The Graceful Guru

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The Graceful Guru

Karen Pechilis
The Graceful Guru Book PDF

Author : Karen Pechilis
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 272 pages
File Size : 54,9 Mb
Release : 2004
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 9780195145373

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The Graceful Guru by Karen Pechilis Pdf

A distinctive aspect of Hindu devotion is the veneration of a human guru, who is not only an exemplar and a teacher but is also understood to be an embodiment of the divine. Historically, the role of guru in the public domain has been exclusive to men. The new visibility of female gurus in India and the U.S. today, and indeed across the globe, has inspired this first-ever scholarly study of the origins, variety, and worldwide popularity of Hindu female gurus. In the Introduction, Karen Pechilis examines the historical emergence of Hindu female gurus with reference to the Hindu philosophy of the self, women spiritual exemplars as wives and saints, Tantric worship of the Goddess, and the internationalization of gurus in the U.S. in the twentieth century. Nine essays profile specific female gurus, presenting biographies of these remarkable women while highlighting overarching issues and themes concerning women's status as religious leaders; these themes are nuanced in the afterword to the volume. The essays explore how Hindu female gurus embody grace in both senses--as a feminine ideal and an attribute of the divine-and argue that their status as leaders is grounded in their negotiation of these two types of grace. This book provides biographical profiles of the following female gurus plus sensitive scholarly analysis of their spiritual paths: Ammachi, Anandamayi Ma, Gauri Ma, Gurumayi, Jayashri Ma, Karunamayi Ma, Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati, Mother Meera, Shree Maa and Sita Devi.

The Guru in South Asia

Jacob Copeman,Aya Ikegame
The Guru in South Asia Book PDF

Author : Jacob Copeman,Aya Ikegame
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 271 pages
File Size : 52,7 Mb
Release : 2012
Category : History
ISBN : 9780415510196

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The Guru in South Asia by Jacob Copeman,Aya Ikegame Pdf

This book provides a set of fresh and compelling interdisciplinary approaches to the enduring phenomenon of the guru in South Asia. Moving across different gurus and kinds of gurus, and between past and present, the chapters call attention to the extraordinary scope and richness of the social lives and roles of South Asian gurus. Prevailing scholarship has rightly considered the guru to be a source of religious and philosophical knowledge and mystical bodily practices. This book goes further and considers the social engagements and entanglements of these spiritual leaders, not just on their own (narrowly denominational) terms, but in terms of their diverse, complex, rapidly evolving engagements with 'society' broadly conceived. The book explores and illuminates the significance of female gurus, gurus from the perspective of Islam, imbrications of guru-ship and slavery in pre-modern India, connections between gurus and power, governance and economic liberalization in modern and contemporary India, vexed questions of sexuality and guru-ship, gurus' charitable endeavours, the cosmopolitanism of gurus in contexts of spiritual tourism, and the mediation of gurus via technologies of electronic communication. Bringing together internationally renowned scholars from religious studies, political science, history, sociology and anthropology, The Guru in South Asia provides exciting and original new insights into South Asian guru-ship. The Open Access version of this book, available at http: //www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 license.

Women’s Authority and Leadership in a Hindu Goddess Tradition

Nanette R. Spina
Women s Authority and Leadership in a Hindu Goddess Tradition Book PDF

Author : Nanette R. Spina
Publisher : Springer
Page : 327 pages
File Size : 48,7 Mb
Release : 2017-02-28
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781137589095

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Women’s Authority and Leadership in a Hindu Goddess Tradition by Nanette R. Spina Pdf

