Archive for October 2013
KASHMIR ENIGMA BY SYED TASSADQUE HUSSAIN
“Kashmir Enigma, Entangled Strands “ is a perceptive study of Kashmiri political Historical, Social, Cultural, Dynamics which demonstrate that seeds of Kashmir conflict were sown by the British in 1707 and not in 1947 as in popularly assumed. This book is a remarkable read. A monumental, authoritative, and analytical interpretation of provenance of Kashmir dispute, and, is going to spark a lively debate. This book is simply an intellectual tour de force; which should be read twice.
Syed Tassaduqe Hussain; B.Sc, LLB, Lawyer, Journalist and writer b October 13, 1939 Srinagar; M Azra, one S & one d; Educ Aligrah J & K Univs; Addl Public Prosecutor, Srinagar 1960-65; Central Govt Standing Counsel, J & K High Court, later on resigned in protest against the policies of last Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi 1984; now Sr Advocate, J & K High Court, Srinagar and Part time Political Columnist, The Kashmir Times, Jammu; Member, Amnesty International; publs-Mahsheri Khayal (1968 essays), Indian Constitution and Customary law (1987), Reflections on Kashmir politics (1987), Politics of shame (1996): Contemporary Pakistan and Kashmir Politics (2008) Address Near Nigeen Club P.O University Complex, Hazratbal, Srinagar 190001, India. (319)
Book: Kashmir Enigma
Translated: Syed Tassadque Hussain
ISBN: 978-81-8339-072-9
Language: English
Price: INR 795/USD 19.95 (Shipping/Courier Charges Extra)
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IN WANDERLAND BY DEEPAK RAJ
An attempt has been made in this book “ In Wanderland “ written by Deepak Raj to hold, with the best of intentions, the mirror to the derailment of the Kashmiri Pandit community, caused by the mass exodus, and the absence of genuine efforts by the leaders to put it back on the rails.
Satire tempered with humor is a device used here to bestir the community members in general and its leaders in particular to create awareness among them about what is and what should have been.
In this book on the social plane, things look as disastrous as in other spheres of activity. It projects a trend of deviation from the healthy past traditions and moral values which have been the distinct hallmarks of the glorious cultural, religious and ethical aspects of the thousands of years old history of Kashmiri Pandits.
Deepak Raj was born at Achhan, in Pulwama district (Kashmir) in 1967. He left his native place in 1990 when the militancy erupted in the valley. He is living in Jammu these days.
Book: In Wanderland
Translated: Deepak Raj
ISBN: 978-81-8339-174-0
Language: English
Price: INR 495/USD 16.95 (Shipping/Courier Charges Extra)
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DISCOVERIES OF KASHMIR BY IQBAL AHMAD
It has been observed well that there is some passion and currently for everybody to know more and more about his land where he lives and about his people where in he lives. A man wants to know more and more about his glorious past, because it has some different intellectual tast.
The book titled “Discoveries of Kashmir “is an attempt on my part to throw some light on the heritages of this land which have reached to us from our ancestors. It has many chapters wherein have been incorporated brief but informative in research articles. Besides, other this the book contains articles on lands cultural heritage, history archeology, Numasmetics, historical personalities and what not. The most interesting are write ups on archaeological discoveries of the land made during last few decades.
It carries some passion and curiosity for its readers and it is expected that readers would find this “collection of my articles “informative interns of knowing of their past. No doubt its write-ups are brief and of law standard in terms of its language but the information they carry is more valuable set it is hoped that readers would read this book and make their suggestion to improve it in the next edition.
Iqbal Ahmad born in village Parigam Check (South Kashmir) is working in Sri Pratap Singh Museum as (Guide Lecturer).
After graduating in Arts from Kashmir University he did his PG Diploma in Numismatics from Indian institute of Research in Numismatic Studies Nasik Maharashtra. Besides the first numismatist he is learned archeologist and writer. He started his writing career in 1985 while contributing articles to various newspapers and journals. Archeology and tourism are his favorite fields.
Book: Discoveries of Kashmir
Translated: Iqbal Ahmad
ISBN: 81-8339-007-2
Language: English
Price: INR 695/USD 29.99 (Shipping/Courier Charges Extra)
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KASHMIR ARCHEOLOGY BY IQBAL AHMAD
The book titled, “Kashmir Archeology “makes mention of our archeology treasures and monuments, besides other few wonders what are scattered all along in this glorious valley of the land. It provides an inside look of our ancient sites and settlements, besides their present state of affair.
