TY - JOUR

T1 - Reading the Ācāryas

T2 - a generous conception of the theological method

AU - Ram-Prasad, Chakravarthi

PY - 2014/4

Y1 - 2014/4

N2 - Śaṅkara and Rāmānuja offer diametrically opposed readings of a phrase from verse 13.12 of the Bhagavadgītā, in their respective commentaries on this authoritative (but ‘remembered’ (sṃrti) and not sacred ‘heard’ (śruti)) text. The interpretive originality they show in their exegesis indicates some significant features of what can be called ‘Hindu theology’. These features have contemporary relevance in outlining a Hindu theological method for today. In contrast to the medieval tradition, to be a theologian of such material carries certain commitments to readership and community today, but not necessarily to faith. An idea of Hindu theology can be developed that permits a range of readers and writers to participate in such an enterprise, for both pragmatic and humanistic reasons.

AB - Śaṅkara and Rāmānuja offer diametrically opposed readings of a phrase from verse 13.12 of the Bhagavadgītā, in their respective commentaries on this authoritative (but ‘remembered’ (sṃrti) and not sacred ‘heard’ (śruti)) text. The interpretive originality they show in their exegesis indicates some significant features of what can be called ‘Hindu theology’. These features have contemporary relevance in outlining a Hindu theological method for today. In contrast to the medieval tradition, to be a theologian of such material carries certain commitments to readership and community today, but not necessarily to faith. An idea of Hindu theology can be developed that permits a range of readers and writers to participate in such an enterprise, for both pragmatic and humanistic reasons.

U2 - 10.1093/jhs/hiu004

DO - 10.1093/jhs/hiu004

M3 - Journal article

VL - 7

SP - 98

EP - 112

JO - International Journal of Hindu Studies

JF - International Journal of Hindu Studies

SN - 1022-4556

IS - 1

ER -