Blissful Experience Bhakti: Quintessence of Indian Philosophy - Hardcover

T.K. Sribhashyam; Alamelu Sheshadri

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 8124606137 ISBN 13: 9788124606131

Publisher: D.K. Printworld, 2011

Synopsis

Bhakti-yoga is seen as the direct path to perfection that leads to the very heart of religious consciousness. Ramanuja's concept of bhakti (devotion) emphasised the practice of self-surrender through which a person realises his personality, strengths and weaknesses, and hidden powers. Bhakti, for him, acts as a link between mortals and the Ultimate Reality. This book examines the views of Vishishtadvaita of Ramanuja on bhakti and prapatti (self-surrender). It studies in-depth the meaning of God, the soul and the Supreme Soul, and the world, the concept of bhakti, the different stages of bhakti referring to numerous sources that include the Vedas, the Bhagavad-Gita, the Upanishads and the Puranas. It focuses on Ramanuja's teaching of bhakti, examining his philosophy in general and his sevenfold practice, Sadhana Saptaka to generate bhakti that expounds the qualities and significance of discrimination for viveka, freedom from sensual attachment or anger for securing vimoka, repeated reflection of God, performance of religious duty for inner mental strength, development of ethical virtues, freedom from despair and freedom from excessive joy. It understands the relevance of symbols in devotion and examines nature and use of symbols in Buddhism and Hinduism. The scholarly study discusses the importance and cultivation of peaceful emotions, and need for prayer and dietary regulations in devotion. The volume will prove an indispensable work for scholars of Indian philosophy and religious studies.

About this title

About the Author

Mr. T.K. Sribhashyam obtained his Master's degree in accountancy as well as in Hindu philosophy. He also received intensive lessons on yoga philosophy, and Indian psychology. Ayurveda, the Indian medical science, was another subject of study under his father, Sri T. Krishnamacharya. Since 1971, he has been transmitting his father's teachings in Europe, in French as well as in English. In 1999, the Mysore Sanskrit College conferred on him the title of Acharya for his faithful and devoted teachings of Hindu philosophy. He is the Head of all Yogakshemam schools in Europe. His book Emergence du Yoga (in French) has been recently published from France and its English translation is under preparation. Two of his books in English viz. Blissful Experience-Bhakti -- Quintessence of Indian Philosophy and From Devotion to Total Surrender-Shanagati Yoga -- In the Light of Indian Philosophy are appearing from India in 2012. He has published many articles in different yoga journals in Europe. He is an honorary life member of the International Yoga Federation and the World Yoga Council. Mrs. Alamelu Sheshadri, second daughter of Sri T. Krishnamacharya, is graduated from Mysore University. Sri T. Krishnamacharya initiated her to Yajurveda, tought her all major Upanishads, Brahmasutras and the Bhagavad-Gita in the traditional way. He also trained her in yoga, both practically and philosophically. From 1985 until 1989 she continued studying many philosophical subjects, especially Vishishtadvaita.

Edition details

• Publisher: D.K. Printworld
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 8124606137
• ISBN 13: 9788124606131
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 336