This book investigates women’s ritual authority and the common boundaries between religion and notions of gender, ethnicity, and identity. Nanette R. Spina situates her study within the transnational Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi movement established by the Tamil Indian guru, Bangaru Adigalar. One of the most prominent, defining elements of this tradition is that women are privileged with positions of leadership and ritual authority. This represents an extraordinary shift from orthodox tradition in which religious authority has been the exclusive domain of male Brahmin priests. Presenting historical and contemporary perspectives on the transnational Adhiparasakthi organization, Spina analyzes women’s roles and means of expression within the tradition. The book takes a close look at the Adhiparasakthi society in Toronto, Canada (a Hindu community in both its transnational and diasporic dimensions), and how this Canadian temple has both shaped and demonstrated their own diasporic Hindu identity. The Toronto Adhiparasakthi society illustrates how Goddess theology, women's ritual authority, and “inclusivity” ethics have dynamically shaped the identity of this prominent movement overseas. Based on years of ethnographic fieldwork, the volume draws the reader into the rich textures of culture, community, and ritual life with the Goddess.

Religion, Globalization and Culture

Peter Beyer,Lori Gail Beaman
Religion Globalization and Culture Book PDF

Author : Peter Beyer,Lori Gail Beaman
Publisher : BRILL
Page : 617 pages
File Size : 47,8 Mb
Release : 2007
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9789004154070

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Religion, Globalization and Culture by Peter Beyer,Lori Gail Beaman Pdf

The topic of religion and globalization is complex, susceptible to a great variety of approaches. This book combines contributions from many authors who examine a wide range of subjects ranging from overall theoretical considerations to detailed regional perspectives. No single understanding of either religion or globalization is privileged.

Eternal Glory of Guru Nanak

Brig. Partap Singh Jaspal
Eternal Glory of Guru Nanak Book PDF

Author : Brig. Partap Singh Jaspal
Publisher : Partridge Publishing
Page : 289 pages
File Size : 42,9 Mb
Release : 2019-08-28
Category : History
ISBN : 9781482836158

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Eternal Glory of Guru Nanak by Brig. Partap Singh Jaspal Pdf

Jot Roop Har Aap Guru Nanak Kahayio - Sri Guru Granth Sahib, 1408 ‘The Lord Almighty caused Himself to be called as Guru Nanak’ Sri Guru Nanak Sahib was the incarnation of the Lord Almighty, a prophet, a Jagat Guru from His very birth. He did not, therefore, need the guidance, aid or help of a worldly Guru. He was a born Param Guru, Jagat Guru, Guru Eternal, Supreme Guru. He was a Maker and Producer of Gurus-Divine. He was the Aad and Jugad Guru. As there is no count before one and before God, so is Guru Nanak, the Supreme Jagat Guru. From this Guru Supreme has again emerged The Guru Eternal in the form of Sri Guru Granth Sahib radiating the Eternal Glory of Guru Nanak. Guru Nanak ensouls ten divine forms and Eternal Sri Guru Granth Sahib as one single Divine Entity. Parbrahm Guru Nanak shines in each manifestation in full Glory and each divine form of ten Gurus reveals various divine aspects of the Eternal Glory of Guru Nanak. This spiritual wonder enraptures the soul of mankind with their ensouling divine essence and unity. What a unique marvel of divinity! I was studying in D & M college, Moga when my respected father led me direct into the holy presence of Baba Nand Singh Ji Maharaj and afforded me number of such blessed chances thereafter. It was in the holy and direct presence of Mahan Baba Nand Singh Ji Maharaj that I experienced the grandeur and bliss of the Eternal Glory of Guru Nanak.

Philosophy of Life

Kanta Arora
Philosophy of Life Book PDF

Author : Kanta Arora
Publisher : DK Printworld (P) Ltd
Page : 321 pages
File Size : 47,8 Mb
Release : 2019-06-21
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9788124609941

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Philosophy of Life by Kanta Arora Pdf

