Shaiva Devotional Songs of Kashmir

Shaiva Devotional Songs of Kashmir

Author: Utpala

Publisher:

Published: 1987

Total Pages: 196

ISBN-13: 9780585078250

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Book Synopsis Shaiva Devotional Songs of Kashmir by : Utpala

Download or read book Shaiva Devotional Songs of Kashmir written by Utpala and published by . This book was released on 1987 with total page 196 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Shaiva Devotional Songs of Kashmir

Shaiva Devotional Songs of Kashmir

Author: Constantina Rhodes

Publisher: State University of New York Press

Published: 1987-07-01

Total Pages: 212

ISBN-13: 0791495647

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Utpaladeva was considered a siddha, a "perfected being," one of the masters of the tantric tradition in Kashmir, and he is best known for his philosophical treatises. The Shivastotravali reflects Utpaladeva's philosophy, known as the Pratyabhijna school. And yet it is unique among the author's works in its not being a straightforward philosophical treatise but instead, as Dr. Bailly points out in her introduction, more of a spiritual diary of one who is actually treading the path of Shiva. The path that Utpaladeva has chosen does not require leaving one's home and heading for a mountain cave; instead it calls for changing one's view of the world, for leading a life of divine recognition while carrying on with ordinary life. In clearly written, lucid prose Dr. Bailly illuminates the many facets of Utpaladeva's quest. At the core of his spiritual journey is the enigmatic relationship between devotion and grace: how much does spiritual attainment depend upon the individual's efforts, and how much is a divine gift? And how are these to be realized while living in the midst of society, maintaining worldly obligations and lifestyle? For over a thousand years the Shaiva community of Kashmir has used in its worship the hymns of Utpaladeva's Shivastotravali. Here for the first time these hymns are presented in translation as English verse along with the Sanskrit, a clear and lively introduction, two appendices on special aspects of Kashmir Shaivism, and additional notes.


Book Synopsis Shaiva Devotional Songs of Kashmir by : Constantina Rhodes

Download or read book Shaiva Devotional Songs of Kashmir written by Constantina Rhodes and published by State University of New York Press. This book was released on 1987-07-01 with total page 212 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Utpaladeva was considered a siddha, a "perfected being," one of the masters of the tantric tradition in Kashmir, and he is best known for his philosophical treatises. The Shivastotravali reflects Utpaladeva's philosophy, known as the Pratyabhijna school. And yet it is unique among the author's works in its not being a straightforward philosophical treatise but instead, as Dr. Bailly points out in her introduction, more of a spiritual diary of one who is actually treading the path of Shiva. The path that Utpaladeva has chosen does not require leaving one's home and heading for a mountain cave; instead it calls for changing one's view of the world, for leading a life of divine recognition while carrying on with ordinary life. In clearly written, lucid prose Dr. Bailly illuminates the many facets of Utpaladeva's quest. At the core of his spiritual journey is the enigmatic relationship between devotion and grace: how much does spiritual attainment depend upon the individual's efforts, and how much is a divine gift? And how are these to be realized while living in the midst of society, maintaining worldly obligations and lifestyle? For over a thousand years the Shaiva community of Kashmir has used in its worship the hymns of Utpaladeva's Shivastotravali. Here for the first time these hymns are presented in translation as English verse along with the Sanskrit, a clear and lively introduction, two appendices on special aspects of Kashmir Shaivism, and additional notes.


The Yoga of Kashmir Shaivism

The Yoga of Kashmir Shaivism

Author: Swami Shankarananda

Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass

Published: 2016-01-01

Total Pages: 348

ISBN-13: 812082699X

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Kashmir Shaivism is the study of consciousness. Consciousness is the most intimate experience of life the essence of life itself. Among the many spiritual traditions born and developed in India, one ancient philosophy-Kashmir Shaivism-has explored it completely. Consciousness is the most intimate experience of life, the essence of life itself. Among the many spiritual traditions born and developed in India, one ancient philosophy-Kashmir Shaivism-has explored it completely. Until now, Kashmir Shaivism was an esoteric field accessible only to a few scholars and other specialists. Here, for the first time, Swami Shankarananda, a Self-realised spiritual master, presents the wisdom of this powerful tradition in a form that will delight and inspire all spiritual seekers. He explores the teachings in rich detail, elucidating ideas and meditative practices while drawing upon a vast canvas of many great beings, wisdom traditions and personal experience. When Kashmir Shaivism is studied the way a subject at university is studied, it becomes a set of principles and concepts, which are rich and suggestive. But Kashmir Shaivism is not only food for the intellect. It also implies direct nurturance of the soul, the direct experience of consciousness itself. The goal of this book is to inspire spiritual seekers to make sure of the sublime methods and understandings of Shaivism in their own practice. The Yoga of Kashmir Shaivism is a book that will transform you. It is a resource and guides you towards investigating and deepening your own consciousness.


