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This innovative reading of Patanjalis Yoga-sutras discuss how Yoga enables one to live more fully in the world without being enslaved by worldly identification. It challenges misperception about Yoga and argues for a fresh understanding of the practical relevance of Yoga.
The Integrity of the Yoga Darshana centres on the thought of Patanjali, the great exponent of the authoritative and Classical Yoga school of Hinduism and the reputed author of the Yoga-sutras. In this textual, historical, and interpretive study, whicher offers a plausible and innovative reading of the intention of the Yoga-sutras, namely that Yoga does not advocate the abandonment or condemnation of the world, but rather supports a stance that enables one to live more fully in the world without being enslaved by worldly identification. Challenging and correcting misperceptions about Yoga drawn by traditional and modern interpretations of the Yoga-sutras, the author argues for a fresh vision of the spiritual potential present in this seminal text, thereby contributing to our understanding of the meaning and practical relevance of Yoga and its reception today. A superb piece of work, this book provides an original, constructive, and insightful interpretation of the Yoga system.
The present volume is an outcome of the expert discussion on the theories of Brahmanism and Buddhism, in an International meet at Jnana-Pravaha. Philosophical and artistic interaction between the two have been brilliantly discussed with references to famous places as well as texts to unravel basic principles.
Brahmanism and Buddhism adopted symbol and image worship almost simultaneously in the pre and early centuries of the Christian era. With the passage of time, the forms and plethora evolved and despite several distinctive features common elements between the two religions continue and fructified. The fact is revealed both at the philosophical and artistic levels. The present volume is the outcome of the well discussed theories by the experts, assembled in an International meet on the subject in the second week of February 2003 at Jnana-Pravaha, Varanasi, organized in the joint collaboration of Acharya Narendra Dev International Research Institute for Buddhist Studies, Lucknow. The book incorporates a good number of papers dealing with philosophical and artistic interaction between Brahmanism and Buddhism for more than a millennium years. The interaction was largely peaceful but there were certain phases in the Medieval period when clash also surfaced. It was most profound in the region of art and architecture, as a result of which some similarities as well as unique features between the two had emerged. All these aspects have been brilliantly discussed and specific references to famous places associated with Brahmanical and Buddhist arts in Asia as well as textual references to unravel basic iconographical principles have been adequately reflected in the present volume. The book besides being useful to scholars and students researching on ancient Indian art and architecture would appeal to general readers interested to know more about Indias glorious art traditions.
This book incorporates Prof. Friedmans lectures and discussions that were a part of the Inter-Cultural Dialogue at many levels. His major contribution is in developing an approach that is within the framework of the human image.
This book, with a foreword by Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan, incorporates Prof. Maurice Friedmans lectures, discussions and exchanges which took place in the Intercultural Dialogue at many levels. The integral dialogical approach of Prof. Friedman within the framework of the human image, coincides with the holistic vision of the ongoing work at the IGNCA. Prof. Friedmans major contribution in philosophy is in providing continuity to the new dialogical trend of thought. There was a time when philosophy was conceived as purely thought-oriented, self-oriented, and too far removed from the existential, natural order of human existence. The image of man that emerged from this abstraction was also a conceptual I. The new trend, gives priority to existence, experience, and an image of the human that precedes and develops through every type of personal encounter we have with the other. This experiential framework gives an orientation to philosophical anthropology, philosophy of art, philosophy of social sciences, philosophy of religion and moral philosophy. It rejects the distinction between first order and second order level and sees thought and reflection as in the process of existential becoming of the human. Professor Friedmans original contribution to philosophy may be indicated at different levels: 1) Developing a complete yet open-ended dialogical framework by pointing to the image of the human as central; 2) Bringing out, in a thoroughgoing way, the implications of the image of man for moral philosophy. This existential ethics, which is different from Sartre, is of great significance in our times; 3) Suggesting a new philosophy of literature by stressing the human image as a direction and not as an ideal in the literary works of Aldous Huxley, T.S.Eliot, Hermann Hesse; and, 4) Pointing to the important dimension of dialogical psychotherapy where the relationship between the therapist and the client is central; and, it is this meeting alone which may heal the atrophied personal center.