About the Book This volume illustrates, compares and discusses as to how Guru Nānak with his transcendental exposition, sharp skill, argumentative capability and common poetic language further enriched, explained, simplified, modernized and expressed various theological and philosophical concepts elucidated in Upaniṣads for the understanding and adaptation of a common man. Upaniṣads are “breath of eternal” and hymns of Guru Nānak are “a divine song of life”. Guru Nānak’s exuberance of love and search for God and godly people was not confined to any religion or religious institution. He revolted against the ritualistic mind of a brāhmaṇa. He was essentially a man of God whose love and quest for search for the Ultimate Truth knew no limits. In the pursuit of this search he enjoyed a reach to the state of void meaning a state where there is no distinction between the object and the subject – the knower and the known. He was a protagonist of Bhakti tradition and stressed more on bhakti or devotion to God. He taught the Sahaja-Patha or Sūrata Śabada Yoga that easily takes one straight to the Lord by spontaneous concentration of mind. Both hymns of Guru Nānak and Upaniṣads explain that the real aim of human life is to attain liberation from the repeated coming and going in incarnations, which can be attained by adequate karma, knowledge and disciplined meditation. About the Author Born in a small town of Chamkaur Sahib, Kanta Arora, MA, LLB, PhD, spent her childhood within the premises of Ghari, where Sri Guru Gobind Singh had sacrificed his two sons. This had left a profound influence of Guru Nānak’s teaching on her. Having done graduation and post-graduation from the Punjab University, she joined Govt of India and held various positions in Finance and Accounts Dept of different ministries. After superannuation, she became a regular student of theology and made a comparative study of religions and consciousness studies and got her PhD for the thesis “Philosophy of Life: A Study in the Light of Bani (Hymns) of Guru Nanak and Upanishads” from the Department of Sanskrit of Dayalbagh Educational Institute (Deemed University). She has participated in many national seminars, and international conferences organized by the Center for Conscious Studies, University of Arizona, USA.

Tracing the Path of Yoga

Stuart Ray Sarbacker
Tracing the Path of Yoga Book PDF

Author : Stuart Ray Sarbacker
Publisher : State University of New York Press
Page : 308 pages
File Size : 50,6 Mb
Release : 2021-01-01
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9781438481234

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Tracing the Path of Yoga by Stuart Ray Sarbacker Pdf

Clear, accessible, and meticulously annotated, Tracing the Path of Yoga offers a comprehensive survey of the history and philosophy of yoga that will be invaluable to both specialists and to nonspecialists seeking a deeper understanding of this fascinating subject. Stuart Ray Sarbacker argues that yoga can be understood first and foremost as a discipline of mind and body that is represented in its narrative and philosophical literature as resulting in both numinous and cessative accomplishments that correspond, respectively, to the attainment of this-worldly power and otherworldly liberation. Sarbacker demonstrates how the yogic quest for perfection as such is situated within the concrete realities of human life, intersecting with issues of politics, economics, class, gender, and sexuality, as well as reflecting larger Indic religious and philosophical ideals.

Renowned Goddess of Desire

Loriliai Biernacki
Renowned Goddess of Desire Book PDF

Author : Loriliai Biernacki
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 312 pages
File Size : 42,9 Mb
Release : 2007-10-11
Category : Religion
ISBN : 0198043872

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Renowned Goddess of Desire by Loriliai Biernacki Pdf

Tantra is a family of rituals modeled on those of the Vedas and their attendant texts and lineages. These rituals typically involve the visualization of a deity, offerings, and the chanting of his or her mantra. Common variations include visualizing the deity in the act of sexual union with a consort, visualizing oneself as the deity, and "transgressive" acts such as token consumption of meat or alcohol. Most notoriously, non-standard or ritualized sex is sometimes practiced. This accounts for Tantra's negative reputation in some quarters and its reception in the West primarily as a collection of sexual practices. Although some today extol Tantra's liberating qualities, the role of women remains controversial. Traditionally there are two views of women and Tantra. Either the feminine is a metaphor and actual women are altogether absent, or Tantra involves the transgressive use of women's bodies to serve male interests. Loriliai Biernacki presents an alternative view, in which women are revered, worshipped, and considered worthy of spiritual attainment. Her primary sources are a collection of eight relatively modern Tantric texts written in Sanskrit from the 15th through the 18th century. Her analysis of these texts reveals a view of women that is generally positive and empowering. She focuses on four topics: 1) the "Kali Practice," in which women appear not only as objects of reverence but as practitioners and gurus; 2) the Tantric sex rite, especially in the case that, contrary to other Tantric texts, the preference is for wives as ritual consorts; 3) feminine language and the gendered implications of mantra; and 4) images of male violence towards women in tantric myths. Biernacki, by choosing to analyse eight particular Sanskrit texts, argues that within the tradition of Tantra there exists a representation of women in which the female is an authoritative, powerful, equal participant in the Tantric ritual practice.

