This book provides a set of fresh and compelling interdisciplinary approaches to the enduring phenomenon of the guru in South Asia. Moving across different gurus and kinds of gurus; and between past and present; the chapters call attention to the extraordinary scope and richness of the social lives and roles of South Asian gurus. Prevailing scholarship has rightly considered the guru to be a source of religious and philosophical knowledge and mystical bodily practices. This book goes further and considers the social engagements and entanglements of these spiritual leaders; not just on their own (narrowly denominational) terms; but in terms of their diverse; complex; rapidly evolving engagements with ‘society’ broadly conceived. The book explores and illuminates the significance of female gurus; gurus from the perspective of Islam; imbrications of guru-ship and slavery in pre-modern India; connections between gurus and power; governance and economic liberalization in modern and contemporary India; vexed questions of sexuality and guru-ship; gurus’ charitable endeavours; the cosmopolitanism of gurus in contexts of spiritual tourism; and the mediation of gurus via technologies of electronic communication. Bringing together internationally renowned scholars from religious studies; political science; history; sociology and anthropology; The Guru in South Asia provides exciting and original new insights into South Asian guru-ship.
#303824 in Books Ginger Adams Otis 2015-05-26 2015-05-26Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 240.28 x 1.08 x 6.36l; .0 #File Name: 1137280018288 pagesFirefight The Century Long Battle to Integrate New York s Bravest
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Her first-peron approach brings life to what could easily could have been another dry history lessonBy Gary R. UrbanowiczA difficult story to tell and one whose details are rarely contained by sensational journalists. Ginger Adams Otis provides an in-depth chronology of this compelling story and does so with a style that grabs the reader and won't let go. Her first-peron approach brings life to what could easily could have been another dry history lesson; she puts the reader right there! Regardless of your position on this emotional issue; you need to read this book and congratulate Ginger on the outstanding job she did to document this important aspect of the African-American experience.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A hard look at the history of the FDNYBy RetiredA riveting book.. Everyone knows about the struggles of minorities from the news; but this perspective from those who endured it and lived through it makes you feel like you are there. The author took the time to research this thoroughly and show the struggles simply from working at the FDNY because of racism and not for anything else. It truly has been a black eye for the department but hopefully the time had come to move forward and put the nepotism and racism behind like the rest of America is doing. As a long member of a fire department I understand the boys club mentality and locker room behavior that transpires in the fire house. It is usually lighthearted for fun; sometimes ritualistic. And yes; sometimes mean. This book shows the effects on others and how they had to fight for respect.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Fighting More Than FireBy Lee SandbergI recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the history of the FDNY. Such a history would be incomplete without recognizing the heroic efforts of the city's first African American firefighters and those who continue to battle against the lasting effects of discrimination. Yet; this is more than just an historical account; the author's in-depth research transports the reader to the segregated bunk rooms of the early 20th century and recent court battles seeking to address under representation of minorities in New York City's fire service. As a volunteer firefighter; I found the level of detail in this book to be fascinating. It also reminds me that in serving the community; the role of firefighters extends far beyond just fighting fires.
