New books in Routledge Hindu Studies Series
Attending Krishna's Image: Chaitanya Murti-seva as Devotional Truth. Kenneth Valpey
Tuesday, 7 February 2006
The Routledge Hindu Studies Series, in association with OCHS, is going from strength to strength under the auspices of new editor, Prof. Gavin Flood. Developed to bring the depth and originality of current scholarship into the public sphere, the Routledge/OCHS series brings ancient Hindu traditions into dialogue with the latest trends in contemporary thought. New and forthcoming titles explore new horizons for understanding India's religion, history and culture.
Samkara's Advaita Vedanta: A Way of Teaching. J.G. Southren Hirst
Samkara (c.700 CE) has been regarded by many as the most authoritative Hindu thinker of all time. A commentator on the sacred texts of the Vedas, Samkara was also a great Brahmin and teacher in the Advaita tradition. Based on a ground-breaking approach to Samkara's seminal texts, Hirst shows us the profound inter-relationship between text and practice in the life and works of the first great Vedantic thinker.Interwoven into his philosophy, Samkara's teaching method leaves its mark, intended to draw pupils skilfully towards that knowledge which is beyond words. This book is of importance to all those interested in the relation between language, and that which is held to transcend it.
Attending Krishna's Image: Chaitanya Murti-seva as Devotional Truth. Kenneth Valpey
Hindu Devotionalism (bhakti) is increasingly understood not only as a system of beliefs, but as a spiritual practice performed in the presence of God. As a result, scholars are learning to understand sacred images as embodiments of the divine. This book considers these issues in modern Hinduism, looking at the images and worship of Krishna, in both India and the West. In particular it focuses on the Chaitanya Vaishnava tradition as it makes its home in different cultures and different ages, by actively participating in the presence of Krishna.