Vaisnava Concepts of God: Philosophical Perspectives

This book explores the concepts of God in Vaiṣṇavism, a Hindu monotheistic tradition, by examining Vaiṣṇava textual sources and traditions. It is divided into two parts, covering concepts from canonical texts and various Vaiṣṇava traditions, and combines normative, critical, and descriptive elements. It is written by experts and will be of interest to researchers in philosophy of religion, Indian philosophy, theology, and religious studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 19 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive exploration delves into the multifaceted concepts of God within the Vaiṣṇavism, widely recognized as one of the esteemed Hindu monotheistic traditions. By meticulously examining the question of what attributes God possesses, as revealed in various Vaiṣṇava textual sources and traditions, the book skillfully situates these concepts within a broader philosophical framework. The book is structured into two distinct parts. The first part, titled "God in Vaiṣṇava Texts," delves into the rich tapestry of concepts found in some of the most influential canonical Vaiṣṇava texts, including the revered Bhagavad-Gītā, the captivating Bhagavata-Purāṇa, the profound Jayākhya-Saṃhitā, and the epic Mahābhārata. These texts serve as representative of the Pāñcarātras, a group of sacred scriptures within Vaiṣṇavism. The second part, titled "God in Vaiṣṇava Traditions," explores the diverse concepts of God found within various Vaiṣṇava traditions and their esteemed theologians. In addition to the Āḻvārs, the five traditional Vaiṣṇava schools, namely the Śrī Vaiṣṇava tradition, the Madhva tradition, the Nimbārka tradition, the Puṣṭimārga tradition, and the Caitanya Vaiṣṇava tradition, are considered. Furthermore, two contemporary Vaiṣṇava movements, those of Ramakrishna, who exhibits Vaiṣṇava leanings, and Swami Bhaktivedanta, are also explored. This book employs a harmonious blend of normative, critical, and descriptive elements. Certain chapters take a philosophical approach, while others offer a more descriptive narrative. Each chapter meticulously unpacks a specific Vaiṣṇava concept of God, laying the foundation for future philosophical analysis and critique. Crafted by esteemed experts who have made groundbreaking contributions to this presentation and representation of the diverse Vaiṣṇava texts and traditions, the book offers insightful approaches that reflect the extensive philosophical and historical deliberation on the specific issues and divine attributes that have been explored in the field of Hindu Studies. This book holds immense appeal to researchers and scholars engaged in the disciplines of philosophy of religion and Indian philosophy, as well as those interested in cross-cultural and comparative studies.

Weight: 594g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032557557