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.
	In the writing of this thesis I would like to thank the following people for their helpfulness and encouragement. First I must thank Assoc. Prof. Raoul Mortley for his patience, his succinct criticisms and his general ability to inspire my research and pass on at the same time a love for the broad field of scholarship he represents so well. Next I must thank Dr. Lucianna O'Dyer for the help she has shown me in the fields of Phenomenology and Continental Philosophy. My thanks are also extended to Dr. A. Bradley from Sydney University.

							Noël Tointon, 6/6/89,
							(Macquarie University).