Communes in America, 1975-2000

Timothy Miller
Communes in America 1975 2000 Book PDF

Author : Timothy Miller
Publisher : Syracuse University Press
Page : 278 pages
File Size : 54,8 Mb
Release : 2019-03-26
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9780815654766

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Communes in America, 1975-2000 by Timothy Miller Pdf

Communes in America: 1975–2000 is the final volume in Miller’s trilogy on the history of American intentional communities. Providing a comprehensive survey of communities during the last quarter of the twentieth century, Miller offers a detailed study of their character, scope, and evolution. Between 1975 and 2000, the American communal experience evolved dramatically in response to social and environmental challenges that confronted American society as a whole. Long-accepted social norms and institutions—family, religion, medicine, and politics—were questioned as the divorce rate increased, interest in spiritual teachings from Asia grew, and alternative medicine gained ground. Cohousing flourished as a response to an increasing sense of alienation and a need to balance community and private lives. At the same time, Americans became increasingly concerned with environmental protection and preservation of our limited resources. In the face of these social changes, communal living flourished as people sought out communities of like-minded individuals to pursue a higher purpose. Organized topically, each chapter in the volume provides basic information about various types of communities and detailed examples of each type, from ecovillages and radical Christian communities to pagan communes and cohousing experiments. Miller also takes a step back to look at the prevalence of communal living in American life over the twentieth century. Based on exhaustive research, Miller’s final volume provides an indispensable survey and guide to understanding utopianism’s enduring presence in American culture.

Miracles

David L. Weddle
Miracles Book PDF

Author : David L. Weddle
Publisher : NYU Press
Page : 268 pages
File Size : 52,7 Mb
Release : 2010-07-19
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9780814794166

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Miracles by David L. Weddle Pdf

Examines miracle stories from five religions, focusing on Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, and discussing how each religion views miracles.

Women and Asian Religions

Zayn R. Kassam
Women and Asian Religions Book PDF

Author : Zayn R. Kassam
Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing USA
Page : 419 pages
File Size : 41,9 Mb
Release : 2017-06-22
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9780313082757

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Women and Asian Religions by Zayn R. Kassam Pdf

Covering eclectic topics ranging from South Asian religion to motherhood to world dance to ethnomusicology, this book focuses on contemporary selected experiences of women and how their lives interface with religion. Religion has often been perceived as the source of constriction for women's roles in society. This volume explores how modern women across Asia are mobilizing their faith traditions to address existential issues encountered in both the public and private realms, relating to economics, public participation, politics, and culture. As such, it is revealed that religion can be a powerful force for social change and ameliorating women's lives, despite use of religious doctrine in the past to limit women. Editor Zayn R. Kassam, PhD, and the contributors cover not only the commonly considered "Asian" traditions of Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism but also Christianity, Judaism, Bahai, and indigenous traditions. The book reveals that the challenges and opportunities Asian women face arise both from within and outside, whether in terms of developments within their countries or in relation to international political and economic regimes. The chapters explore how the issues Asian women face have as much to do with cultural and religious codes as they do with politics, economics, education, and the law; consider the varying ways in which family and motherhood are affected by the state's construction of the gendered citizen, by social constructs of motherhood, and by policies regarding women and children's access to health care; and identify the roles played by religion and spirituality in these circumstances.