The book gives history and archaeological description of many historical towns and sites of the land students of archeology architecture and history in particular and people in general are expected would find something new in this publication.
It is also hoped would widen the archeological vision of the people.
Iqbal Ahmad born in village Parigam Check (South Kashmir) is working in Sri Pratap Singh Museum as guide lecturer. He presently lives at Mir Lane Athawajan, Srinagar Kashmir. After graduating in Arts from Kashmir University he did his PG Diploma in Numismatics from Indian institute of Research in Numismatic Studies Nasik Maharashtra. Besides the first numismatist he is learned archeologist and writer.
He started his writing career in 1985 while contributing articles to various newspapers and journals. Archeology and tourism are his favorite fields.
Book: Kashmir Archeology
Translated: Iqbal Ahmad
ISBN: 81-8339-060-9
Language: English
Price: INR 550/USD 17.99 (Shipping/Courier Charges Extra)
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INRUDED MOORINGS - THE KASHMIR PERSPECTIVE BY M.K. RAINA RATNAKAR
“Atma Swarupa is true way of realizing the true God, Parmatama Swarupa”
“God is omnipotent and omnipresent. Give up fanaticism and narrow Communal outlook; and do not observe ant distinction between a Hindu and a Muslim. If you are endowed with wisdom, you should then realize God”
These utterances ascribed to Lal Ded or Laleswari, as she was commonly known to Hindus and Muslims of Kashmir, respectively envelop the message of her time- that of the synthesis of Hindu and Islamic thought on the social and spiritual planes- that remains permanent.
Lal Ded who was born in sixties or seventies of fourteenth century welcomed all castes and creeds into her fold and nurtured mutual respect between the Hindus and the Muslims and the high and the low. God is the good of Hindus as well as of the Muslims and the differences of caste or creed, birth or position are completely superficial.
“ The time is coming when seven generations will sink to hell, when untimely showers of rain and dust will fall, when plates of flesh and wine cups Brahmins and sweepers will take together.”
Born in the picturesque Valley of Kashmir at Syed Ali Akbar, Srinagar in the year 1947, M.K Raina Ratnakar is a postgraduate of the Kashmir University. Prior to joining the Electronic Media in the year 1977, he has served the J&K Education Department in different capacities for a decade.
An Indian Broadcasting (Program) Service Officer today, he serves the media in the Program Management Cadre of Doordarshan.
Many of his articles have been published in different magazines and newspapers’
Book: Intruded Moorings – The Kashmir Perspective
Author: M.K Raina Ratnakar
ISBN: 85217-09-2
Language: English
Price: INR 190 (Shipping/Courier Charges Extra)
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STANDARD MANUAL OF THE KASHMIRI LANGUAGE - GRAMMAR, PHRASE -BOOK AND VOCABULARIES BY GEORGE A. GRIERSON
Book: Standard Manual of the Kashmiri Language
Author: George A. Grierson
ISBN: 81-86714-97-9
Language: English
Author: George A. Grierson
ISBN: 81-86714-97-9
Language: English
Price:
INR 850/US$ 26.99 (Shipping/Courier Charges Extra)
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KASHMIR AND JAMMU - IMPERIAL GAZETTEER BY WELTER R. LAURENCE
The Book “Kashmir and Jammu” deals with the magnificent view of the valleys of Kashmir and the Jammu region. The upper or Snowy regions comprising the Table Lands and the mountains extended from stunted birch of 8000 to 9000 feet above the Sea Level.
This Book seeks to locate analyze the Ecological and Land Settlement conditions specific to the Hill Agriculture within Kashmir in a medieval context. It draws upon a range of sources – texts accounts and personal observations as also interaction with the Cultivators to put the story together.
The book has been consistent in demand for many decades throughout the country and is being used as one of the essentials for the research works on the Jammu and Kashmir studies.
