Bhakti In Vaishnava Traditions
By Shakuntala Gawde & Ferdinando Sardella
The book �Bhakti in Vai??ava Traditions� explores various dimensions of bhakti in Vai??avism. Vai??avism, a cornerstone of India�s spiritual traditions, is deeply entrenched in the fertile grounds of bhakti, representing intense devotion and love towards the divine. This exploration delves into the intricate realm of Vai??avism, spotlighting its historical trajectory and philosophical bedrock, all harmonized by the resonant theme of bhakti. The book is organized into three parts: Bhagavata Pura?a and Bhagavad Gita, Bhakti in Vedanta, and Regional Traditions. The first part elucidates the essence of bhakti as reflected in Bhagavata Pura?a and Bhagavad Gita, which are known as pivotal texts of bhakti. These sacred scriptures bring to light the profound bond between individual consciousness, and the indwelling Lord. Bhakti, in its radiant form, serves as the beacon guiding this relationship. Enriched by tales of K???a and the teachings of dharma, these texts unravel the transformative essence of steadfast devotion. It delves into themes such as the nature of divine lilas, devotional Aesthetics and commentator�s role in interpretation of bhakti texts. The second part understands the concept of Vai??ava-bhakti as seen in Sa?kara Vedanta and it�s further development in Vedantic texts of Ramanuja, Svaminaraya?a, Nimbarka and Madhusudana Sarasvati. This section offers a nuanced understanding of how bhakti is conceptualized within diverse Vedantic traditions, adding complexity to the exploration and showcasing varied perspectives within the broader Vai??ava framework. The final section deals with regional variations, highlighting diverse cultural expressions of Bhakti within Vai??avism. It captures the dazzling variety of regional Vai??ava traditions including Varkari traditions, Caitanya Vai??avism and Braj Vai??avism. Each regional hue paints the canvas of Vai??ava bhakti traditions, enriching its spectrum.