Some postcolonial theorists argue that the idea of a single system of belief known as "Hinduism" is a creation of nineteenth-century British imperialists. Andrew J. Nicholson introduces another perspective: although a unified Hindu identity is not as ancient as some Hindus claim; it has its roots in innovations within South Asian philosophy from the fourteenth to seventeenth centuries. During this time; thinkers treated the philosophies of Vedanta; Samkhya; and Yoga; along with the worshippers of Visnu; Siva; and Sakti; as belonging to a single system of belief and practice. Instead of seeing such groups as separate and contradictory; they re-envisioned them as separate rivers leading to the ocean of Brahman; the ultimate reality.Drawing on the writings of philosophers from late medieval and early modern traditions; including Vijnanabhiksu; Madhava; and Madhusudana Sarasvati; Nicholson shows how influential thinkers portrayed Vedanta philosophy as the ultimate unifier of diverse belief systems. This project paved the way for the work of later Hindu reformers; such as Vivekananda; Radhakrishnan; and Gandhi; whose teachings promoted the notion that all world religions belong to a single spiritual unity. In his study; Nicholson also critiques the way in which Eurocentric concepts—like monism and dualism; idealism and realism; theism and atheism; and orthodoxy and heterodoxy—have come to dominate modern discourses on Indian philosophy.
#1697843 in Books Razmik Panossian 2006-05-27Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.54 x 1.17 x 6.00l; 1.51 #File Name: 0231139268492 pagesThe Armenians From Kings and Priests to Merchants and Commissars
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy khorin salmassianExcellent9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Comprehensive but conciseBy V. GhazarianThe book is very well written; but clearly the value of this book lies beyond its readability this is an original piece of work that is complete in the sense that it covers more of the evolution of the "Armenian identity" than meets the eye. For instance the historic fact driven discussions on the Armenian identity goes to the core of the current political issues of modern day Armenia. The book builds a useful bridge between Armenian history; politics and sociology.If you have ever asked yourself what is an Armenian then you should read this book. I read it twice and it hit me at some point that I was in the process of discovering what it is to be an Armenian.IMHO the author is fairly balanced and unbiased about Armenian issues.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Highly recommended!By SeroujSeminal book on the history of Armenian identity. A fresh take; and for the modern history section; backed by interviews conducted by the author in Armenia and elsewhere. Highly recommended!
