Methodological Issues in the Study of Religions : In the Context of an Indian Philosophical Approach with Special Emphasis on the Writings of Sri Aurobindo

Religion is considered as a branch of scientific study in which different investigators attempt to explore, classify and assert critically the different approaches. The methodological approaches to Religion conceptualize two facets: a historical aspect which scrutinizes methods and approaches of the past and a systematic aspect which centers on the current understanding of the character of Religion and the assumption of the researcher. There are diverse approaches to the study of Religion such as historical, phenomenological, sociological, psychological and comparative. The Indian concept of philosophy is integral as it fulfills the demands of the intellect as well as the aspirations of human heart. It has generally committed itself to the view that the aim of philosophy is liberation. Thus the philosophical approach is in itself a religious quest which affirms the Indian philosophical pursuit as significant and inevitable approach in the study of Religion. This work attempts to investigate the methodological issues involved in the study of Religion and explores the possibility of incorporating philosophical approach to reshape our religious investigation, experience and inter