This volume highlights the basic distinctions between anthropocentric and cosmocentric approaches to cultural identity and development. It discusses what constitutes culture and development and focuses on evolving viable, alternative development paradigms.
From the post-World War II decolonization to about mid-1980s, mainstream development thinking has focussed on economics, on the one-dimensional abstraction of homo economicus, to the exclusion of all else: specially the socio-cultural context in which development might take place. This divorce of development from culture, however, was poor economics a hard fact, which the international community has come to discover gradually, experientially. The United Nations too was not found wanting in its shared concern for culture. On 21 January 1988, it launched under the aegis of Unesco The World Decade for Cultural Development in its effort to chiefly (a) strengthen awareness of cultural dimension of development, and (b) enrich cultural identities the world over. In the Indian capital, the Indira Gandhi National Centrel for the Arts (IGNCA) has initiated a multidisciplinary discourse on development issues vis-a-vis the whole range of cultural variables and definitions. Which its newly-introduced series : Culture and Development proposes to cover in entirety. This inaugural volume, thematically focussing on Interface of Cultural Identity and Development, comprises 23 presentations of a Unesco-sponsored meeting of experts: 19-23 April 1993 at IGNCA, New Delhi. Highlighting the basic distinctions that exist between anthropocentric and cosmocentric approaches to the question of cultural identity and development, the authors reflect on what constitutes culture and development not per se, but as an integral holistic notion of culture and lifestyle, culture and development, culture and region, culture and linguistic/ecological identities, and how some of the viable alternative development paradigms could be evolved from the convergence of mystical ancient insights and modern science. Authored by eminent anthropologists, sociologists, scientists and other area-specialists from Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iran, Mongolia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Turkey, the papers here not only consider diverse theoretical issues of cultural identity and development, but also set out case studies in different field situations.
The book investigates the bhakti beliefs and practices of the subaltern Kabirpanth community in comparison with the nirguna bhakti thought of their guru, the medieval iconoclastic bhakti saint Kabir. By doing so, the book attempts to investigate the Kabirpanthis’ attempt at dissent and submissiveness vis-a-vis the dominant Sanskritic Hindu tradition. This dual strategy of dissent and submissiveness is analysed through subaltern postcolonial lens as well as by employing social anthropological empirical research.
The book begins by making an analytical study of the medieval Bhakti movement and the nirguṇa bhakti teachings and practices of Kabir. Using postcolonial discursive tools such as postcolonial mimicry, ambivalence and hybridity, the author investigates how the bhakti beliefs and practices of the subaltern Kabirpanth community are elements of subversive and resistance stance against the dominant Sanskritic Hindu tradition.
This book is a must read for anyone interested in bhakti religion and movement and those who wish to analyse subaltern religion through postcolonial lens.
The book investigates the bhakti beliefs and practices of the subaltern Kabirpanth community in comparison with the nirguna bhakti thought of their guru, the medieval iconoclastic bhakti saint Kabir. By doing so, the book attempts to investigate the Kabirpanthis’ attempt at dissent and submissiveness vis-a-vis the dominant Sanskritic Hindu tradition. This dual strategy of dissent and submissiveness is analysed through subaltern postcolonial lens as well as by employing social anthropological empirical research.
The book begins by making an analytical study of the medieval Bhakti movement and the nirguṇa bhakti teachings and practices of Kabir. Using postcolonial discursive tools such as postcolonial mimicry, ambivalence and hybridity, the author investigates how the bhakti beliefs and practices of the subaltern Kabirpanth community are elements of subversive and resistance stance against the dominant Sanskritic Hindu tradition.
This book is a must read for anyone interested in bhakti religion and movement and those who wish to analyse subaltern religion through postcolonial lens.
Interstate Relations in Northern India (8001200 ce) is a critical analysis of the Empire and State, the RÀja-Maõçala, in medieval India. The book is an excellent interpretation of the composition of the state, the ancient Indian principles and categories of interstate relations dealing with rÀjya and maõçala (circle of states).
