Similarities between Hinduism and the philosophy of Arthur Schopenhauer

Abstract

This article aims to reflect on certain aspects of Schopenhauer’s philosophy and to make considerations on some existing elements of the Hindu literature in Schopenhauer’s magnum opus. Firstly, it makes a brief explanation referring to the Schopenhauerian concepts of ‘will’ and ‘representation’. Secondly, it introduces Hinduism, one of the oldest religions, still strongly present in the contemporary world and with the third largest in followers. Sequentially, some analogies are presented and examined. In this context, the text focuses especially on a comparison between the concept of representation and the veil of Maya, and between Brahman and Will. Furthermore, the paper identifies that the notion of desire is as a component presented both in Arthur Schopenhauer's philosophy and Hinduism.