Against Dharma

Dissent in the Ancient Indian Sciences of Sex and Politics

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Law, Legal History, History, Asian, India, Religion & Spirituality, Eastern Religions, Hinduism
Cover of the book Against Dharma by Wendy Doniger, Yale University Press
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Author: Wendy Doniger ISBN: 9780300235234
Publisher: Yale University Press Publication: March 20, 2018
Imprint: Yale University Press Language: English
Author: Wendy Doniger
ISBN: 9780300235234
Publisher: Yale University Press
Publication: March 20, 2018
Imprint: Yale University Press
Language: English

An esteemed scholar of Hinduism presents a groundbreaking interpretation of ancient Indian texts and their historic influence on subversive resistance

Ancient Hindu texts speak of the three aims of human life: dharma*,artha,* and kama*.* Translated, these might be called religion, politics, and pleasure, and each is held to be an essential requirement of a full life. Balance among the three is a goal not always met, however, and dharma has historically taken precedence over the other two qualities in Hindu life. Here, historian of religions Wendy Doniger offers a spirited and close reading of ancient Indian writings, unpacking a long but unrecognized history of opposition against dharma*.*

Doniger argues that scientific disciplines (shastras) have offered lively and continuous criticism of dharma, or religion, over many centuries. She chronicles the tradition of veiled subversion, uncovers connections to key moments of resistance and voices of dissent throughout Indian history, and offers insights into the Indian theocracy’s subversion of science by religion today.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

An esteemed scholar of Hinduism presents a groundbreaking interpretation of ancient Indian texts and their historic influence on subversive resistance

Ancient Hindu texts speak of the three aims of human life: dharma*,artha,* and kama*.* Translated, these might be called religion, politics, and pleasure, and each is held to be an essential requirement of a full life. Balance among the three is a goal not always met, however, and dharma has historically taken precedence over the other two qualities in Hindu life. Here, historian of religions Wendy Doniger offers a spirited and close reading of ancient Indian writings, unpacking a long but unrecognized history of opposition against dharma*.*

Doniger argues that scientific disciplines (shastras) have offered lively and continuous criticism of dharma, or religion, over many centuries. She chronicles the tradition of veiled subversion, uncovers connections to key moments of resistance and voices of dissent throughout Indian history, and offers insights into the Indian theocracy’s subversion of science by religion today.

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