Philosophy

Two streams of thought converge in my personal approach to philosophy and ethics:

Bhedābheda Vedānta, as articulated by Jīva Goswāmī¹ in his Ṣaṭ Sandarbhas. This particular form of Vedānta offers an alternative conception of eternal self-identity (jīvātmā) independent of mind and matter. With this foundation in place, Goswāmī builds a case and a method to pursue pure selfless service (ahaitukī bhakti).

Gandhian social ethics, which was the interdisciplinary focus of my Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (2014-2019). My research included a critical deconstruction of the underpinnings of the European Enlightenment and (neo)liberal political philosophy utilizing the framework of Jīva Gosvāmī’s Bhedābheda Vedānta philosophy. I concluded with a Gandhian perspective on nonviolent, collaborative social arrangements.

¹"Jīva assembles a theological mosaic that is largely constructed out of pre-existing 'pieces' from other traditions, and therefore I characterize his project as one of 'mosaic theology' or 'bricolage theology.'" Haas, Simon M. "Jīva Gosvāmī’s Theological Bricolage: Constructing Caitanya Vaiṣṇava Theology Out of the Religious 'Other'", Journal of Vaishnava Studies, Volume 33, No. 1, Fall 2024. pp. 181-201.