Prof John Vatanky SJ

Rev Dr John Vattanky, S.J.

A Philosophical Journey with Eastern Vision: The Life and Thought of Rev. Dr. John Vattanky, S.J.

This article, intended for the site www.kuru.in/vattanky, explores the life, work, and profound contributions of Rev. Dr. John Vattanky, S.J. (1931-2021), a distinguished Indian philosopher and Jesuit priest. An erudite scholar who uniquely bridged the traditions of Indian and Christian thought, Vattanky is celebrated for his expertise in the intricate Nyaya-Vaisheshika school, particularly its later, more rigorous form known as Navya-Nyaya. His legacy is one of intellectual rigor, inter-religious dialogue, and a deeply felt commitment to both his faith and his Indian heritage.

Early Life and Academic Foundations

Born on July 3, 1931, in Palackattumala, Kerala, John Vattanky's academic journey began with a foundation in classics and philosophy at the Papal Seminary in Sri Lanka. After joining the Society of Jesus (Kerala Province) in 1950, he was ordained a priest in 1963. Driven by a passion for learning, he pursued advanced studies in Oriental Philosophies and Religion, earning a Master of Arts from the University of Oxford and a PhD in Indology from the University of Vienna. This rigorous academic training, combined with his immersion in the traditional methods of Indian scholarship under the guidance of renowned pundits, laid the groundwork for his groundbreaking work.

As a member of the Syro-Malabar Church, towards the end of his life he developed a deep love for the Syriac language. This passion led him to learn Syriac, and he was able to celebrate Mass in this ancient liturgical language.

Pioneering Indian Philosophical Studies

Upon his return to India in 1974, Vattanky dedicated himself to research and teaching. He established the Indology Institute at St. Xavier's College, Trivandrum, which he later moved to Pune in 1982, renaming it the Centre for Advanced Indian Studies. The institute's focus on the demanding Nyaya system, with its long history and sophisticated logical framework, marked a bold and significant contribution to modern Indian philosophical studies. It was from this intellectual hub that Vattanky produced his most influential works.

A core tenet of his philosophy was the integration of Western intellectual traditions with the rich philosophical heritage of India. Vattanky's major scholarly contributions centered on the Navya-Nyaya school, a system of Indian logic and epistemology. He was particularly focused on its theistic dimensions, as explored in the works of the 13th-century philosopher Gangesa. This led to his seminal work, Gangesa's Philosophy of God (1984), a meticulously researched and widely acclaimed book that earned an award from the All India Philosophical Association. Through this work, Vattanky demonstrated how Nyaya's theory of knowledge, with its emphasis on rigorous logical proofs, could be used to build a robust and rational discourse on the existence and nature of God. This was a pioneering effort, as it showed that the Absolute could be approached not just through mystical revelation, but through a systematic, logical inquiry rooted in a classical Indian philosophical tradition.

An Integral Humanist Vision

Vattanky's philosophical vision was characterized by an "integral humanism," a concept that posited that a complete understanding of human existence is only possible by acknowledging our metaphysical relationship with the Absolute. He saw this not as a limitation, but as the very foundation of human knowledge and flourishing. This perspective was deeply influenced by his reading of Nyaya texts, which, he argued, provided a framework for transcending empirical limitations and reaching Ultimate Reality.

His work was not confined to a single book; his other significant publications include Development of Nyaya Theism (1993), Nyaya Philosophy of Language (1995), and A System of Indian Logic: The Nyaya Theory of Inference (2003). These works showcased his mastery of Nyaya, his ability to translate and interpret complex Sanskrit texts for a wider audience, and his commitment to making this tradition relevant to contemporary philosophical debates. His expertise was recognized globally, and he lectured at prestigious institutions like the University of Oxford, the University of Munich, and the University of Texas, Austin.

A Teacher and Mentor

Parallel to his research, Vattanky was an esteemed professor at Jnana-Deepa (JD), Pune, where he taught classical Indian philosophy and Sanskrit. JD, a prominent pontifical institution, provided the perfect setting for his work, fostering an environment of inter-religious dialogue and intellectual exploration. As a teacher and mentor, he inspired generations of students, instilling in them a deep appreciation for the intellectual depth of Indian philosophy. He was also a resident at De Nobili College, a Jesuit formation house in Pune, which placed him at the heart of the intellectual and spiritual life of the Jesuit community in India.

In his later years, Vattanky’s intellectual curiosity led him to the study of Syriac and the mystical theology of St. Ephrem, a fourth-century Christian theologian. He found a profound resonance between Ephrem’s symbolic theology, which viewed the world as a "symbol of God," and his own philosophical insights derived from Nyaya and Advaita Vedanta. This fusion of Eastern and Western thought demonstrated his lifelong quest for a holistic understanding of reality, where faith and reason, East and West, could come together in a meaningful dialogue.

Enduring Legacy

The legacy of Professor John Vattanky is also celebrated in a festschrift titled Logic and love: reflecting on Professor John Vattanky's contribution to Indian philosophy and spirituality, edited by Kuruvilla Pandikattu S.J. and Thomas Karimundackal S.J.  This collection of scholarly essays honors Vattanky’s broad intellectual interests and his significant contributions to Indian philosophy and theology. Another festschift on his 80th birthday, An Indian Ending: Rediscovering the Grandeur of Indian Heritage for a Sustainable Future was edited by Kuruvilla Pandikattu S.J. and  Binoy Pichalakkattu, S.J.

Towards the end of his life, Vattanky relocated his institute to Kanjirappally, Kerala. After suffering a stroke, he was moved to Christ Hall in Kozhikode, where he passed away on February 22, 2021. Though his final years were marked by illness, his legacy endured through his published works and the scholars he mentored.

Rev. Dr. John Vattanky, S.J., was more than a scholar; he was a bridge-builder between intellectual traditions. His work is a testament to the fact that profound philosophical and spiritual questions can be explored through a creative and rigorous dialogue between different cultures and faiths. His unique blend of rigorous logic (Nyaya) and compassionate faith (Christianity) exemplifies a truly integral humanism—one that is both intellectually demanding and spiritually enriching. His life's work continues to serve as a beacon for anyone seeking to understand the deep connections between Indian thought and Christian spirituality.

A True Inspiration!