Hermeneutics and Hindu Thought: Toward a Fusion of Horizons

The advent of Hindu Studies coincides with the emergence of modern hermeneutics. This book highlights the interpretive dimension of religion (Hinduism) and the religious dimension of interpretation (Western hermeneutics).

Highlights the interpretive dimension of religion (Hinduism) and the religious dimension of interpretation (Western hermeneutics) Seeks transcultural value in Hindu resources of hermeneutics, and presents Hindu thought in a new light by recontextualizing it with Western hermeneutics Contains contributions conceiving of new interpretive angles, new connections, and potential relationships that take into full consideration the differences inherent in Indian and Western intellectual cultures Opens up the possibility that Hinduism may be more than just a religion to be studied Enriches our understanding when elucidated and elaborated as a theme in the hermeneutical tradition

Texte du rabat
The emergence of Hinduism as a field of study in the Western academia coincides with the development of modern hermeneutics. Despite this coemergence, and the rich possibilities inherent in a dialectical encounter between the theories of modern and pre-modern hermeneutics and those of Hindu hermeneutical traditions, this potential has not been tapped within the boundaries of religious studies. This volume sets out to initiate such an interface.

Some essays in this volume, such as those by Shrinivas Tilak, Sharada Sugirtharajah, and Purushottama Bilimoria examine the impact of Western hermeneutics on the Indian religious landscape. Others, just as those by Jeffrey Long, Klaus Klostermaier, Aditya Adarkar and Leena Taneja, offer insights into traditional Hindu philosophical principles and into concepts pertaining to cross-cultural hermeneutical frameworks. Still others, such as those by Stephen Phillips and T.S. Rukmani, are concerned with the application of a philosophical approach to hermeneutical engagement with Hindu texts, in order to arrive at a more comprehensive interpretation. An introduction by Rita Sherma and a conclusion by Arvind Sharma book-end the volume.

Contenu
The Hermeneutics of the Word Religion and Its Implications for the World of Indian Religions.- Max Müller and Textual Management: A Postcolonial Perspective.- Being and Text: Dialogic Fecundation of Western Hermeneutics and Hindu M?m?ms? in the Critical Era.- The Hermeneutic Circle and the Hermeneutic Centre.- C?turdharmya: Hermeneutics of Integrative Differentiation.- Psychological Growth and Heroic Steadfastness in the Mah?bh?rata.- Value Ethics in the Early Upani?ads: A Hermeneutic Approach.- Engagement with Sanskrit Philosophic Texts.- Truth, Diversity, and the Incomplete Project of Modern Hinduism.- The Other of Oneself: A Gadamerian Conversation with Gaud?ya Vaisnavism.- Concluding Remarks.