3 Review(s)

This volume approaches the heart of Indian sacred traditions—philosophy, poetry, pilgrimage, temples and rituals—from an “insider’s point of view”. A work of rigorous scholarship, this is a treasure-trove of ten original essays, arranged in two parts. Part one considers theoretical issues; Pat two provides supportive materials. The book highlights, for the first time, the basic difference between the Western notion of binary opposition and the Indian vision on non-dualism. It develops a theory which implies a continuum between the sacred and the secular. Another outstanding contribution of this book is that it demonstrates unity in the diversities of beliefs and behaviour in the Indian traditions of pilgrimage. Also, presents a new classification of cultures, and helps understand the structure and functions of religion. This book is rewarding reading for both the scholar and the layman interested in the sociology of sacred traditions in India.