In an attempt to explore the ancient history of Central Asia and of the movement of ancient peoples, the work examines the affinities and interactions of the people who called themselves Arya, that is, the Indo-Aryans and the Indo-Iranians, with other peoples and nations of the ancient world, like the Semites, the Hurrians and the Medes. It delves into the processes of acculturation when people of different cultures came in contact with each other at a time that goes back to the very earliest of times (ninth or tenth millennium bce). It examines the movements of the Indo-Aryans and the Indo-Iranians across Asia and their neighbours and active trade partners like the Sumerians, the people of Mesopotamia and the Harappans. It thus throws light on the interactions of the early Indo-Aryans and Indo-Iranians with other flourishing central Asian civilisations of the time. It cites references to ancient traditions that still prevail among peoples in different cultures from different parts of the world, pointing out how these testify to the continuity of ancient traditions and, importantly, the ancient interaction between cultures. Well-researched and with accurate references to time periods, this scholarly work will deeply interest scholars and students of history and anthropology concerned with the earliest origin of cultures and cultural interactions.

Ancient Movements of the Indo-Aryans and Indo-Aranians

Marta Vannucci

D.K. Prinworld (P) Ltd.

The book Make Time for Yourself It's Your Time is a text written from a very personal standpoint, in the context of the author's spiritual life as a monk. Nothing in this world has eternal value. Use your time and don't waste it. Time is for most of us a luxury good. Making time for yourself and giving time to others is a source of joy that enriches our lives. The quiet time we devote to prayer or meditation gives us strength to master our lives and enhances our spirituality.

Make Time for Yourself: It's Your Time

Notker Wolf

History

The Paratrishika Vivarana by the great Kashmiri philosopher and mystic Abhinavagupta is an extensive commentary on the Paratrishika Tantra, and it is one of the most profound texts, not only of non-dualist Kashmir Shaivism, but of Indian philosophy and mysticism in general. The present work attempts to make this difficult text accessible, by culling out the important themes and offering an interpretation. The main focus is on the understanding of the Absolute (Anuttara) and the ways to realize it. The central theme of mantra also leads to a mysticism of language with its philosophical implications. All these reflections and practices are inscribed in the theory that everything is related to the totality, every part contains the whole of reality (sarvam sarvatmakam). It is this holistic vision of Abhinavagupta, based on the Tantras, which makes this work so relevant in our times of fragmented aspects of life and knowledge in search of integration. No doubt, in the view of the Tantra and of Abhinavagupta, language and mantra provide the key. This fascinating book is an important contribution to studies and interpretations on Kashmir Shaivism, its spirituality and philosophy, and on Abhinavagupta in particular.

Abhinavagupta's Hermeneutics of the Absolute: An Interpretation of His Paratrishika Vivarana

Bettina Bäumer

Kancipuram was the important capital of north Tamil Nadu for a long period -- from the first-second century ce to the end of the seventeenth century. It was a beautiful city laid out in the form of a lotus, according to the poem Perumbanarrupadai. It was admired by the world as a place famous for its festivals and noted for its temples. Through the ages, it has been the abode of many religious leaders who devoted their lives to the religious uplift of the people.\nThis well-illustrated work presents a history of the Vaishnavite temples of Kanci, focusing on the history of the ancient temples from the Sangam Age onwards, the many legends, myths and other accounts that refer to it, and its location and building. It provides a detailed account of some major temples of the city supported by numerous pictures of the temples that cover various aspects of each -- the entrance and other parts of each temple structure, its architecture, and its artistic engravings particularly its sculptural beauty. It delves into the Vaishnava tradition for concepts and ideas underlying the construction of the sanctum and the sub-shrines, and portrayal of divine forms on the walls, pillars and other parts of the temple. There is a detailed study of the sculptures in the main walls of the temples and the main deities in the shrines. It also examines the many inscriptions found in the temples to offer insights into the historical, religious, social and cultural value of the temples.\nThe volume is bound to interest a host of readers, particularly scholars and students of Indology involved in the study of the cultural traditions of south India and its religious art and architecture.

Vishnu Temples of Kanchipuram

R. Nagaswamy

Prakaranapancika of Salikanatha is an important text of Prabhakara Mimamsa. Salikanatha who is a direct disciple of Prabhakara made distinct contribution to Indian Epistemology and linguistics. The concepts of Svaprkashatva of cognition, Triputikarana formula, Akhyati theory of perceptual error are some of his important contributions in the area of epistemology, whereas anvitabhidhanavada, a theory of sentence meaning, the concept of Karya i.e., Niyoga as the import of injunction, the inclusion of Pauruseya statements under the inference are considered as his important contributions in the field of linguistics. Nyaya and Bhafta Mimamsa strongly criticize all these concepts, but Vishistadvaita and Dvaita schools are a little friendly in some respects. We are sure that a study of Prakbhakara thought in the light of modern developments in the area of epistemology and linguistics will be fruitful.

Prakaranapancika of Salikanatha with an Exposition in English (Hindi Edition) (English and Hindi Edition)

Politics & Social Sciences

K.T. Pandurangi

Philosophy