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Religion History

Gandhi and the Gita

edited by Hans J.I. Bakker

Publisher
Canadian Scholars' Press Inc.
Initial publish date
Oct 1998
Category
History, Sacred Writings, Hindu
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781551300191
    Publish Date
    Oct 1998
    List Price
    $39.95

Classroom Resources

Where to buy it

Out of print

This edition is not currently available in bookstores. Check your local library or search for used copies at Abebooks.

Description

There have been many statements made by comparative philosophers and Sanskritists about Mahandas Karamchand Gandhi and the Bhagavad Gita. The general thrust of scholarly opinion seems to be that Gandhi's translation—with its implicit interpretation—is unsatisfactory. Gandhi's interpretation is assumed to be an unscholarly and misleading exegesis.

Gandhi and the Gita investigates this question. Bakker makes a compelling argument for his assertion that Gandhi relied on the study of books to a far greater extent than many academics assume. Unlike some traditional Hindu seekers of knowledge who rely exclusively on meditation and Inner Truth, Gandhi combined a concern with the inner light with the life-long study of the written word. In fact, of all books Gandhi particularly cherished the Bhagavad Gita, and it provided the theoretical underpinning of his praxis.

About the author

Hans J.I. Bakker is Professor of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Guelph.

Hans J.I. Bakker's profile page