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.

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.

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.

The Difficulty of Being Good

The Difficulty of Being Good PDF Author: Gurcharan Das
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0199779600
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 487

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Book Description
Why should we be good? How should we be good? And how might we more deeply understand the moral and ethical failings--splashed across today's headlines--that have not only destroyed individual lives but caused widespread calamity as well, bringing communities, nations, and indeed the global economy to the brink of collapse? In The Difficulty of Being Good, Gurcharan Das seeks answers to these questions in an unlikely source: the 2,000 year-old Sanskrit epic, Mahabharata. A sprawling, witty, ironic, and delightful poem, the Mahabharata is obsessed with the elusive notion of dharma--in essence, doing the right thing. When a hero does something wrong in a Greek epic, he wastes little time on self-reflection; when a hero falters in the Mahabharata, the action stops and everyone weighs in with a different and often contradictory take on dharma. Each major character in the epic embodies a significant moral failing or virtue, and their struggles mirror with uncanny precision our own familiar emotions of anxiety, courage, despair, remorse, envy, compassion, vengefulness, and duty. Das explores the Mahabharata from many perspectives and compares the successes and failures of the poem's characters to those of contemporary individuals, many of them highly visible players in the world of economics, business, and politics. In every case, he finds striking parallels that carry lessons for everyone faced with ethical and moral dilemmas in today's complex world. Written with the flair and seemingly effortless erudition that have made Gurcharan Das a bestselling author around the world--and enlivened by Das's forthright discussion of his own personal search for a more meaningful life--The Difficulty of Being Good shines the light of an ancient poem on the most challenging moral ambiguities of modern life.

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.

The Mahabharata

The Mahabharata PDF Author: Promatha Nath Mullick
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781258943165
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 596

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Book Description
This is a new release of the original 1934 edition.

Mahabharata Unravelled

Mahabharata Unravelled PDF Author: Ami Ganatra
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 9354351336
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 330

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Book Description
Millennia have passed since the dharma yudhha of the cousins shook the land of Bharata. But this history of our ancestors continues to fascinate us. Even today, we have passionate discussions about the people and their actions in the epic, fervidly defending our favourites and denouncing others. The number of works on the Mahabharata-adaptations, retellings and fiction-that still get written is a testimony to its enduring relevance. While the general storyline is largely known, a lot of questions and myths prevail, such as-What was the geographical extent of the war? Did Drona actually refuse to take on Karna as his disciple? What were Draupadi's responsibilities as the queen of Indraprastha? Did she ever mock Duryodhana? Were the women in the time of the Mahabharata meek and submissive? What were the names of the war formations during the time? What role did the sons of the Pandavas play? Does the south of India feature at all in the Mahabharata? What happened after the war? These and many other intriguing questions continue to mystify the contemporary reader. Author Ami Ganatra debunks myths, quashes popular notions and offers insights into such aspects not commonly known or erroneously known, based solely on facts as narrated in Vyasa's Mahabharata from generally accepted authentic sources. For a history of such prominence and influence as the Mahabharata, it is important to get the story right. So pick this book up, sit back and unveil the lesser-known facts and truths about the great epic.

Mahabharata

Mahabharata PDF Author:
Publisher: Univ of California Press
ISBN: 9780520227040
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 452

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Book Description
William Buck's stirring retelling of a classic Indian epic--in its original Sanskrit, probably the largest epic ever composed.

Mahabharata Quiz Book

Mahabharata Quiz Book PDF Author: Rajendra Pratap Singh
Publisher: Prabhat Prakashan
ISBN: 9788188322381
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 168

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Book Description
Mahabharata has been called the Pancham Veda. The epic describes the story of Aryavrata or India's entire history. It has been inspiring the life of the people of our country by the depiction of ideal male and female characters in it. Although the number of people who know a little about the Mahabharata runs into millions; yet a lot about it remains unknown. To read; understand and absorb a voluminous epic like Mahabharata is tedious and time consuming. Mahabharata is like an ocean; the deeper you go the more you discover. It is an immeasurable treasure trove of knowledge. There is well researched information about nearly 200 characters. 'What was the name'; 'Interesting information'; 'How they got their names'; 'An ocean of relationships'; 'Boons and curses'; 'Fate'; 'Numbers' are some of the prominent chapters which make up the total of fourteen chapters making this book a virtual dictionary about the Mahabharata. This book is not only important for the common man but also for writers; scholars; editors; researchers; teachers and students. Mahabharata Quiz Book by Rajendra P Singh: "Mahabharata Quiz Book" by Rajendra P Singh is a captivating exploration of one of India's most revered epics. Through a series of quizzes, Singh invites readers to delve into the rich tapestry of the Mahabharata, unraveling its intricate plot, legendary characters, and timeless teachings. The book not only challenges readers' knowledge but also deepens their appreciation for the cultural and philosophical significance of this ancient epic. Key Aspects of the Book "Mahabharata Quiz Book": Epic Exploration: Rajendra P Singh guides readers through a fascinating journey within the Mahabharata, exploring its multifaceted narrative, moral dilemmas, and philosophical nuances through thought-provoking quizzes. Mythological Insights: The book offers profound insights into the mythological aspects of the Mahabharata, shedding light on its divine characters, cosmic battles, and profound moral lessons. Cultural Appreciation: Singh's quizzes encourage readers to reflect on the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Mahabharata, fostering a deeper understanding of its enduring relevance in Indian society. Rajendra P Singh is a respected scholar and expert in Indian mythology and literature. With a deep reverence for the Mahabharata, Singh's "Mahabharata Quiz Book" reflects his passion for sharing the wisdom of this ancient epic with a wider audience. His engaging quizzes and insightful commentary make this book an invaluable resource for enthusiasts of Indian mythology and literature.

The Mahābhārata and Dharma Discourse

The Mahābhārata and Dharma Discourse PDF Author: Nitin Malhotra
Publisher: Cambridge Scholars Publishing
ISBN: 1527560945
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 124

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Book Description
This compact and engaging text provides unique insights into the issues of ‘dharma’ in the Indian epic the Mahābhārata. The word ‘dharma’ is untranslatable and usually mistaken to mean religion. However, as argued here, it is evident through the tales of the epic that the word ‘dharma’ is an umbrella term for all the deeds one does in one’s life. Each chapter of this book is expository, as well as explanatory, providing examples through the tales of the Mahābhārata. The book will be of great interest to research scholars, Indologists and commentators, through its use of tales, narratives, parables, and fables as evidence for understanding the issues of dharma embedded in the Mahābhārata.

The Mahabharata of Krishna

The Mahabharata of Krishna PDF Author: Kisari Mohan Ganguli
Publisher: Prabhat Prakashan
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 251

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Book Description
The present book is a translation of original Mahabharata written by Vyasa in sanskrit prose. This translation has been carried out in the form of prose in the English language.