Ethics in the Mahabharata

Ethics in the Mahabharata PDF Author: Sitansu S. Chakravarti
Publisher: Munshiram Manoharlal
ISBN:
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 224

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Book Description
"This book on Ethics draws upon the words of wisdom found in the Mahabharata, following the spirit of Bernard Williams' proposal that we look for inspiration for the modern-day ethical understanding in the ideas of the past. In elucidating the literary and religious meaning of the Mahabharata, the author probes for the ethical and epistemological truth it contains, in the frame of reference of the uniquely Indian variety of existentialism. In the process he has not only come to an understanding of the principle of morality, along with the relation holding among Satya (Factual Truth), Rta (Truth as Value) and Dharma (Righteousness in Conduct), but has come up with observations that shed fresh light on the analysis of the epic itself."--BOOK JACKET.

Ethics in the Mahabharata

Ethics in the Mahabharata PDF Author: Sitansu S. Chakravarti
Publisher: Munshiram Manoharlal
ISBN:
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 224

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Book Description
"This book on Ethics draws upon the words of wisdom found in the Mahabharata, following the spirit of Bernard Williams' proposal that we look for inspiration for the modern-day ethical understanding in the ideas of the past. In elucidating the literary and religious meaning of the Mahabharata, the author probes for the ethical and epistemological truth it contains, in the frame of reference of the uniquely Indian variety of existentialism. In the process he has not only come to an understanding of the principle of morality, along with the relation holding among Satya (Factual Truth), Rta (Truth as Value) and Dharma (Righteousness in Conduct), but has come up with observations that shed fresh light on the analysis of the epic itself."--BOOK JACKET.

Moral Dilemmas in the Mahabharata

Moral Dilemmas in the Mahabharata PDF Author: Bimal Krishna Matilal
Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass
ISBN: 8120806034
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 172

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Book Description
Here the collected papers explore the whole question of the relation between the mythopoetic and the moral in the context of the Mahabharata. Here we have a story of extreme complexity, characters that are unforgettable, and a cosmic context in which gods and men alike grapple with destiny. The obligations of kinship and friendship jostle with each other. The women characters, as in everyday life, seem to bear a very heavy load of the burden of life and to stand in a key position in almost every conflict. We are presented with predicaments at every turn. At times these predicaments seem to be aggravated by social structure. At other times they are cushioned by it. Philosophical tangles tied up with karma and dharma are interwoven with the mythopoetic material. Perhaps philosophical issues are pinpointed rather more than they are in Greek epic literature. The essays in this book treat the Mahabharata from an unusual angle, fastening on the moral dilemmas it presents. How universal are the dilemmas faced by the characters in the story, and are the dilemmas in fact resolved? In dealing with these questions, the discussions range over the meaning of the purusarthas, the institutions of marriage and the family, the concept of action in the Gita and the special predicaments faced by Draupadi, Arjuna and others. These studies invite the scholar to reflect afresh on the text and encourage the general reader to find in epic literature much that is relevant to life today.

Disorienting Dharma

Disorienting Dharma PDF Author: Emily T. Hudson
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0199860769
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 277

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Book Description
This book explores the relationship between ethics, aesthetics, and religion in classical Indian literature and literary theory by focusing on one of the most celebrated and enigmatic texts to emerge from the Sanskrit epic tradition, the Mahabharata. This text, which is widely acknowledged to be one of the most important sources for the study of South Asian religious, social, and political thought, is a foundational text of the Hindu tradition(s) and considered to be a major transmitter of dharma (moral, social, and religious duty), perhaps the single most important concept in the history of Indian religions. However, in spite of two centuries of Euro-American scholarship on the epic, basic questions concerning precisely how the epic is communicating its ideas about dharma and precisely what it is saying about it are still being explored. Disorienting Dharma brings to bear a variety of interpretive lenses (Sanskrit literary theory, reader-response theory, and narrative ethics) to examine these issues. One of the first book-length studies to explore the subject from the lens of Indian aesthetics, it argues that such a perspective yields startling new insights into the nature of the depiction of dharma in the epic through bringing to light one of the principle narrative tensions of the epic: the vexed relationship between dharma and suffering. In addition, it seeks to make the Mahabharata interesting and accessible to a wider audience by demonstrating how reading the Mahabharata, perhaps the most harrowing story in world literature, is a fascinating, disorienting, and ultimately transformative experience.

Mahabharata Now

Mahabharata Now PDF Author: Arindam Chakrabarti
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317342135
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 340

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Book Description
The Mahabharata is at once an archive and a living text, a sourcebook complete by itself and an open text perennially under construction. Driving home this striking contemporary relevance of the famous Indian epic, Mahabharata Now focuses on the issues of narration, aesthetics and ethics, as also their interlinkages. The cross-disciplinary essays in the volume imaginatively re-interpret the ‘timeless’ classic in the light of the pre-modern Indian narrative styles, poetics, aesthetic codes, and moral puzzles; the Western theories on modern ethics, aesthetics, metaphysics, psychoanalysis, and philosophy of science; and the contemporary social, ethical and political concerns. The essays are all united in their effort to situate the Mahabharata in the context of here and now without violating the sanctity of the ‘written text’ as we have it today. The book will be of interest to scholars and students of Indian and comparative philosophy, Indian and comparative literature, cultural studies, and history.