Sir Walter Roper Lawrence was the first baronet (1857- 1940) administrator in India and was also the Second in charge of the Land Settlement. He has been widely remembered for his Dynamic efforts of all the measures of reforms prepared by the Colonial Government I the State of Jammu and Kashmir none was as thorough going as the Land Settlement operation instituted between 1889 and 1895 and over- seas by Sir Walter R. Lawrence . The apparent sympathy with which he treated the plight of Cultivating Classes of Kashmiri- Muslims earned him a degree of respect in evidence to this day in Kashmir.
The Landmark work on Kashmir “The valley of Kashmir” was widely accepted and appreciated by all masses till date and is also used as a Authenticate Reference on Kashmir Studies.
Besides many contributions in the field of writing his other works includes “The India we served and ‘Ruling Princes and Chiefs of India”.
Book: Kashmir and Jammu
Author: Welter R. Lawrence
ISBN: 978-81-8339-178-8
Language: English
Price: INR 995/USD 36.95 (Shipping/Courier Charges Extra)
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SERVANT OF SAHIBS BY GHULAM RASSUL GALWAN
WHY Himalayan people should be as ready as they are to undergo hardships , and run risks of the most serious nature, in the service of any stray traveler who appears among them is not easy to understand. The payment they receive is small. They have to work for much more than an eight hours day. And they have no insurance against accidents. Yet they readily work through long and arduous days, and willingly risk their lives. And most wonderful of all, they are full of gratitude to their employer when they leave his service.
In this book we get an answer to the puzzle. It is written by one of them – by a Mohamedan of Ladakh, who had worked for many years in the service of English and American travelers in the Himalaya, central Asia and Tibet. The secret is that these men, the best of the, love adventure just as much as their employers. Written in faulty English, but with the instinct of a true artist, we see on every page the spirit which animated Rassul.
Rassul Galwan, was born in Ladakh with Pathan blood in his veins. Rassul was caravan bashi. That is to say, he had entire charge of the caravan, consisting of a nucleus of some twenty Ladakhi ponies, a dozen donkeys and six men, supplemented at one time or another by a considerable number of ponies or donkeys to carry grain, or of yaks or coolies to carry the packs over passes where the snow was deep or of camels for desert work. Rassul handled all ponies (rendering very interesting accounts), bought or hired all animals and men, estimated , bought and doted out all supplies, besides acting as diplomatic representative for his sahib, dealing for him with governors and officials. All this work Rassul did very effectively and accordingly to a high standard of honor. Rassul had been ‘always travelling with gentlemen,’ as his story tells. When he joined my husband he had an English vocabulary of a dozen words, and therewith an ambition to write” the story of his happenings” in the English Language.
Book: Servants of Sahibs
Author: Ghulam Rassul Galwan
ISBN: 978-81-8339-176-4
Language: English
Price: INR 1395/USD 37.95 (Shipping/Courier Charges Extra)
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KASHMIR AND THE SIKHS - AN INSIGHT BY S. ANOOP SINGH SODHI
The book was published in Punjabi in the year 1997 after his untimely demise in a snow avalanche. Prof Himat Singh of Punjab University, Patiala, edited this book. Historians and other learned writers have written numerous books on Kashmir, but here, the author, giving an insight to various rules in Kashmir has focused on the Sikhs of Kashmir. He has brought out the facts about the Economic, Educational, Political and Social standing of the Sikhs during various rules. During the invasion of Kabalees in Kashmir in the year 1947, there was lot of bloodshed. The Kabalees massacred thousands of men, mostly Sikhs and plundered their property.
Whereas, people of various communities laid down their lives, the author has narrated the bloodshed of 1947 with regards to the sacrifices made by the Sikhs. The author has tried to cover various areas that came under Kabalee attack (Kashmir in particular). The author has also highlighted the sacrifices made by some of the Muslims in saving the lives of the Sikhs and Hindus during this bloodshed.
Late S. Anoop Singh Sodhi (range Officer) was born on 03 Mar 1938 in Baramulla Kashmir. He completed F.A from St. Joseph’s college and obtained a Degree in Giani. He was the editor of Punjabi section of magazine “VARMUL” in the College. He was also a member of Sikh Student Federation and later in the year, 1953 became its President of District Gurudwara Prabhandhak Committee in the year 1982. During his tenure in the Forest Department, he was elected President of Forest Employees Association. He served in the Forest Department with dignity and honour. He worked very hard to collate the facts about Sikhs of Kashmir and the Bloodshed in 1947. His work in Punjabi was published after his untimely demise in a Snow Avalanche near (Jawaharlal tunnel) lower Munda on 16 Jan 1995.
