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Prakrti (Vol. 3)...
Prakrti (Vol. 3)
the Integral Vision by: Kapila VatsyayanThe Third Volume, The Agamic Tradition and the Arts, examines systematically the manifestation of the Elements in the Indian arts and their Agamic background. From the different vantage points of the architect, sculptor, painter, musician and dancer, the field is reopened here to discern the structure of the arts at its primal level. Experiences of the transformation of the gross to the subtle and the theories of aesthetics and cultural ecology emerge from such a captivating view-point.
₹1,260.00
ISBN: 9788124600399
Year Of Publication: 1995
Edition: 1st
Pages : xv, 220 p
Bibliographic Details : Index
Language : English
Binding : Hardcover
Publisher: D.K. Printworld Pvt. Ltd.
Size: 29 cm.
Weight: 1250
PRAKRTI : The Integral Vision explores the concept of the primal Elements (Sky, Air, Fire, Water, Earth, etc.) which has governed and determined the evolution of civilizations and cultures. This 5-volume collection is the outcome of a series of five successive but inter-locked seminars culminating into cross-cultural, multi-disciplinary understanding. The First Volume, Primal Elements: The Oral Tradition, focuses attention on the articulation of cohesive communities communicating with the Elements in continuous unceasing dialogue. To them the nature is not a matter of intellection; it is a question of life here and now. This is manifested in their primary myths and rituals which sacralize nature so that man can live as an integral part of the Universe. The Second Volume, Vedic, Buddhist and Jain Traditions, centres on the texts, probing deep into the Vedic rituals, Upanisadic philosophies and Jyotisa sastra. There is a prodigious consideration of the concept of maha-bhutas in Buddhism and Jainism. It also brings forth the many covergences and divergences of the view-points between and amongst these different streams of Indian thought. The Third Volume, The Agamic Tradition and the Arts, examines systematically the manifestation of the Elements in the Indian arts and their Agamic background. From the different vantage points of the architect, sculptor, painter, musician and dancer, the field is reopened here to discern the structure of the arts at its primal level. Experiences of the transformation of the gross to the subtle and the theories of aesthetics and cultural ecology emerge from such a captivating view-point. The Fourth Volume, The Nature of Matter offers a much-needed critical appraisal of modern scientific concepts with reference to traditional thoughts. It contains invaluable discussion on quantum theory and elementary particles, evolution of living matter, nature and function of matter, scientific philosophy and Buddhist thought, Sankhya theory of matter, ancient and medieval biology, mysticism and modern science, traditional cosmology, matter and medicine, matter and consciousness, etc. The dialogue created between the method of science and the method of speculation is invigorating. The Fifth Volume, Man in Nature, is a coming together of cultures and disciplines. Enchanting in their own way, the international community of scientists, philosophers, anthropologists, ecologists and artists, share in this volume the myths and cosmology of their respective societies and cultures. There emerges a most meaningful dialogue between those who live with the myths of primordial elements and those who have modified the tools of science to investigate the nature of matter. This 5-volume set, first of its kind, produced by the most distinguished specialists in the field, should enjoy a wide readership amongst philosophers of many different persuasions, scientists, theorists of art and culture, particularly ecologists and anthropologists seeking new insights into the phenomena of Nature.
Volume 3
The Agamic Tradition and the Arts
Foreword
— Kapila Vatsyayan
List of Plates
Abbreviations
Introduction
— Bettina Baumer
1. Ritual Sublimation of Elements in Pancaratra Agama
— Prabhakar P. Apte
2. The Pentadic Universe in the Shaivagamas
— H.N. Chakravarty
3. Pancabhutas in Shaiva Ritual : With Special Reference to Bhutashuddhi
— S.S. Janaki
4. Agamic Treatment of Mahabhutas in Relation to Mandals and Arts
— S.P. Sabarathinam
5. From Sensuous to Supersensuous : Some Terms of Indian Aesthetics
— K.D. Tripathi
6. The Cosmic View of Rangadaivatapujana : The Question of its Agamic Backgrouns
— Radhavallabh Tripathi
7. Mahabhutas in Sangita-Shastra : With Special Reference to Yoga and Ayurveda
— Prem Lata Sharma
8. The Body as an Instrument : A Theoretical Choice Made by Sharngadeva
— Mukund Lath
9. Lines of Fire, Lines of Water : The Elements in Shilpashastra
— Bettina Baumer
10. The Unity and Gravity of an Elemental Architecture
— Michael W. Meister
11. Concept of Space in the Vastu Tradition : My Experience
— V. Ganapati Sthapati
12. Ecology and Indian Myth
— Kapila Vatsyayan
13. The Cosmic Elements in India : An Agenda of Questions
— Ashok R. Kelkar
14. Mahabhuta in Determining Cultural Ecology
— Bryan Mulvihill
List of Contributors
Index
Plates
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Sale!India and South-East Asia ₹3,240.00
The South-East is a cultural perspective aptly named agneyi the direction of the God Agni. It is reflected even in the Sino-Japanese Mahakarunagarbha mandala of the 8th century where Agni is surrounded by sages: Angiras with his consort Gautami and Atreya with his consort Bhrgvi. In the Pao-hsiang Lou pantheon Agni is surrounded by eight rsi’s Angiras, Vasistha, Garga, Markandeya, Gautama, Kasyapa, Shan-ch’eng-ming-yang and Su-chi-i (the Sanskrit names of the last two have to yet to be found). In Indic terms, the conceptual space of SE Asia endows it with the serenity of the mind, the grandeur of structures, the profundity of expression derived from Sanskrit. The SE is the mind ground of the sages, the rishis, and as such the marvellous manifestation of the Hindu-Buddhist genius. This book chronicles the dynamism, the fire, the Agni of the Agneya (SE) direction across the past that shades into the present with tomorrows inside.
