Rules and regulations of Brahmanical asceticism

Book Description

This scholarly work presents a rare window into the spiritual discipline of medieval India through the lens of a twelfth-century Sanskrit master. Yādavaprakāśa, historically significant as the teacher of the renowned theologian Ramanuja, offers readers the most comprehensive examination of ascetic life from this pivotal period in Hindu thought.

The text addresses fundamental questions that continue to resonate with modern spiritual seekers: Who is truly prepared for the ascetic path? What rituals mark the transition from worldly life to spiritual dedication? How does one structure daily practice to support inner transformation?

Yādavaprakāśa guides readers through the practical dimensions of renunciant life, exploring everything from meditation techniques and worship practices to the ethics of wandering and seeking alms. His work uniquely grapples with whether the ascetic path represents a legitimate spiritual choice for those born into traditional religious roles, a question that challenged conventional thinking of his era.

Patrick Olivelle's scholarly introduction provides essential context, tracing how ascetic traditions developed within Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain communities and examining their place in India's broader spiritual landscape. This critical edition and translation makes accessible a text that stands as the oldest complete guide to medieval ascetic practice, offering contemporary readers insights into timeless questions about spiritual commitment, daily discipline, and the pursuit of transcendence through renunciation.