Book: Kashmir and the Sikhs
Author: S. Anoop Singh Sodhi
ISBN: 81-8339-074-9
Language: English
Price: INR 395/USD 13.99 (Shipping/Courier Charges Extra)
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SULTAN ZAIN -UL-ABIDIN OF KASHMIR - AN AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT BY N.K ZUTSHI
Sultan Zain- ul-Abidin, for some unknown reasons, has so far not received the attention he deserves at the hands of scholars. Modern authors like G.M.D Sufi, R.K. Parmu, P.N.K. Bamzai and Mohibbul Hasan were hardly expected to do full justice to this monarch, for his reign forms only a part of the general account of one or more periods of Kashmir history in their works. A monograph, which this work endeavors to present, was therefore a long-left need. A serious drawback which one faces in presenting an account if the Sultanate period of Kashmir history, as of Delhi, is the paucity of historical material. The present author has tried his utmost to collect and utilize whatever material was available in Sanskrit, Persian and Kashmiri languages and he has also extracted information from archaeological remains, buildings, inscriptions, and coins. In Zain –ul-Abidin’s time a number of works of both historical and literacy importance were composed in the three languages. While the Sanskrit chronicles of Jonarajaand Srivara are extant, the historical works of Maulana Nadiri, Maulana Ahmad, Pandit Nottha – soma, Avatara Bhatta and Yodha Bhatta appear to have perished. For the account of Zain- ul- Abidin’s regn, one has to depend chiefly on the chronicles of Jonaraja and Srivara. If Sultan Muhammad Tughluq of Delhi had Barani and Ibn Batuta, he had no Abul Fazl to help modern scholars in the projection of the monarch’s complete personality. While Zain- ul-Abidin had this Abul Fazls, he had no Barani or Badauni to give us eye- witness accounts for a total view of the Sultan in full light and shade.
The deficiency is, however, made good to a reasonable extent by the accounts of later Persian writers, the more distinguished of whom were Firishta, Nizamuddin , Abul Fazl, Mirza Haidar Dughlat, Emperor Jahangir, Badauni, Haidar Malik, Sayyid Ali, Hasan b. Ali Kashmiri, and the unknown author of the Baharistan- I- Shahi, Since their accounts were based on contemporary evidence, they have great original as well as corroborative importance. The Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin of Jonaraja and Srivara was the embodiment of the highest ideals of kingship. So is also the picture that emerges from the later works. Hence we stand on a somewhat judicious ground in giving a balanced view of Zain- ul-Abidin’s achievements as a man and a ruler. However, for the historical sketch of society and culture of Zian- ul- Abidin’s age, some new contemporary sources have been utilized for the first time by the present author. They are Sangit Sangrah of Srivara in Sanskrit, Sukhdukh Mohamayajal Charitam of Ganak Prashast, and Banasurakatha of Avatara Bhatta, both in Kashmiri.
Book: Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin of Kashmir
Author: N.K. Zutshi
ISBN: 978-81-8339-194-8
Language: English
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MYSTICISM – SUFI, QURAN, POETIC & THEOLOGICAL WRITINGS TRANSLATED BY MICHALE A. SELLS
In these critical times nothing could be more valuable for the west than a rediscovery of its true spiritual: books which were once the treasures of people are now rare and little known. “ Seyyed Hossein Nasr.
God is the light of the heaven and earth
The light like the light of a lamp in a niche
The lamp enclosed in a corner of glass
The glass like a glistening star
Kindled from the oil of blessed tree
An olive not of the East not of the West
Its oil glows forth nearly without the touch of fire.
Qur’an 24:35
The first centuries of Islam saw the development of Sufism as one of the world’s major mystical traditions. Although the later Sufi writings by mystics such as Rumi are known and available in translation, access to the crucial early period of Islamic mysticism has been far more limited.
This volume opens with an essay on the place of spirituality within the Islamic traditions. Immediately following are the foundation texts of the Pre-Sufi spirituality the Qur’an passages most important to the mystical tradition; the accounts of Prophet Muhammad’s heavenly ascent (Mi’raj); and the crucial work of early poets in setting a poetic sensibility for speaking of union with the Divine Beloved.
