via-negativa
The method of describing absolute consciousness by negation, stating what it is not, due to its transcendence beyond all attributes.
1 chapter across 1 book
Consciousness in Advaita Vedanta (1980)William M. Indich
Chapter II provides a detailed analysis of the Advaitic conception of absolute consciousness, identifying it with the Self (Atman) and ultimate reality (Brahman). It explores the ontological and epistemological implications of this identification, including arguments for consciousness as eternal, immutable existence and self-luminous intelligence, and discusses the Advaitic use of metaphors such as light to describe absolute consciousness. The chapter also addresses challenges posed by dualist interpretations and clarifies Advaita's non-dualistic stance through distinctions between immanent and transcendental consciousness.