There is a mysterious principle in Nature called Maha-Vishnu, which is not the God of that name, but a principle which contains Bija, the seed of Avatarism, i.e., the potency and cause of such divine incarnations. All the World-Saviours, the Bodhisattvas and the Avataras, are the trees of salvation grown out from the one seed. Whether it be called Adi-Buddha or Maha-Vishnu, it is all the same. In this profound esoteric sense, Lord Buddha is an incarnation of Maha-Vishnu. The Avatara is an appearance, one which may be termed a special illusion within the natural illusion that reigns on the planes under the sway of Maya; he is reborn consciously, at his will and pleasure; the units of the common herd unconsciously follow the great law of dual evolution. Thus all Avataras are one and the same: Sons of their Father, in a direct descent and line — the Father, one of Seven Flames, becomes the Son. Father and Son are One, in Eternity. The illusive avataric form having neither past nor future, because it had neither previous incarnation nor will it have subsequent rebirths, has naught to do with Karma, which has therefore no hold on it. Gautama Buddha is more than an Avatara. Though an Avatara in one sense, Gautama is a true human Jivanmukta, owing his position to his outstanding personal merit. His case is an exceptional one, and stems from the occult powers of the High Initiate who, before entering into the state of Nirvana, can cause his “remains” to stay on earth. Buddha and Jesus tower like giants in the history of mankind, in the realm of the spiritual. It is in their image that some enlightened men are born (when a specific humanitarian object is in view) and hypostatically animated by their divine prototypes, are reproduced again and again by the mysterious Powers that control and guide the destinies of our world. Not only does this statement apply to prominent characters in history, in general, but also to men of genius, to every remarkable man of the age, who soars beyond the common herd with some abnormally developed special capacity in him, leading to the progress and good of mankind. Since then the “Man of Sorrows” has returned more than once, unknown to, and undiscovered by, his blind followers. Since then, the “Son of God” has been most cruelly crucified, daily and hourly, by the Churches founded in his name. Even the Apostles, only half-initiated, failed to tarry for their Master and, not recognizing him, spurned him every time he returned. Special cases conferring permanent Theophania, i.e., the presence of God in man, a divine incarnation. A person of a sufficiently clean vessel might be selected for special purposes by his personal God, the Fountainhead of his Monad, who thus becomes his in-dweller. Such persons remain in our sphere and within human attraction and reach; and thus it is that not only a Buddha, a Shankacharya, or a Jesus that animate several persons at one and the same time, but even the principles of a high Adept may be animating the outward tabernacles of worthy mortals.

This is a definitive and easy to understand guide to the essential as well as devotional heart of the Vedic/Hindu philosophy. Using numerous references, it gives you access to the most important knowledge presented in the Vedic texts regarding your real potential and spiritual identity. Thus, it is especially good for anyone who lacks the time to research the many topics that are contained within the library of Vedic manuscripts and to see their insights and wisdom. Some of the topics you will find include: A complete review of all the Vedic texts and the wide range of topics they contain, and their philosophical conclusion. The uniqueness and freedom in the Vedic system of self-discovery. A description of the main yoga processes and their effectiveness, and the real purpose of yoga. A review of the main Vedic Divinities, such as Krishna, Radharani, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Shiva, Durga, Ganesh and others. All the essential teachings of Lord Krishna. The most effective spiritual process for this modern age and what it can do for you, with practical instructions for deep realizations, and much more. This book provides you with a complete process for advancing on the spiritual path, making way for individual empowerment, freedom, and spiritual illumination.

Contents: Introduction, The Empires of Ancient India, The Vakatakas, Post- Mauryan India, Political Order and Ideas, Social and Political Thought and Institutions, Kulyavapa, Dronavapa and Adhavapa, South India, The Age of Imperial Kanauj, The Mudrarakshasa the Web of Diplomacy, Valmiki, Vyasa and Kalidasa, R.C. Dutt s Translation of the Epics, Classical Literature, Conclusion.

This innovative introductory textbook explores the central practices and beliefs of Hinduism through contemporary, everyday practice. Introduces and contextualizes the rituals, festivals and everyday lived experiences of Hinduism in text and images Includes data from the author’s own extensive ethnographic fieldwork in central India (Chhattisgarh), the Deccan Plateau (Hyderabad), and South India (Tirupati) Features coverage of Hindu diasporas, including a study of the Hindu community in Atlanta, Georgia Each chapter includes case study examples of specific topics related to the practice of Hinduism framed by introductory and contextual material

This is a study of three Sanskrit texts, the Harivamsa, the Visnupurana, and the Bhagavatabelonging to the puranic genre, the chief source of knowledge of the origins of popular Hinduism. It treats them as integrated compositions and displays the theological motives and creative skill which have gone into the making of them. It shows how all three texts contain narratives which present Krishna as one of several subordinate manifestations (avataras) of Vishnu. All three use much the same traditional material, yet each, by arranging this material in its own way, presents a distinctive view of Krishna, and the most influential of them, the Bhagavata , builds up a world view in which Krishna, not Vishnu, is supreme.

Rabbi on the Ganges: A Jewish-Hindu Encounter is the first work to engage the new terrain of Hindu-Jewish religious encounter. The book offers understanding into points of contact between the two religions of Hinduism and Judaism. Providing an important comparative account, the work illuminates key ideas and practices within the traditions, surfacing commonalities between the jnana and Torah study, karmakanda and Jewish ritual, and between the different Hindu philosophic schools and Jewish thought and mysticism, along with meditation and the life of prayer and Kabbalah and creating dialogue around ritual, mediation, worship, and dietary restrictions. The goal of the book is not only to unfold the content of these faith traditions but also to create a religious encounter marked by mutual and reciprocal understanding and openness.