Preface

	The following thesis investigates the nature and use of the via neagtiva and metaphors of illusion, magic, theatre and deprecation in the articulation of an absolute philosophy as found present in the Graeco-Roman Neoplatonic Tradition (as represented by the Enneads of Plotinus) and the Indian Buddhist Wisdom Tradition (as represented by the text The Perfection of Wisdom in 8,000 Verses). These two traditions are treated as essentially contemporaneous. A comparative structural and functional isomorphism was noted along with a parallelization of overall intentions in keeping with the essential nature of an absolute philosophy of the type as entailed by these two traditions. Finally the controversial question of an East-West influence was re-considered and philosophically treated as a preparation for an historical investigation.