Hindu Spirituality and Virtue Politics analyzes the writings of four distinguished thinkers of India: S. Radhakrishnan, Vinoba Bhave, C. Rajagopalachari and A. K. Coomaraswamy. The author argues that there are two distinct visions of how Hindu spirituality is linked to modern liberal politics. The first and more popular vision draws from Vedanta ideals and moves toward a tight fit between spirituality and politics. The second and alternative vision, present in the writings of these four thinkers, is what this book analyzes in detail.
Drawing upon myths, symbols and epics rather than the abstract theology of Vedanta, the book explores a subtler and more realistic fit between spirituality and politics. The book highlights that not all thinkers and statesmen who plumbed Hindu spirituality were fanatics or fundamentalists; some of them were inspired by the desire to theorize from indigenous sources.
Preface and Acknowledgements
Introduction
Monistic Vedanta and Cosmic Evolution: S. Radhakrishnans Integral Approach
Saintly Visions and Kingly Models: Vinoba Bhaves Ethical Approach
Devotional Hinduism and Moral Virtues: C. Rajagopalacharis Prudent Approach
Cosmogonic Myths and the Perils of Contemplation: Ananda Kentish
Coomaraswamys Metaphysical Approach
Conclusion
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
Vasanthi Srinivasan is Professor at the Department of Political Science, University of Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. She completed her PhD in Political Science from Carleton University, Ottawa, and subsequently taught at the College of Humanities, Carleton University, Ottawa, She has also been a Visiting Scholar at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut. A Commonwealth and New India Foundation scholar, her areas of interests are Indian political ideas, comparative political thought and the interface between technology and politics. Her publications include Gandhis Conscience Keeper: C. Rajagopalachari and Indian Politics.