This thoroughly researched work examines the state and its seven constituent elements (rÀjya). While avoiding the temptation of using Western categories and principles of international law, it provides an explanation of classification of states based on power, independence, tribute and political allegiance. In particular, it defines and analyses the ÈÀçguõya (sixfold policy of sandhi (peace), vigraha (war), yana (marching), Àsana (staying quite), dvaidhÁ-bhÀva (dual policy) and saÚraya (seeking shelter thereby correcting earlier misconceptions)). Furthermore, the theoretical formulations of circle of states and interstate relations between (8001200 ce) have been placed in a historical context, and well attested by historical instances in north India. Based on geopolitics and power it demonstrates the impact of political thought on political expedients, stratagems and events, at a crucial time in Indian history. The influence of ideas on political behaviour of kings and trajectories and policies of kingdoms of the Candellas, PÀlas, ParamÀras, PratihÀras, RÀjpÂts, CÀÒukyas, RÀÈÇrakÂÇas, Arabs and CÀhamÀnas have been substantiated with facts and evidences.
The author, Dr Shiva Gopal Bajpai, is to be congratulated for providing an accurate analysis of ancient Indian political theory and interpretation of its practical application by medieval rÀjÀs, thereby making a significant contribution to our understanding of Indian history.
The book thus delves deep into the philosophies of both Bdaryaa and akara in enunciating the essential features of Brahman and Its association with the world. It thus discusses topics such as what sort of cause Brahman is?, and what sort of material causality is to be ascribed to It? It also addresses the conflicting views on the nature of Brahman like that of Vivarttavda and of Rmnuja’s Sagua-Brahman.
The book contains the original texts in Sanskrit, Roman transliteration and detailed commentaries on the Ishavasya and Mandukya Upanishads, explaining the basic message of the Upanishads Þ Brahmavidya or the science of the Absolute Þ in different ways, the questions asked in each being different.
The volume contains a detailed commentary on two important Upanishads, the Ishavasya and the Mandukya.
The Isha Upanishad states straightaway what Brahmavidya is. It clarifies three different paths in human life: two leading to final liberation and unconditioned happiness and the third leading to the demonic world of darkness and sufferings in life.
The Mandukya Upanishad, which is also the shortest Upanishad, states concisely what Vedanta basically teaches (Everything here indeed is Brahman), how everything is to be conceived, and how it is to be equated with aum. It explains how the monosyllable aum condenses within itself Brahman or atman, the substance in all the worlds.
The volume gives the original texts of the Upanishads in Sanskrit, their Roman transliteration and a commentary for each. It explains the basic message of the Upanishads Brahmavidya or Atmavidya or Vedanta or the science of the Absolute in different ways, the questions asked in each being different. It takes a fresh look at the Upanishads keeping in view all modern developments of thought in science as well as philosophy. The work will interest scholars and students of Hindu philosophy and religion.
The book discusses the fundamental beliefs and practices of Islam with a view to enabling people of other religions to study the principles of Islam and to understand the similarities and differences between religions.
The book discusses the fundamental beliefs and practices of Islam with a view to enabling people of other religions to study the principles of Islam and to understand the similarities and differences between religions. In simple language, it deals with the concept of a prophet, the life of Prophet Muhammad, the contents of the holy text of the Muslims, the Qur’an, the Pillars of Islam, the history of Islam and practice of Islamic law. Along with the political, legal and social framework of Islam, it explores facets of Islamic mysticism Sufism by examining its major features like asceticism, love of God and knowledge of God. It finally looks into the basis for a dialogue between the Hindus and Muslims by delving into Quran’ic verses that stress plurality and the universality of diversity. The work will prove ample material for thought for the reader in general.
The books talks about the interaction between Islamic resurgent movements and their impact on the shaping of Islamic order, with the focus on Maulana Nadwi, the ulama, and Islamists and transmitters of tajdid (revival). Besides, it examines the contributions of Maulana Nadwi to Islamic resurgence, comparing his ideas with those of his contemporaries.