The volume then presents the sayings attributed to the key early figures of Islamic spirituality :Ja’far al- Sadiq the sixth Imam of the Shi’ite Tradition; Rabi’a the most famous woman saint of classical Islam; Muhasibi, the founder of Islamic moral psychology; Bistami, whose sayings on mystical union have generated fascination and controversy throughout the Islamic tradition. Tustari, apioneer in the mystical interpretation of the Qur’an; Junayd, who helped place Sufi mysticism at the centre of the Islamic traditions; Hallaj, famous for his ecstatic utterances and martyrdom and Niffari, whose sayings are considered among the deepest mystical expressions within Islam.
The sayings of these pioneers are embedded in the later stratum of analytical and synoptic writings of later Sufi thinkers: Sarraj: Sulami, Qushayri, and Attar. Extensive portions of these writers are translated into English for the first time.
Michael A Sells is Emily Judson Baugh and John Marshell Gest Professor of Comparative Religions at Haverford College & Chairperson of the Haverford Department of Religions. He served in the Peace Corps in Tunisia and studied Arabic language and literature in Egypt. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1982. His research interests are Arabic poetry, the Qur’an, Islamic spirituality and Western mysticism.
Dr. Sells is a founder and president of the Community of Bosnia Foundation, dedicated to supporting a multi religious Bosnia- Herzegovina.
Book: Mysticism – Sufi, Quran, Poetic & Theological Writings
Translated by: Michale A. Sells
ISBN: 978-81-8339-061-3
Language: English
Price: INR 1095/US$ 33.95 (Shipping/Courier Charges Extra)
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SOUL AND STRUCTURE OF GOVERNANCE IN INDIA BY JAGMOHAN
Soul and Structure of Governance in India is a path-breaking work of a profound thinker who has the practical experience of having served the nation as Lt. Governor for about ten years, Member of Parliament for about fourteen years and Union Cabinet Minister for about five and a half years.
The book build up, against the backdrop of history and contemporary events, both national and internal, a case for an ethical state and ethical governance machinery which rest upon three main foundational planks – a rekindled mind, a reawakened soul and a set of redesigned and revitalized institutions. It underlines that such a state and such a governance machinery alone can enable India to attain its full potential , and if it falls to do so it could soon find itself writing another grammar of anarchy, adding another inglorious chapter to its history of about one thousand years of darkness.
The author underlines: “The task of implementing the blue print is a formidable one. It would call for courage, commitment, insight, historical perspective and creative and construction powers of the highest order – the order to which post – 1947 leadership has so far come nowhere near. Today,a truly historic challenge stares us in the place.”
Jagmohan concludes by making an impassioned plea “ Let history not condemn us. Let us not be written about us unworthy people who did not have the perception to see the challenge, or having seen it, did not know how to tackle it. Let it not be said that we were hollow men and women, who were made of poor clay, who nursed shallowness like a treasure, who made only pompous declarations, who betrayed a great heritage, who invariably opted for soft options and left dangerous infections in the roots unattended. Let it, on the other hand, be recorded that we were aware of our potential and strained every nerve to use it to the full. The worst verdict of history could be that we did not even attempt to set our fundamentals right and solve problems of far reaching consequences for our future”.
Shri Jagmohan is certainly one of the topmost Civil Servants cum Statesman that the country has produced in the post – Independence period. He is the only person who has held the office of Lt. Governor of Delhi twice, of Governor of Jammu and Kashmir twice and was nationally honored twice by the award of Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. He has also been a distinguished Member of Parliament for fourteen years and a Union Cabinet Minister for five and a half years, holding charge of such significant portfolios as Communication, Urban Development, Poverty Alleviation, Culture and Tourism. Throughout his long career, he has been a model of clean public life and efficient and effective governance.
A profound scholar and thinker, Shri Jagmohan has published over 300 articles in leading newspaper and journals and four books: Rebuilding Shahjahanabad: The Walled City of Delhi: Island of Truth: The Challenge of our Cities: and My Frozen Turbulence in Kashmir. The book on Shanjahanbad bought him a cultural award from the Australian government: The Challenge of our Cities became a classic of India’s urban life: and My Frozen Turbulence in Kashmir has remained on the best selling list for a long time. It has already seen eight editions in English. It has also been translated in many regional languages of India. Shri Jagmohan was conferred the degree of Doctorate of Philosophy by Guru Nanak University, Amritsar, as well as by Kurukshetra University. A household name in India, he formulated and carried out the historic reforms of the Mata Vaisno Devi Shrine.
