SacredSecular - Softcover

Mani, Lata

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0415484480 ISBN 13: 9780415484480

Publisher: Routledge, 2009

Synopsis

What would it mean to conceive of the sacred as a source of knowledge that is as vital as the secular? What insights does a contemplative approach yield in analysing neoliberal globalisation or Hindu fundamentalism? Is a dew drop sacred, or is it secular?

In today’s charged atmosphere many believe that the sacred is best kept firmly apart from the realm of the secular. SacredSecular: Contemplative Cultural Critique offers a contrasting view. It argues that the two are indivisible and can productively interweave in illuminating key contemporary issues. Essays investigate the quotidian (trash, cut flowers), the philosophical (advaita, karma), the economic (work, globalisation) and the political (war, violence). Mani invites us to rethink the prevailing view that secularism is the only progressive response to religious authoritarianism. SacredSecular proposes a conceptual approach in which body, mind, heart, nature, matter and spirit are not merely equals, but equally crucial to crafting an inclusive vision and practice.

This book addresses several audiences: scholars of contemporary Indian society and culture, spiritual practitioners striving to integrate their practice with their politics, and all those interested in contemplating the present and what it portends for our collective future.

About this title

About the Author:

Formerly Professor, Women’s Studies Program, University of California, Davis. Currently independent researcher based in Bangalore

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0415484480
• ISBN 13: 9780415484480
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 236