Sūtras, Stories and Yoga Philosophy: Narrative and Transfiguration (Routledge Studies in Asian Religion and Philosophy) - Hardcover

Raveh, Daniel

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1138638382 ISBN 13: 9781138638389

Publisher: Routledge, 2016

Synopsis

This book presents a close reading of four Indian narratives from different time periods (epic, Upaniṣadic, pre-modern and contemporary): Ekalavya's story from the Mahābhārata (MBh 1.123.1-39), the story of Prajāpati, Indra and Virochana from the Chāndogya Upanisad (CU 8.7.1-8.12.5), the story of Śankara in the King's body from the Śankaradigvijaya, and A.R. Murugadoss's Hindi film Ghajini (2008), respectively. These stories are thematically juxtaposed with Pātańjala-yoga, namely Patańjali's Yogasūtra and its vast commentarial body. The sūtras reveal hidden philosophical layers. The stories, on the other hand, contribute to the clarification of "philosophical junctions" in the Yogasūtra. Through sūtras and stories, the author explores the question of self-identity, with emphasis on the role of memory and the place of body in identity-formation. Each of the stories diagnoses the connection between self-identity and (at least a sense of) freedom.

Employing cutting-edge methodology, crossing the boundaries of literary theory, story-telling, and philosophical reflection, this book presents fresh interpretations of Indian thought. It is useful to specialists in Asian philosophy and culture.

About this title

About the Author:

Daniel Raveh is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy at Tel-Aviv University, Israel.

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1138638382
• ISBN 13: 9781138638389
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 162