Book Synopsis The Yoga of Kashmir Shaivism by : Swami Shankarananda

Download or read book The Yoga of Kashmir Shaivism written by Swami Shankarananda and published by Motilal Banarsidass. This book was released on 2016-01-01 with total page 348 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Kashmir Shaivism is the study of consciousness. Consciousness is the most intimate experience of life the essence of life itself. Among the many spiritual traditions born and developed in India, one ancient philosophy-Kashmir Shaivism-has explored it completely. Consciousness is the most intimate experience of life, the essence of life itself. Among the many spiritual traditions born and developed in India, one ancient philosophy-Kashmir Shaivism-has explored it completely. Until now, Kashmir Shaivism was an esoteric field accessible only to a few scholars and other specialists. Here, for the first time, Swami Shankarananda, a Self-realised spiritual master, presents the wisdom of this powerful tradition in a form that will delight and inspire all spiritual seekers. He explores the teachings in rich detail, elucidating ideas and meditative practices while drawing upon a vast canvas of many great beings, wisdom traditions and personal experience. When Kashmir Shaivism is studied the way a subject at university is studied, it becomes a set of principles and concepts, which are rich and suggestive. But Kashmir Shaivism is not only food for the intellect. It also implies direct nurturance of the soul, the direct experience of consciousness itself. The goal of this book is to inspire spiritual seekers to make sure of the sublime methods and understandings of Shaivism in their own practice. The Yoga of Kashmir Shaivism is a book that will transform you. It is a resource and guides you towards investigating and deepening your own consciousness.


Poetry as Prayer in the Sanskrit Hymns of Kashmir

Poetry as Prayer in the Sanskrit Hymns of Kashmir

Author: Hamsa Stainton

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2019-08-05

Total Pages: 320

ISBN-13: 0190889829

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Historically, Kashmir was one of the most dynamic and influential centers of Sanskrit learning and literary production in South Asia. In Poetry as Prayer in the Sanskrit Hymns of Kashmir, Hamsa Stainton investigates the close connection between poetry and prayer in South Asia by studying the history of Sanskrit hymns of praise (stotras) in Kashmir. The book provides a broad introduction to the history and general features of the stotra genre, and it charts the course of these literary hymns in Kashmir from the eighth century to the present. In particular, it offers the first major study in any European language of the Stutikusum=añjali, an important work of religious literature dedicated to the god 'Siva and one of the only extant witnesses to the trajectory of Sanskrit literary culture in fourteenth-century Kashmir. The book also contributes to the study of 'Saivism by examining the ways in which 'Saiva poets have integrated the traditions of Sanskrit literature and poetics, theology (especially non-dualism), and 'Saiva worship and devotion. It substantiates the diverse configurations of 'Saiva bhakti expressed and explored in these literary hymns and the challenges they present for standard interpretations of Hindu bhakti. More broadly, this study of stotras from Kashmir offers new perspectives on the history and vitality of prayer in South Asia and its complex relationships to poetry and poetics.


Book Synopsis Poetry as Prayer in the Sanskrit Hymns of Kashmir by : Hamsa Stainton

Download or read book Poetry as Prayer in the Sanskrit Hymns of Kashmir written by Hamsa Stainton and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2019-08-05 with total page 320 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Historically, Kashmir was one of the most dynamic and influential centers of Sanskrit learning and literary production in South Asia. In Poetry as Prayer in the Sanskrit Hymns of Kashmir, Hamsa Stainton investigates the close connection between poetry and prayer in South Asia by studying the history of Sanskrit hymns of praise (stotras) in Kashmir. The book provides a broad introduction to the history and general features of the stotra genre, and it charts the course of these literary hymns in Kashmir from the eighth century to the present. In particular, it offers the first major study in any European language of the Stutikusum=añjali, an important work of religious literature dedicated to the god 'Siva and one of the only extant witnesses to the trajectory of Sanskrit literary culture in fourteenth-century Kashmir. The book also contributes to the study of 'Saivism by examining the ways in which 'Saiva poets have integrated the traditions of Sanskrit literature and poetics, theology (especially non-dualism), and 'Saiva worship and devotion. It substantiates the diverse configurations of 'Saiva bhakti expressed and explored in these literary hymns and the challenges they present for standard interpretations of Hindu bhakti. More broadly, this study of stotras from Kashmir offers new perspectives on the history and vitality of prayer in South Asia and its complex relationships to poetry and poetics.


