Anantanand Rambachan

A Hindu Theology of Liberation: Not-two is Not One Anantanand Rambachan

Marc Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index. Review Quotes: Rambachan has written an original, creative, and provocative book that will assure that Hinduism has a greater voice in the general arena of interreligious dialogue. Paul F. Knitter, Union Theological Seminary This is an important contribution to the advancement of constructive work in Hindu theology, comparative theology, and the study of South Asian religious traditions. It has the potential to revolutionize how scholars view Hinduism generally, and Advaita Ved nta in particular. Jeffery D. Long, Elizabethtown College"Biographical Note: Anantanand Rambachan is Professor of Religion at St. Olaf College and the author of "The Advaita Worldview: God, World, and Humanity," also published by SUNY Press. Table of Contents: Abbreviations Introduction What Is Advaita? Is Advaita a Theological Tradition? The Need for an Advaita Theology of Liberation Not-Two Is Not One Structure of Text Part One 1. The Quest for Fullness Human Problem as Suffering The Universal Desire for Happiness Suffering as Mortality Anxiety Suffering and the Transient Nature of Experiences Suffering as the Experience of Inadequacy Inadequacy and the Multiplication of Desires The Persistence of Inadequacy Overcoming the Problem of Inadequacy: The Limits of Action Despair as Opportunity The Uncreated Infinite The Human Problem as Ignorance (Avidy?) 2. The Validity of Non-Duality Vedas: The Source of Liberating Knowledge The Threefold Criteria for Valid Knowledge The Subject Matter of the Vedas The Action and Knowledge Sections of the Vedas Relationship between the Means of Knowledge and Object The Liberating Power of Words The Value of a Teacher The Necessity of Faith (?raddh?) A Teaching Tradition 3. The Full Self The Method of Distinguishing Knower and Known The Singularity of the Self The Immortality of the Self The Self as Free from the Limits of Time The Unity of the Self The Self as Free from Space Limits The Relationship Between Cause and Effect Overcoming the Brahman-World Dualism The Purpose of Creation in Advaita 4. The Liberated Life Suffering and Ignorance Knowledge and Liberation The Meaning of Sa?s?ra Ignorance and Its Consequences Untying the Knots of the Heart (Ignorance-Greed-Greedful Actions) The Social Implications of Liberation Identity with All Beings as Love Compassion Generosity Interdependent Existence Control-Give-Have Compassion Part Two 5. Liberation from Patriarchy Paradoxical Attitudes toward Women The Significance of Women in Relation to Men Dowry and the Devaluation of Women Religious Rituals and the Preference for Sons Karma and Violence to Women The Intrinsic Value of Women The Necessity to Connect Religious Teaching and Social Reality Ahi?s? Its Significance for Women Ahi?s? and Justice for Women Justice as the Fulfillment of Mutual Obligations Feminine Images of God and the Empowerment of Women Scriptural Resources for Overcoming Patriarchy Ignorance and Patriarchy 6. Liberation from Homophobia The Reality of Homophobia Recognizing Third Sex Persons The Case of Arjuna in Mah?bh?rata Third Sex Persons in the Law Codes Divine Immanence and the Value of the Person Sex and Liberation (Mok?a) Procreation, Marriage, and Third Sex Recovering Indigenous Theological Resources 7. Liberation from Anthropocentrism Brahman as Ontological Ground of Nature Dualistic and Non-dualistic Views of Nature The Devaluation of Nature in Advaita Affirming the Value of Nature in Advaita Liberation and the Significance of Nature Nature and the YajNa Mode of Being Nature and the Moral Order of the Universe Liberation from Greed and Stewardship 8. Liberation from Childism The Suffering of the Child The Religious Value of the Child Birth Replicates Cosmic Creation Brahman Is Present Equally in All Beings Value for Brahman Expressed in Compassion Ahi?s? (Non-Injury) and the Value of the Child Honoring the Divinity in the Child The Girl Child in the Hindu Perspective: Ideal and Reality Religious Value and the Provision of Needs The Obligation to Life The Obligation to a Healthy Life The Obligation to Education The Obligation to Leisure and Happiness The Obligation to Non-Injury and Freedom from Exploitation 9. Liberation from Caste A Personal Encounter The Reality of Caste Oppression Caste Privileges and the Negativized Others Change, Conversion, and Leadership Dalits and Hindu Identity Self-Value and the Devaluation of Others Affirming Equal Worth and Justice for All The Story of ?a?kara and the Untouchable The Exegesis of Bhagavadg?t? Caste and the Authority of Scripture Dharma, Caste, and Liberation Conclusion Notes Bibliography Index Contributor Bio:  Rambachan, Anantanand Anantanand Rambachan is Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Saint Olaf College in Minnesota.