Ethical Elements of Mahabharata

Ethical Elements of Mahabharata PDF Author: Manju Rani Verma
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 224

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Book Description


Disorienting Dharma

Disorienting Dharma PDF Author: Emily T. Hudson
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN: 0199860785
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 278

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Book Description
This book explores the relationship between ethics, aesthetics, and religion in classical Indian literature and literary theory by focusing on one of the most celebrated and enigmatic texts to emerge from the Sanskrit epic tradition, the Mahabharata. This text, which is widely acknowledged to be one of the most important sources for the study of South Asian religious, social, and political thought, is a foundational text of the Hindu tradition(s) and considered to be a major transmitter of dharma (moral, social, and religious duty), perhaps the single most important concept in the history of Indian religions. However, in spite of two centuries of Euro-American scholarship on the epic, basic questions concerning precisely how the epic is communicating its ideas about dharma and precisely what it is saying about it are still being explored. Disorienting Dharma brings to bear a variety of interpretive lenses (Sanskrit literary theory, reader-response theory, and narrative ethics) to examine these issues. One of the first book-length studies to explore the subject from the lens of Indian aesthetics, it argues that such a perspective yields startling new insights into the nature of the depiction of dharma in the epic through bringing to light one of the principle narrative tensions of the epic: the vexed relationship between dharma and suffering. In addition, it seeks to make the Mahabharata interesting and accessible to a wider audience by demonstrating how reading the Mahabharata, perhaps the most harrowing story in world literature, is a fascinating, disorienting, and ultimately transformative experience.

Ethics and Morality in the Mahabharata

Ethics and Morality in the Mahabharata PDF Author: StoryBuddiesPlay
Publisher: StoryBuddiesPlay
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 57

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Book Description
Dive into the Mahabharata: A Timeless Exploration of Ethics, Morality, and the Human Condition The Mahabharata, a sprawling Indian epic, is more than just a thrilling tale of war and heroes. It's a profound exploration of ethics, morality, and the complex choices we face in life. Embark on a journey through this ancient world and grapple with timeless questions alongside its characters. Unveiling the Dharma: Delve into the concept of dharma, the cornerstone of the Mahabharata's moral framework. Witness characters like Yudhishthira struggle to uphold righteousness in the face of war and betrayal. Explore the complexities of duty, loyalty, and the consequences of violating dharma. Beyond War and Duty: Discover how the Mahabharata's ethical dilemmas transcend its epic battles. Contemplate the justifications for war, the role of deception in achieving a noble goal, and the power of forgiveness in the aftermath of tragedy. These themes resonate across cultures and time, offering valuable insights into navigating our own moral quandaries. Decoding the Mahabharata: Unpack the multifaceted characters who drive the narrative. Analyze the leadership styles of Yudhishthira and Dhritarashtra, and the impact of their choices on the course of the war. Explore the moral complexities of characters like Karna, torn between loyalty and righteousness. A Look at History and Legacy: Explore the Mahabharata's influence on Indian culture, literature, and philosophy. Witness how this epic has shaped artistic expressions, religious beliefs, and philosophical inquiry for millennia. Delve into the ongoing debates surrounding its historical accuracy and its portrayal of social structures. The Mahabharata for the Modern Reader: Discover how the Mahabharata's ethical questions remain relevant in today's world. Examine its insights on leadership, social responsibility, and the pursuit of a just war in the face of contemporary challenges. Engage with this timeless epic and find inspiration for navigating your own moral compass in an ever-changing world. Whether you're a student of history, philosophy, or simply captivated by epic tales, the Mahabharata offers a wealth of knowledge and a captivating journey.

Ethics and Epics

Ethics and Epics PDF Author: Bimal Krishna Matilal
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 492

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Book Description
A scholar of eminence in the field of Indian philosophy, Bimal K. Matilal was one of the leading exponents of Indian logic and epistemology. Painstakingly compiled from Matilal's huge body of work, this collection of essays includes a set of previously unpublished essays and reveals the extraordinary depth of Matilal's philosophical interests.

Gender and Narrative in the Mahabharata

Gender and Narrative in the Mahabharata PDF Author: Simon Brodbeck
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 113411995X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 332

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Book Description
The Sanskrit Mahabharata is one of the most important texts to emerge from the Indian cultural tradition. At almost 75,000 verses it is the longest poem in the world, and throughout Indian history it has been hugely influential in shaping gender and social norms. In the context of ancient India, it is the definitive cultural narrative in the construction of masculine, feminine and alternative gender roles. This book brings together many of the most respected scholars in the field of Mahabharata studies, as well as some of its most promising young scholars. By focusing specifically on gender constructions, some of the most innovative aspects of the Mahabharata are highlighted. Whilst taking account of feminist scholarship, the contributors see the Mahabharata as providing an opportunity to frame discussion of gender in literature not just in terms of the socio-historical roles of men and women. Instead they analyze the text in terms of the wider poetic and philosophical possibilities thrown up by the semiotics of gendering. Consequently, the book bridges a gap in text-critical methodology between the traditional philological approach and more recent trends in gender and literary theory. Gender and Narrative in the Mahabharata will be appreciated by readers interested in South Asian studies, Hinduism, religious studies and gender studies.

The Mahābhārata

The Mahābhārata PDF Author: Chakravarthi V. Narasimhan
Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass Publ.
ISBN: 9788120816732
Category : Poetry
Languages : en
Pages : 288

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Book Description
Intended to be a treatise on life itself, this epic poem embraces religion and ethics, polity and government, philosophy and the pursuit of salvation. This collection of more than 4,000 verses is supplemented by a glossary, genealogical tables, and an index correlating the verses with the original Sanskrit text.