The Study of Hinduism

The Study of Hinduism

Author: Arvind Sharma

Publisher: Univ of South Carolina Press

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 352

ISBN-13: 9781570034497

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In this text, leading scholars from around the world take stock of two centuries of international intellectual investment in Hinduism. Since the early 19th century, when the scholarly investigation of Hinduism began to take shape as a modern academic discipline, Hindu studies has evolved from its concentration on description and analysis to an emphasis on understanding Hindu traditions in the context of the religion's own values, concepts and history. Offering an assessment of the current state of Hindu studies, the contributors to this volume identify past achievements and chart the course for what remains to be accomplished in the field.


Book Synopsis The Study of Hinduism by : Arvind Sharma

Download or read book The Study of Hinduism written by Arvind Sharma and published by Univ of South Carolina Press. This book was released on 2003 with total page 352 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this text, leading scholars from around the world take stock of two centuries of international intellectual investment in Hinduism. Since the early 19th century, when the scholarly investigation of Hinduism began to take shape as a modern academic discipline, Hindu studies has evolved from its concentration on description and analysis to an emphasis on understanding Hindu traditions in the context of the religion's own values, concepts and history. Offering an assessment of the current state of Hindu studies, the contributors to this volume identify past achievements and chart the course for what remains to be accomplished in the field.


Rediscovering God with Transcendental Argument

Rediscovering God with Transcendental Argument

Author: David Peter Lawrence

Publisher: State University of New York Press

Published: 2015-07-29

Total Pages: 328

ISBN-13: 1438410204

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Rediscovering God with Transcendental Argument provides a comparative philosophical study of the Pratyabhijña system of the medieval Kashmiri Śaiva thinkers Utpaladeva and Abhinavagupta. Beginning with intensive descriptive and prescriptive reflections on the nature of philosophy itself, the book examines the special characteristics of the Pratyabhijña discourse as both philosophical apologetics and spiritual exercise. Lawrence situates the Pratyabhijña speculation within the larger context of Hindu and Buddhist deliberations about the role of interpretation in experience, and gives a groundbreaking exposition of the epistemology and ontology of Shiva's self-recognition. He observes the similarities and differences of the Pratyabhijña with Christian understandings of the divine logos, and argues that the Śaiva philosophy elucidates a cogent way of demonstrating the reality of God against contemporary relativism, deconstructionism and other forms of skepticism.


Book Synopsis Rediscovering God with Transcendental Argument by : David Peter Lawrence

Download or read book Rediscovering God with Transcendental Argument written by David Peter Lawrence and published by State University of New York Press. This book was released on 2015-07-29 with total page 328 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Rediscovering God with Transcendental Argument provides a comparative philosophical study of the Pratyabhijña system of the medieval Kashmiri Śaiva thinkers Utpaladeva and Abhinavagupta. Beginning with intensive descriptive and prescriptive reflections on the nature of philosophy itself, the book examines the special characteristics of the Pratyabhijña discourse as both philosophical apologetics and spiritual exercise. Lawrence situates the Pratyabhijña speculation within the larger context of Hindu and Buddhist deliberations about the role of interpretation in experience, and gives a groundbreaking exposition of the epistemology and ontology of Shiva's self-recognition. He observes the similarities and differences of the Pratyabhijña with Christian understandings of the divine logos, and argues that the Śaiva philosophy elucidates a cogent way of demonstrating the reality of God against contemporary relativism, deconstructionism and other forms of skepticism.


Exquisite Love

Exquisite Love

Author: William K. Mahony

Publisher: Sarvabhava Press

Published: 2014-12-15

Total Pages: 331

ISBN-13: 0991546814

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The Bhakti Sūtra attributed to Nārada is a collection of 84 aphoristic statements in Sanskrit, dating to the tenth to eleventh centuries in India, on the nature of love for Divinity, which the text describes as the highest, most exquisite form of love. Translating, explaining and interpreting 21 of those statements, William K. Mahony brings these teachings into our contemporary world through his thoughtful and articulate extended reflections on the qualities of this love and on the contours of a life oriented toward strengthening, refining and elevating it. The book also includes Mahony’s translation of Nārada’s Bhakti Sūtra in its entirety. Basing his reflections on the understanding that God is absolute Love, Mahony speaks of a divine Heart present in our own human sentiments and expressions of love in all its modes, directions and degrees of intensity. He offers readers guidance into ways a Heart-centered spiritual life can open them ever more fully to the reality of Love itself.


