_Invading the Sacred_: A book for the academic-types in the group (Was:Temples of South India )

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[ Moderator's note:

For more on this topic, see

http://magazine.uchicago.edu/0412/features/index.shtml

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Namaskar,

 

I am not going to question the validity of any proposed conclusions in the

recent debates. However, I thought I would bring something up that I think

everyone would enjoy reading if they like taking an academic or scholarly

approach to Dharmic texts, but still keep their sadhana at heart in the

process.

 

There is a book I am reading right now called *Invading the Sacred: An

Analysis of Hinduism Studies in America*. I understand not everyone in this

group is from America or enjoys academic debate...but for those who enjoy

the academic approach to studying religions as well as the experiential

approach to practicing a religion, I feel this book might be helpful. The

editors are Eastern and Western authors, so the political party's influences

on the making of this book is not as much of a concern for those who would

have the concern. The only common complaint I am aware of is the publishing

company not being as mindful of typos.

 

In short, the book goes over some comments some credible western authors

made on Hinduism. It academically evaluates the works and discusses the

problems these scholars pose. Furthermore, it discusses how there exists a

lack of dialogue between the religious scholars and theologians in the study

of Indian Religion like there now is in other religions...so the dialectical

approach and feedback (as well as counter feedback) has been missing.

 

Another component it discusses is how the secular laws in India make

achieving the balance above difficult because a lot of Hindus have to go

overseas to study Hinduism in the academic realm. Ultimately, it touches on

the importance of having both insider and outsider viewpoints when studying

religion. Outsider viewpoints have significant weight, but the problems in

this book discuss how there has been a lack of insider viewpoints to counter

or add context to them.

 

Sadly, rooting out the political influences in these situations are not

simple. A number of people on all sides mean well (or I would like to think

so in most cases!) but the problem's roots are at an institutional level, so

the only thing that can help counter the noted concerns is having as many

people as possible aware of them. This applies to Hindus and non-Hindus

alike, regardless of their location. At this point, it goes beyond the

political parties in the countries scrutinized because of this.

 

Of course, I am the first to admit that I am also very biased. I am a firm

advocate in expanding the knowledge we have in our education system because

I believe education has an influence on people's perspectives. It is why I

have chosen to go into studying South Asian Religion when I go to graduate

school. I have no expectations of establishing any sort of justice, but

hopefully the more people who look into these things, the more likely social

change can happen.

 

I have considerably digressed. I just wanted to recommend this book after

seeing these debates coming up. The book may not be perfect, but I think it

is valuable in at least expanding awareness on the academic study of

religions.

 

 

Namaste.

 

Jai Ma~!

 

Sincerely,

Arya/Christina