Understanding Bodhas ra

Bodhas ra, written in the 18th century, is a valuable example of Indian thought immediately before the colonial period. It is still compelling reading. Superficially it could be mistaken for just another presentation of Ved nta, but a guided reading reveals a refreshing new style. Bodhas ra means essence of knowledge and Narahari, the author, having exposed a lack of understanding of traditional practices, poetically leads learned scholars to look afresh, throw off self-imposed bondage, and rest in the substance of their tradition. The Sanskrit Knowledge Systems on the Eve of Colonialism project studied Sanskrit works written between the 16th-18th centuries and proposed a renaissance of Indian thought during this period. They discovered a newness in these works, coming from a re-examination of the original stras. Bodhas ra also turns back to the original stras and expresses them in a new way, thus presenting fresh evidence for the notion of a pre- colonial Indian renaissance . Bodhas ra is a Sanskrit treasure for academic scholars, for readers of fine literature, and for students of Advaita Ved nta and Yoga.

Autorentext

Jennifer Cover, PhD: Sanskrit and Indian studies, University of Sydney, has studied Advaita Vedanta intensively over 30 years, both in Australia and India. She lives on a small island in Sydney and delights in teaching and discussing Sanskrit and Indian culture, in translating Sanskrit texts and in practising spoken Sanskrit.