Book Synopsis Exquisite Love by : William K. Mahony

Download or read book Exquisite Love written by William K. Mahony and published by Sarvabhava Press. This book was released on 2014-12-15 with total page 331 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Bhakti Sūtra attributed to Nārada is a collection of 84 aphoristic statements in Sanskrit, dating to the tenth to eleventh centuries in India, on the nature of love for Divinity, which the text describes as the highest, most exquisite form of love. Translating, explaining and interpreting 21 of those statements, William K. Mahony brings these teachings into our contemporary world through his thoughtful and articulate extended reflections on the qualities of this love and on the contours of a life oriented toward strengthening, refining and elevating it. The book also includes Mahony’s translation of Nārada’s Bhakti Sūtra in its entirety. Basing his reflections on the understanding that God is absolute Love, Mahony speaks of a divine Heart present in our own human sentiments and expressions of love in all its modes, directions and degrees of intensity. He offers readers guidance into ways a Heart-centered spiritual life can open them ever more fully to the reality of Love itself.


Mystical Verses of Lallā

Mystical Verses of Lallā

Author: Laldyada

Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass Publishe

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 248

ISBN-13: 9788120832558

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Mystical Verses of Lalla is a rich introduction to Lalla, the great 14th centuries. Also known as Lallesvari and Lal Ded, she defied social conventions and proceeded on the journey of self-realization. Her verses speak across cultural boundaries and traditions and are as relevant today as they were six centuries ago. Jaishree Kak has beautifully translated the verses from Kashmiri into English. Joseph Singer's prints and drawings complement the verses, providing visual pathways into Lalla's verses. The fourteenth-century mystic poet Lalla, also known as Lallesvari and Lal Ded, is an integral part of Kashmiri language, literature, and culture. Lalla-Vakh or Lalla's verse-sayings have resonated orally for centuries in the valley of Kashmir. Lalla has been compared to Shakespeare, Hafiz, Kabir and Tulsidasa. And, she has been honored as the first Kashmiri poet who modernized Kashmiri language as well as literature. Her richness of language, turn of phrases, and metaphors are now standard expressions in modern Kashmiri.


Book Synopsis Mystical Verses of Lallā by : Laldyada

Download or read book Mystical Verses of Lallā written by Laldyada and published by Motilal Banarsidass Publishe. This book was released on 2007 with total page 248 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Mystical Verses of Lalla is a rich introduction to Lalla, the great 14th centuries. Also known as Lallesvari and Lal Ded, she defied social conventions and proceeded on the journey of self-realization. Her verses speak across cultural boundaries and traditions and are as relevant today as they were six centuries ago. Jaishree Kak has beautifully translated the verses from Kashmiri into English. Joseph Singer's prints and drawings complement the verses, providing visual pathways into Lalla's verses. The fourteenth-century mystic poet Lalla, also known as Lallesvari and Lal Ded, is an integral part of Kashmiri language, literature, and culture. Lalla-Vakh or Lalla's verse-sayings have resonated orally for centuries in the valley of Kashmir. Lalla has been compared to Shakespeare, Hafiz, Kabir and Tulsidasa. And, she has been honored as the first Kashmiri poet who modernized Kashmiri language as well as literature. Her richness of language, turn of phrases, and metaphors are now standard expressions in modern Kashmiri.