Book: Soul and Structure of Governance In India
Author: Jagmohan
ISBN: 81-8424-210-7
Language: English
Price: INR 475 (Shipping/Courier Charges Extra)
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THE HINDU HISTORY OF KASHMIR BY H.H WILSON
Kashmir has in recent times been the focus of public interest, largely owing to the dispute between India and Pakistan over the question of accession of that state to either of the two countries. This volume embraces the history of that country from the earliest times, based on Kalhana’s Sanskrit work, Rajatarangini. Wilson’s essay is a brief historical resume which comes down to 1003 A.D. R.C Dutt’s Introductory Essay traces its history to the date of the final conquest of India by the Muslims, while Buhler’s paper is a summary of the Report in search of Sanskrit MSS in Kashmir, Rajputana and Central India.
Every great social or religious revolution and historical event which transpired in India has left its impress on the history of Kashmir. Its history has borne its testimony towards fixing the date of the great Kuru war. It helps one to understand how Buddhism was a protest against caste distinction, and a Kshatriya assertion of the equality of all men. It reveals to us how Buddhism was for a time the accepted faith of the kings and peoples of India, and how after the commencement of the Christian era, it began to decline under the renewed exertions of Brahmans to assert their supremacy and revive their old religion. In its history are evidences of the dates of Kalidasa and Bhahabhuti: in it we find allusions to the first Muslim invasion of India under Muhammad bin Kasim: in it we read of that General of Turushkas” “well versed in the tactics of war” the invincible Mahmud of Ghazni, before whom Kashmirian army twice recoiled in dismay and disorder: and lastly, in this history we read of the rising power and kingdom of the Turuskha at the end of 11th century, when Delhi and Kanauj and all Northern India fell under the power of the followers of the prophet.
Book: The Hindu History of Kashmir
Author: H.H Wilson
ISBN: 978-81-8339-054-5
Language: English
Price: INR 550/USD 17.95 (Shipping/Courier Charges Extra)
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THE TOUCH OF SAKTI – A STUDY IN NON-DUALISTIC TRIKA SAIVISM OF KASHMIR BY ERNST FURLINGER
The Kashmirian Saiva tradition in its non- dualistic form in particular is one of the richest philosophical traditions of India that have survived to the present day. This book by the noted scholar, Dr Furlinger, deals with the bodily experience of the transcendent power, the Sakti, in the context of the Saiva Kundalini- Yoga. In an insightful introduction, the scholar presents an overview of the historical development of the Kashmirian Saiva traditions, especially of the non-dualistic system, Trika, made famous by the work of its famous proponent, Abhinavagupta. He studies the theme of saktiparsa in selected texts of non- dualistic Trika Saivism of Kashmir, focusing on Utpaladeva’s Sivastotravali of the tenth century and Abhinavagupta’s Tantraloka of the eleventh century. The texts are analysed along with a noted commentary associated with each to shed light on the different contexts and meanings in which the word sparsa occurs in connection with Sakti, the divine power, reversed as the Goddess. The study examines sparsa as one of the highest stages in the spiritual ascent in the Tantraloka and its corresponding description in the Sivastotravali. The difference in the notion of Sparsa in the two texts is also brought out. It thus reveals the liberating and critical potential of the non- dualistic Saiva tradition of Kashmir.
The book will interest scholars and students of Indology associated with Indian religious- philosophical traditions.
Dr Ernst Furlinger is an expert on Kashmir Saivism and Sanskrit. He has lived in Varanasi for some years studying noon- dualistic Kashmir Saiviasm with traditional pandits and Sanskrit at the Banaras Hindu University. He is at present University Lecturer at the Institute for religious, University of Vienna. He is a member of the academic staff at centre for Intercultural Studies, Danube University, krems (near Vienna).
Book: The Touch of Sakti
Author: Ernst Furlinger
ISBN: 81-246-0463-0
Language: English
Price: INR 690/USD 34.50 (Shipping/Courier Charges Extra)
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