TO

HIS EXCELLENCY

LAWRENCE JOHN LUMLEY DUNDAS, G.C.I.E., original: "G.C.I.E." stands for Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire, a high-ranking British honor.

EARL OF RONALDSHAY, CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY

OF CALCUTTA AND THE GOVERNOR OF BENGAL.

May it please your Excellency,

The idea for writing this work was first suggested to me by the Rectorial address A formal speech given by a high-ranking university official. which your Excellency delivered some years ago at a graduation ceremony original: "Convocation" of the University of Calcutta. In that speech, you emphasized the special need for Indian students to study Indian philosophy. I will always remember with gratitude the encouragement I received from the kind interest you showed in my work by reviewing the manuscript, the conversations I had the honor of holding with you on various occasions, and your subsequent letters to me. Your Excellency’s honored name has thus already become uniquely connected with the composition of this work. With your Excellency’s kind permission, I therefore wish to take this opportunity to associate your name with this volume as a mark of my deepest respect and esteem.

This work is an attempt to present the thought of Ancient India at its best. This thought still holds the spirit of India, and the more it is studied, the more we see that the problems are often identical to those faced by European thinkers. It is a hopeful sign original: "auspicious omen" for the future that both East and West should realize each other’s tasks and find that they are often the same. The great work of uniting India with Europe can only be accomplished gradually through a mutual appreciation of what is best in each country. I will be very happy if this humble volume aids this process—which has already begun in various ways—even in a small measure, and if it represents some of the ancient ideals of India to your Excellency after your return to your country The author is referring to the Earl's eventual return to Great Britain from his post in India..