Utpaladeva

Utpaladeva

Author: Raffaele Torella

Publisher: DK Printworld (P) Ltd

Published: 2021-03-17

Total Pages: 327

ISBN-13: 8124610797

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About the Author Raffaele Torella is Professor of Sanskrit at University of Rome “Sapienza”, where he has also taught for long Indian Philosophy and Religion, and Indology. Dr. Bettina Bäumer, Indologist from Austria and Professor of Religious Studies (Visiting Professor at several universities), living and working in Varanasi since 1967, is the author and editor of a number of books and over 50 research articles. Her main fields of research are non-dualistic Kashmir Śaivism, Indian aesthetics, temple architecture and religious traditions of Odisha, and comparative mysticism. She has been Coordinator of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Varanasi, and Fellow, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla. She has translated important Sanskrit texts into German and English. Dr. Bettina Bäumer, Indologist from Austria and Professor of Religious Studies (Visiting Professor at several universities), living and working in Varanasi since 1967, is the author and editor of a number of books and over 50 research articles. Her main fields of research are non-dualistic Kashmir Śaivism, Indian aesthetics, temple architecture and religious traditions of Odisha, and comparative mysticism. She has been Coordinator of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Varanasi, and Fellow, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla. She has translated important Sanskrit texts into German and English. About the Book The book, which partly derives from the papers offered at the first International Seminar on Utpaladeva (IIAS, Shimla 2013), is the first ever attempt at presenting a comprehensive portrait of one of the most important philosophers of premodern India, so far mainly taken into account as a mere predecessor of the great Abhinavagupta. Recent studies by R. Torella and others have shown the central importance of Utpaladeva in the elaboration of the Pratyabhijñā philosophy, and reduced the role of Abhinavagupta to that of his brilliant commentator. The contributors to the present volume have shown the multifarious aspects of Utpaladeva, not only an outstanding metaphysician and epistemologist, engaged in a strenuous critical dialogue above all with the Buddhist logicians, but also one of the most extraordinary mystical poets of India. For the first time his contribution to poetics and aesthetics has been duly highlighted. The book contains two appendices with the critical edition and translation by R. Torella of fragments from Utpaladeva’s long commentary (Vivr̥ti) on his Īśvarapratyabhijñā-kārikā and Vr̥tti, one of the most important works of Indian philosophy as a whole, so far deemed to be totally lost. This book should generate great interest among scholars of Sanskrit and philosophy for its uniqueness and should serve the curiosity of each and every scholarly reader of Kashmir Śaivism.


Book Synopsis Utpaladeva by : Raffaele Torella

Download or read book Utpaladeva written by Raffaele Torella and published by DK Printworld (P) Ltd. This book was released on 2021-03-17 with total page 327 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: About the Author Raffaele Torella is Professor of Sanskrit at University of Rome “Sapienza”, where he has also taught for long Indian Philosophy and Religion, and Indology. Dr. Bettina Bäumer, Indologist from Austria and Professor of Religious Studies (Visiting Professor at several universities), living and working in Varanasi since 1967, is the author and editor of a number of books and over 50 research articles. Her main fields of research are non-dualistic Kashmir Śaivism, Indian aesthetics, temple architecture and religious traditions of Odisha, and comparative mysticism. She has been Coordinator of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Varanasi, and Fellow, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla. She has translated important Sanskrit texts into German and English. Dr. Bettina Bäumer, Indologist from Austria and Professor of Religious Studies (Visiting Professor at several universities), living and working in Varanasi since 1967, is the author and editor of a number of books and over 50 research articles. Her main fields of research are non-dualistic Kashmir Śaivism, Indian aesthetics, temple architecture and religious traditions of Odisha, and comparative mysticism. She has been Coordinator of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Varanasi, and Fellow, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla. She has translated important Sanskrit texts into German and English. About the Book The book, which partly derives from the papers offered at the first International Seminar on Utpaladeva (IIAS, Shimla 2013), is the first ever attempt at presenting a comprehensive portrait of one of the most important philosophers of premodern India, so far mainly taken into account as a mere predecessor of the great Abhinavagupta. Recent studies by R. Torella and others have shown the central importance of Utpaladeva in the elaboration of the Pratyabhijñā philosophy, and reduced the role of Abhinavagupta to that of his brilliant commentator. The contributors to the present volume have shown the multifarious aspects of Utpaladeva, not only an outstanding metaphysician and epistemologist, engaged in a strenuous critical dialogue above all with the Buddhist logicians, but also one of the most extraordinary mystical poets of India. For the first time his contribution to poetics and aesthetics has been duly highlighted. The book contains two appendices with the critical edition and translation by R. Torella of fragments from Utpaladeva’s long commentary (Vivr̥ti) on his Īśvarapratyabhijñā-kārikā and Vr̥tti, one of the most important works of Indian philosophy as a whole, so far deemed to be totally lost. This book should generate great interest among scholars of Sanskrit and philosophy for its uniqueness and should serve the curiosity of each and every scholarly reader of Kashmir Śaivism.


Encyclopedia of Hinduism

Encyclopedia of Hinduism

Author: Denise Cush

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2012-08-21

Total Pages: 1129

ISBN-13: 113518979X

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Covering all aspects of Hinduism, this encyclopedia includes more ethnographic and contemporary material in contrast to the exclusively textual and historical approach of earlier works.


Book Synopsis Encyclopedia of Hinduism by : Denise Cush

Download or read book Encyclopedia of Hinduism written by Denise Cush and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2012-08-21 with total page 1129 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Covering all aspects of Hinduism, this encyclopedia includes more ethnographic and contemporary material in contrast to the exclusively textual and historical approach of earlier works.