***GITA GOVINDA***The Dance of Divine Love of Radha & Krishna>Jayadeva

The heart of this book is a dramatic love poem, the Rasa Lila, which is the ultimate focal point of one of the most treasured Sanskrit texts of India, the Bhagavata Purana. Judged a literary masterpiece by Indian and Western scholars alike, this work of poetic genius and soaring religious vision is one of the world's greatest sacred love stories and, as Graham Schweig clearly demonstrates, should be regarded as India's Song of Songs. The story presents the supreme deity as the youthful and amorous cowherd, Krishna, who joins his beloved maidens in an enchanting and celebratory "dance of divine love." Schweig introduces this work of exquisite poetry and profound theology to the Western world in the form of a luminous translation and erudite scholarly treatment. His book explores the historical context and literary genre of the work and elucidates the aesthetic and emotional richness of the composition, highlighting poignant details of this drama of divine love. Schweig illuminates the religious dimensions and ethical nuances of the drama, drawing widely from the commentaries and esoteric vision of masters of the Caitanya school of Vaishnavism, a prominent devotional Hindu tradition. Themes such as transcendence of death through love, the yoga of devotion, the contrast between worldly love and passionate love for God, and the dialectical tension between ethical boundaries and boundless love are presented. The final event of the Rasa dance, the author concludes, presents a dynamic symbol of supreme love that provides the basis for a theological vision of genuine religious pluralism.

Jayadeva’s Gitagovínda is a lyrical account of the illicit springtime love affair of Krishna and Radha, a god and goddess manifesting on earth as a cowherd and milkmaid for the sake of relishing the sweet miseries and rapturous delights of erotic love. The narrative framing their bucolic songs was composed under royal patronage in northeastern India in the twelfth century. It was to be performed for connoisseurs of poetry and the erotic arts, for aesthetes and voluptuaries who, while sensually engaged, were at the same time devoted to Krishna as Lord of the Universe. The text at once celebrates the vicissitudes of carnal love and the transports of religious devotion, merging and reconciling those realms of emotion and experience. Erotic and religious sensibilities serve, and are served by, the pleasures of poetry. In the centuries following its composition, the courtly text became a vastly popular inspirational hymnal. Jayadeva's songs continue to be sung throughout India in fervent devotional adoration of Krishna.

This book is an attempt to explore the metaphorical aspect of the original work of Sri Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda. Gita Govinda is an overtly misunderstood epic love poem depicting intense emotional exchanges between Radha and Krishna mediated by Radha’s confidante - Sakhi. As one unravels the apparent emotions of love, elation, anxiety, depression, lack of trust etc. one sees hidden layers, revealing deeper spiritual processes in the life of a sincere seeker. The Meditations in this book are an attempt to present that esoteric journey of a sadhaka, his relationship with his Lord and the role of a Guru, as seen through the eyes of the epic work.

The greatest myths of India, drawn from the sacred texts and traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism are presented for readers. The Indian gods and goddesses portrayed in this colorful mythology are creators and protectors, but often they are also warriors and destroyers, particularly when fighting demons. Supported by beautiful Indian art works and full-color photography, the text shows readers how these ancient tales helped Indians explain creation, birth, death, love, and the purpose of humans' earthly life.

Embark on a captivating exploration of Radha & Krishna's love story – a timeless tale that transcends romance to unveil the profound path of Bhakti (devotion) in Hinduism. Discover the hidden symbolism of the Ras Leela dance, delve into Radha's unwavering devotion, and learn how it guides seekers towards spiritual liberation. This comprehensive guide explores all 10 chapters, offering insights into the couple's connection, the yearning for the divine, and the transformative power of love. Radha, Krishna, Hinduism, Bhakti, Devotion, Divine Love, Spiritual Journey, Ras Leela, Symbolism, Liberation