The topic of Islamic resurgence has gained significance in view of the geo-political developments over the last century in the Muslim world. The varied interpretations of tajdid (revival) by the ulama and the Islamists have deeply shaped the discourse of Islamic resurgence. This work studies the interaction between Islamic resurgent movements and their impact on the shaping of an Islamic order, with the focus on Maulana Nadwi (1913-1999), the ulama, and Islamists and transmitters of tajdid (revival).
The volume examines the contributions of Maulana Sayyid Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi to Islamic resurgence and his conception of an Islamic order, comparing his ideas with those of his contemporaries, Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi of Pakistan and Sayyid Qutb of Egypt. Beginning with a detailed historical analysis of Islamic resurgent movements, it deals with the sources of Islamic authenticity of an ideal past in relation to Islamic reformist thought. It takes up the historical figures and Islamic institutions that contributed to Maulana Nadwis formulation of Islamic resurgence. Common themes in the writings of Maulana Nadwi and his contemporaries are examined, especially the theories of Jahiliyyah and Hakimiyyah.
The book is relevant in the context of Islamic resurgence in the present day especially with reference to globalisation. It will be useful to students and scholars of Islamic studies as well as general readers.
The book surveys Islamic thought and movements in the Indian subcontinent with particular emphasis on the thoughts and activities of the leading twentieth-century thinkers, Mawlana Mawdudi and Mawlana Nadwi. It analyses the challenges they faced and their endeavours towards revival and reform of Islam.
The book surveys Islamic thought and movements in the subcontinent in the modern times, emphasising on the thoughts and activities of two leading Islamic thinkers of the twentieth century, Mawlana Mawdudi and Mawlana Nadwi. It discusses the sources of evolution of Islamic thought and the early reformative endeavours. It reveals that their responses to the modern challenges contributed to the revitalisation of Islamic thought in their own perspectives. In the context of revival and reform of Islam, they found their interpretation of Islam as essential for an appreciation of the religion’s dynamism and diversity. The book discusses their holistic approach towards Islam as a comprehensive guide for private as well as public life. It explains how they viewed the plight of the Muslim community as something that had to be addressed by sharpening the Muslims consciousness of the dynamic characteristics of their faith and its ability to halt the temporary state of decline. For the purpose, Mawdudi focused on the systematic presentation of Islam. It examines his formation of Jamaat-I-Islami and its role in rebuilding the Islamic State of Pakistan. It explains Mawlana Nadwi’s tradition and Sufistic approach to religion, showcasing his views and response relating to the Muslim Personal Law Board, Babri Masjid demolition, the Palestine issue and the West. The book will interest Islamic scholars and all those interested in evolution of Islamic philosophy in modern times.
The book studies the architecture and iconography of some 36 Islamic tombs belonging to the period ad 1230 to 1754. Abounding in line drawings, it makes examines the monuments size, plan and elevation, the techniques of their construction, masonry and artisanship, and the relevance of each monument in the overall scheme of Indo-Islamic architectural development.
The work by an Indological scholar who has studied different architectural traditions of the world covers the architecture and iconography of some 36 Islamic tombs in India spanning a period of over 500 years from c. ad 1230 to 1754. It begins with a brief historical background to the Islamic rule in northern India and a discussion on burial practices and tomb types of the time to further understanding of the underlying concept of construction and functions of the tombs. Abounding in numerous line drawings of plans and elevations, and figures, it examines the influence of different traditions Buddhist and Hindu as well as other Asian and African and Mediterranean traditions on evolution of the form of Islamic tombs. It makes a detailed examination of the Indo-Islamic tombs under consideration: their description, size, plan and elevation including the interior space and application of the mandala patterns over the tomb structures, the techniques of construction, masonry and artisanship employed in them. It explains the place and relevance of each monument in the overall scheme of Indo-Islamic architectural development and growth as well as the importance of each by itself. It delves into the religious, philosophical and mathematical bases of the architecture and its application to tomb-building. The research also involves a comparative study of Indo-Islamic tombs vis-a-vis other architectural marvels of the world Islamic and non-Islamic. The book will be extremely relevant to scholars and students of Indian, particularly Indo-Islamic, iconography and those interested in Indo-Islamic cultural traditions in general.
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