Stras, Stories and Yoga Philosophy

This book presents a close reading of four Indian narratives from different time periods (epic, Upaniadic, pre-modern and contemporary): Ekalavya's story from the Mahbhrata (MBh 1.123.1-39), the story of Prajpati, Indra and Virochana from the Chndogya Upanisad (CU 8.7.1-8.12.5), the story of ankara in the King's body from the ankaradigvijaya, and A.R. Murugadoss's Hindi film Ghajini (2008), respectively. These stories are thematically juxtaposed with Ptajala-yoga, namely Patajali's Yogastra and its vast commentarial body. The stras reveal hidden philosophical layers. The stories, on the other hand, contribute to the clarification of "philosophical junctions" in the Yogastra. Through stras and stories, the author explores the question of self-identity, with emphasis on the role of memory and the place of body in identity-formation. Each of the stories diagnoses the connection between self-identity and (at least a sense of) freedom. Employing cutting-edge methodology, crossing the boundaries of literary theory, story-telling, and philosophical reflection, this book presents fresh interpretations of Indian thought. It is useful to specialists in Asian philosophy and culture.