Preface The period commencing about the end of the 19th century till the end of the 20th century marked the 'golden era' of 'gharandaj/gharanedar khayal gayaki'(traditional 'khayal gayaki'). The south-west region of India which was then known as Bombay Presidency comprised of the princely states of Kolhapur, Sangli, Miraj Senior, Miraj Junior, Kurundwad Senior, Kurundwad Junior, Jamkhandi, Mudhol and Ramdurg. Only exceptional performers of outstanding caliber were appointed as 'darbar gayaks' (or 'state musicians') of these prestigious princely states. "Proudh Gandharva" Pandit Vishwanathbuwa Jadhav and his illustrious sons namely, "Gantapasvi" Pandit Baburao alias B.V. Jadhav, "Swara-Ratna" Pandit Rajaram alias Pandit R.V.Jadhav and "Ganrasila" Pandit Pandurang alias P.V. Jadhav, were reputed 'darbar gayaks' and distinguished direct disciples of "Sangeetratna" Ustad Abdul Karim Khan who pioneered the prolifi c 'Kirana gharana' 'khayal' vocal tradition of this golden era. They all gained individual recognition and fame and are still legendary. The visionary and benevolent ruler of the erstwhile Kolhapur State, Shrimant Chhatrapati Maharaja "Rajarshi" Shahu ("the "saintly king") honoured Pandit Vishwanathbuwa Jadhav by offi cially appointing him as the 'darbar gayak' of Kolhapur State. Later the enlightened ruler "Nalwadi" Maharaja Krishnaraj Wodaiyar of Mysore State bestowed upon Pandit Vishwnathbuwa Jadhav the coveted title "Proudh Gandhava" ('a seasoned mature celestial singer'). The virtuous ruler of Kolhapur, Chhatrapati Maharaja Rajaram-III accorded "Proudh Gandharva" and his acclaimed vocalist sons the sobriquet "The Gandharva Parivar of Karveer Nagar". ("The Family of Celestial Singers of Karveer Nagar") or Kolhapur. Pandit Vishwanathbuwa Jadhav was offi cially also instated as 'Rajgayak' ('principal state-musician' of Sangli State by Shrimant Rajasaheb Chintamanrao Dhundirajrao ('Appasaheb-II') Patwardhan of Sangli State. As 'darbar gayak' he also received the patronage of Shrimant Rajasaheb Ganpatrao Madhavrao ('Bapusaheb') Patwardhan of Kurundwad State. In appreciation of Panditji's lifetime contribution to 'Hindustani shastriya sangeet', Pandit Vishwanathbuwa Jadhav was duly felicitated in Delhi by the fi rst President of India-Dr. Rajendra Prasadji. The "Proudh Gandharva" legacy continued to be perpetuated by Pandit B. V. Jadhav, Pandit R.V. Jadhav, Pandit P.V. Jadhav and "Proudh Gandharva"-'s disciple and daughter-in-law Smt. Shakuntalaraje (née Patwardhan) Jadhav, all of whom were extraordinary performer-pedagogues of the 'Kirana gharandaj khayal gayaki' in their own rights. - A. R. Jadhav

A handy guide to every religion practised in India In India, the birthplace of some of the world’s major faiths and home to many more, religion is a way of life, existing as much in temples, mosques, churches and wayside shrines as it does in social laws, cultural practices and the political arena. The Religions of India contains, in a single volume, a comprehensive account of every major faith practised in the country today—Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, and the Bahai faith. This meticulously researched work traverses a vast range of topics—from Somnatha Temple and Babri Masjid to Tirthankaras and the Akali Movement; from the Shariat and the Eucharist to Shabuoth and nirvana. It places each religion in its historical context, tracing its evolution from its inception to the present. • Incisive profiles of founders and key patrons, deities, saints, mystics and philosophers • Information on and insights into lesser-known and regional forms of worship, as well as important festivals, customs and rituals • Extensively cross-referenced with suggestions for further reading

The yoga and classical dance traditions of India have been inextricably entwined for millennia. The exacting hand gestures, postures and movements of Indian classical dance can only be achieved through yogic concentration. Conversely, the esthetics, symmetry, and dynamism of dance enhance the practice of yoga. These two traditions, so complementary and essential to one another, are united and explicated for the first time in A Yoga of Indian Classical Dance. Twenty-five years ago Roxanne Kamayani Gupta embarked on a journey of dance and yoga, yearning to unlock their mysteries and discover their common origins. As a twenty-year-old student from America she was miraculously and mysteriously absorbed into Indian culture, became a Hindu, and began an odyssey so unusual and unique that the reader will be enchanted by its telling. Choosing the path of the dancer, Roxanne Gupta accomplished what no Western woman had done before: being accepted and trained by Indian masters and then performing in the Indian classical traditions--from the palaces of maharajas to the arts festivals of Europe and America--while at the same time achieving a doctorate in the anthropology of religion and being initiated into a number of yogic traditions. Having mastered the classical form of Kuchipudi dance and studied with teachers of the hatha and kriya yoga traditions, she brings together these two great streams of consciousness and practice. In this tantric approach to yoga and dance, expressed through the body and through a yoga of emotions, we see the traditions embodied in a manner that embraces the totality of the human experience. The result is the dance of the yogini, the sacred feminine initiatress who dances with one foot in nature and the other in the realm of the gods. With extensive photographs of innovative yoga routines, Roxanne Kamayani Gupta distills her experience into techniques for yogic study certain to assist students of all levels to achieve a dynamic, beautiful, and graceful practice.