Rules and regulations of Brahmanical asceticism

Yatidharmasamuccaya of Yādava Prakāśa

Yādavaprakāśa

458 pages  |  ~13 hrs

Comparative Religion

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Rules and regulations of Brahmanical asceticism

Yatidharmasamuccaya of Yādava Prakāśa

By Yādavaprakāśa

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.

What You'll Discover

  • Learn the teachings of the Dharma
  • Explore Brahmans
  • Explore Asceticism
  • Explore Brahmanism
  • Understand Hindu philosophy and traditions
  • Explore Early works to 1800

Topics

Dharma Brahmans Asceticism Brahmanism Hinduism Early works to 1800

Details

Published
1995
Publisher
State University of New York Press
ISBN-10
0791422836
Pages
458
Language
EN
LC Classification
BL1239.5.A82 Y35 1995