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Sale!Economics and Nature ₹540.00
The book, adopting a fresh approach, addresses the economic travails in the contemporary global scenario and presents a search for solutions to the economic quagmire based on arguments relying on common sense and understanding of human nature. It analyses the views of thinkers and economists including Kautilya of the ancient India, ideas of John Maynard Keynes and Milton Friedman, and other highly acclaimed economic theories to discuss ideal economic concepts. Looking at the past for economic wisdom and taking clue from the laws of nature which ensures that imbalances do not persist for long, the articles in the volume deal with matters of deep concern in the present-day global economic scenario and ways to address them. The volume, informative, interesting and insightful, is bound to be useful to economists as well as general readers.
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Sale!Environmental Conservation in Western Himalayas ₹446.00
Spruce and silver fir forests play a quintessential role in environmental conservation in the eco-sensitive zone of western Himalayas forming catchment areas of many important rivers originating from and flowing through these mountainous areas. Working these forests under different silvicultural systems tried to develop suitable silvicultural treatment for these forests did not prove satisfactory, and appropriate silvicultural and management practices remain to be developed.
Overexploitation of these forests in several areas resulted in serious soil erosion and environmental problems. Sustainable management of spruce and silver fir forests is critical for environmental conservation in this region.
The book deals with past management of spruce and silver fir forests in western Himalayas, problems in regenerating these forests and artificial regeneration methods developed and adopted. It also vividly analyses the impacts of different management practices on the effectiveness of these forests in environmental conservation. The book should enthuse environmental conservationists, nature lovers and researchers interested in the study of the Himalayas. -
Sale!Essential Forest Produce in Orissa ₹405.00
This volume is the 4th in the ongoing Man and Forest series a series trying to highlight the relevance of indigenous knowledge of various tribal communities in the sustainable management of forests and local resources more specially against the growing challenges of economic development vis-à-vis environmental hazards and a declining resource base. Orissas forests, covering a little over 57,000 sq km (or 36.72% of the states geographical area), are known to have a profusion of minor forest produce (MFP) which has been upgraded due to its importance for tribal livelihood and is called Essential Forest Produce (EFP) through the book. It comprises simple fodder and fuelwood to baffling medicinal herbs, besides numerous economically important plants yielding dyes, tannin, fibres, flosses, essential oils, edible fruits, seeds, leaves, honey among many other items. Yet, despite its enormous economic potential, about three-fourths of this forest wealth has so far been unutilized by the tribal communities largely because of its inaccessibility. With a holistic product profile of Orissas forests, an eminent anthropologist here looks for the rationale behind the vastly deficient utilization of its EFP identifying the entire range of causes: from the tribals incapacity to reach this forest resource to their exploitation by middlemen/traders/moneylenders to the larger forest policy issues. Dr Patnaik also proposes measures which would help tribals not only to actualize the inherent potential of EFP but, in turn, strengthen their economy as well. It is a painstaking empirical study of interest to social anthropologists, environmental activists, foresters, development economists, forest resource economists planners and policy-makers.
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Sale!Human Ecology in the Vedas ₹1,080.00
Directing his view towards the whole universe holistically, amazingly, the Rigvedic man as this study shows was awakened to the cosmic Law and Order (Rita); he saw how nothing: nature, environment, or the universe itself, was ever static; and how the orderly Energy was at the root of all changes and movements. Instinctively, he not only bowed down to the Order that reigns supreme, but also tried to attune himself, his behaviour, and his everyday activity to the eternal laws of the universe. Which, says the author, he recognized as his dharma. A sequel to her earlier, well-received title: Ecological Readings in the Veda, Dr. Marta Vannuccis this book sets out fresh, insightful analyses of the Vedic writings to highlight the ancient rishis perceptions of the Universe, Nature, and cause-effect relationships; and how, millennia ago, these sages came to revere, even adore, Nature in its different manifestations and, wittingly or unwittingly, evolve an environmentally friendly culture. In support of her findings, the author also analyses a few selected hymns from the Rigveda, using a biological key to decode these songs. Additionally, she also explores some important aspects of two Vedic gods: Indra and Varuna, who respectively represent the material and immaterial reality. Highly relevant appendices apart, the book includes a comprehensive glossary of Sanskrit/non-English words and numerous bibliographic references.