Gurus in America

Thomas A. Forsthoefel,Cynthia Ann Humes
Gurus in America Book PDF

Author : Thomas A. Forsthoefel,Cynthia Ann Humes
Publisher : SUNY Press
Page : 248 pages
File Size : 53,9 Mb
Release : 2005-10-06
Category : Religion
ISBN : 0791465748

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Gurus in America by Thomas A. Forsthoefel,Cynthia Ann Humes Pdf

A fascinating look at Hindu gurus with significant followings in the United States.

Gurus of Modern Yoga

Mark Singleton,Ellen Goldberg
Gurus of Modern Yoga Book PDF

Author : Mark Singleton,Ellen Goldberg
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 368 pages
File Size : 49,5 Mb
Release : 2013-11-06
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9780199938711

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Gurus of Modern Yoga by Mark Singleton,Ellen Goldberg Pdf

Within most pre-modern, Indian traditions of yoga, the role of the guru is absolutely central. Indeed, it was often understood that yoga would simply not work without the grace of the guru. The modern period saw the dawn of new, democratic, scientific modes of yoga practice and teaching. While teachings and gurus have always adapted to the times and circumstances, the sheer pace of cultural change ushered in by modernity has led to some unprecedented innovations in the way gurus present themselves and their teachings, and the way they are received by their students. Gurus of Modern Yoga explores the contributions of individual gurus to the formation of the practices and discourses of yoga today. The focus is not limited to India, but also extends to the teachings of yoga gurus in the modern, transnational world, and within the Hindu diaspora. Each section deals with a different aspect of the guru within modern yoga. Included are extensive considerations of the transnational tantric guru; the teachings of modern yoga's best-known guru, T. Krishnamacharya, and those of his principal disciples; the place of technology, business and politics in the work of global yoga gurus; and the role of science and medicine. As a whole, the book represents an extensive and diverse picture of the place of the guru, both past and present, in contemporary yoga practice.

Homegrown Gurus

Ann Gleig,Lola Williamson
Homegrown Gurus Book PDF

Author : Ann Gleig,Lola Williamson
Publisher : SUNY Press
Page : 248 pages
File Size : 40,9 Mb
Release : 2013-11-01
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781438447919

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Homegrown Gurus by Ann Gleig,Lola Williamson Pdf

Exploring homegrown movements and figures, proclaims “American Hinduism” as a distinct religious tradition. Today, a new stage in the development of Hinduism in America is taking shape. After a century of experimentation during which Americans welcomed Indian gurus who adjusted their teachings to accommodate the New World context, “American Hinduism” can now rightly be called its own tradition rather than an imported religion. Accordingly, this spiritual path is now headed by leaders born in North America. Homegrown Gurus explores this phenomenon in essays about these figures and their networks. A variety of teachers and movements are considered, including Ram Dass, Siddha Yoga, and Amrit Desai and Kripalu Yoga, among others. Two contradictory trends quickly become apparent: an increasing Westernization of Hindu practices and values alongside a renewed interest in traditional forms of Hinduism. These opposed sensibilities—innovation and preservation, radicalism and recovery—are characteristic of postmodernity and denote a new chapter in the American assimilation of Hinduism.

When a Goddess Dies

Orianne Aymard
When a Goddess Dies Book PDF

Author : Orianne Aymard
Publisher : Oxford University Press, USA
Page : 369 pages
File Size : 52,7 Mb
Release : 2014
Category : Law
ISBN : 9780199368624

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When a Goddess Dies by Orianne Aymard Pdf

Using numerous interviews and extensive research, this book explores the devotional movement of the enduring religious figure, Anandamayi Ma, venerated both as a guru and an incarnation of the Divine on Earth. Orianne Aymard asks what happens to a charismatic movement after the death (mahasamadhi) of the guru.