Dance Of Divine Love

The heart of this book is a dramatic love poem, the Rasa Lila, which is the ultimate focal point of one of the most treasured Sanskrit texts of India, the Bhagavata Purana. Judged a literary masterpiece by Indian and Western scholars alike, this work of poetic genius and soaring religious vision is one of the world`s greatest sacred love stories and, as Graham Schweig clearly demonstrates, should be regarded as India`s Song of Songs. The story presents the supreme deity as the youthful and amorous cowherd, Krishna, who joins his beloved maidens in an enchanting and celebratory dance of divine love. Schweig introduces this work of exquisite poetry and profound theology to the Western world in the form of a luminous translation and erudite scholarly treatment. His book explores the historical context and literary genre of the work and elucidates the aesthetic and emotional richness of the composition, highlighting poignant details of this drama of divine love. Schweig illuminates the religious dimensions and ethical nuances of the drama, drawing widely from the commentaries and esoteric vision of masters of the Caitanya school of Vaishnavism, a prominent devotional Hindu tradition. Themes such as transcendence of death through love, the yoga of devotion, the contrast between worldly love and passionate love for God, and the dialectical tension between ethical boundaries and boundless love are presented. The final event of the Rasa dance, the author concludes, presents a dynamic symbol of supreme love that provides the basis for a theological vision of genuine religious pluralism. Contents List of Figures and Tables Foreword by Norvin Hein, Acknowledgement, Pronunciation, abbreviations, Introduction The Sacred love Story, A Drama of love, Sacred Love Stories, India's Song of Songs, Bhagavata as the Ultimate Scripture, Sacred Context of the Rasa Lila, PART I Poems from the Bhagavata Purana, PART II Textual Illuminations: 1. Background of the text, 2. Aspects of the Story, 3. Messages of the text, PART III Notes and Comments: Introduction, Act One - Act Five, PART IV The sanskrit Text: Introduction: Act One - Act Five, Appendix 1 Note on Translation, Appendix 2, Appendix 3, Glossary, Bibliography, Index. About the auther: Graham M. Schweig is Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Director of the Indic Studies Program at Christopher Newport University. He earned his doctorate in Comparative Religion from harvard University and has contributed articles to numerous journals and books in the field.

The heart of this book is a dramatic love poem, the Rasa Lila, which is the ultimate focal point of one of the most treasured Sanskrit texts of India, the Bhagavata Purana. Judged a literary masterpiece by Indian and Western scholars alike, this work of poetic genius and soaring religious vision is one of the world's greatest sacred love stories and, as Graham Schweig clearly demonstrates, should be regarded as India's Song of Songs. The story presents the supreme deity as the youthful and amorous cowherd, Krishna, who joins his beloved maidens in an enchanting and celebratory "dance of divine love." Schweig introduces this work of exquisite poetry and profound theology to the Western world in the form of a luminous translation and erudite scholarly treatment. His book explores the historical context and literary genre of the work and elucidates the aesthetic and emotional richness of the composition, highlighting poignant details of this drama of divine love. Schweig illuminates the religious dimensions and ethical nuances of the drama, drawing widely from the commentaries and esoteric vision of masters of the Caitanya school of Vaishnavism, a prominent devotional Hindu tradition. Themes such as transcendence of death through love, the yoga of devotion, the contrast between worldly love and passionate love for God, and the dialectical tension between ethical boundaries and boundless love are presented. The final event of the Rasa dance, the author concludes, presents a dynamic symbol of supreme love that provides the basis for a theological vision of genuine religious pluralism.

The Divine Dance has become a classic for fans of Richard Rohr and an important book on Christian mysticism, it provides a fresh perspective for anyone studying or teaching the trinity. The Trinity is the central doctrine of Christianity, but it is still widely considered a mystery we won't ever fully understand. Should we still try to understand it, even so? If we could, how would it transform our relationship with God? In this stimulating and thought-provoking book, internationally recognised teacher Richard Rohr explores the nature of God and the paradoxical idea of the Holy Trinity as both three and one. With clear, surefooted wisdom, he encourages us to build on the early Christian understanding of the relationship between Father, Son and Spirit as a flow and dance - a Divine Dance - that we are invited to join in. An engaging, accessible look at the nature of God, The Divine Dance will challenge the way you think about the Trinity and give you a much fuller understanding of the triune relationship that is at the heart of Christian doctrine. It will leave you with a faith that is renewed and strengthened, and show you how you can engage more deeply in your relationship with God and the world through the Trinity.

***GITA GOVINDA***The Dance of Divine Love of Radha & Krishna>Jayadeva

"The Dance of Devotion: Rasleela and the Path of Divine Love" is a captivating exploration that takes readers on a profound journey into the realm of divine love and spiritual transformation. In this beautifully crafted book, the timeless and enchanting dance of Rasleela unfolds as a metaphor for the human quest to merge with the divine. Drawing inspiration from the mythological tales of Lord Krishna and the Gopis, the book delves into the depths of devotion, surrender, and the transformative power of love. Through mesmerizing narratives and poetic prose, it invites readers to witness the divine dance of love and immerse themselves in its profound teachings. With each turn of the page, readers are transported to the mystical world of the Rasleela, where the sacred and the sensual intertwine, and the boundaries of self dissolve in the ecstasy of divine union. The author skillfully weaves together spiritual insights, ancient wisdom, and personal reflections, illuminating the path of divine love with clarity and grace. "The Dance of Devotion" unveils the secrets of the Rasleela, guiding readers on a transformative journey towards a deeper understanding of divine love. It explores the themes of longing, surrender, selfless devotion, and the transcendent power of love in a way that resonates with both the spiritual seeker and the lover of literature. Through richly evocative descriptions and vivid imagery, the book invites readers to witness the dance of the Gopis, their longing for Lord Krishna, and their unwavering devotion. It explores the ecstasy and bliss that arise from merging with the divine, and the profound sense of oneness experienced by those who embark on the path of divine love. "The Dance of Devotion" not only touches the heart but also nourishes the soul. It offers practical insights, contemplative exercises, and meditative practices that enable readers to incorporate the teachings of the Rasleela into their own lives. The book serves as a spiritual guide, leading readers towards a deeper connection with the divine and the realization of their own divine nature. With its lyrical prose, profound wisdom, and a gentle touch of mysticism, "The Dance of Devotion: Rasleela and the Path of Divine Love" invites readers to embark on a transformative odyssey, where love becomes the guiding force and the dance of devotion leads to the ultimate union with the divine. It is a book that nourishes the soul, inspires the heart, and reminds us of the eternal beauty and transformative power of divine love.

The contributors to Divine Love cover a broad spectrum of world religions, comparing and contrasting approaches among Christians of several denominations, Jews, Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, and adherents of traditional African religions. Each chapter focuses on the definition and conceptual boundaries of divine love; its expression and experience; its instrumentality and salience; how it can become distorted, and how it has been made manifest or restored by great historic exemplars of altruism, compassion, and unlimited love. The ultimate aim for many of the world’s major faith traditions is to love and be loved by God—to live in connection with the Divine, in union with the Beloved, in reconciliation with the Ultimate. Religious scholars Jeff Levin and Stephen G. Post have termed this connection “divine love.” In their new collection of the same name, they have invited eight of the world’s preeminent religious scholars to share their perspectives on the what, how, and why of divine love. From this diverse gathering of perspectives emerges evidence that to love and to be loved by God, to enter into a mutual and covenantal relationship with the Divine, may well offer solutions to many of the current crises around the world. Only a loving relationship with the Source of being within the context of the great faith and wisdom traditions of the world can fully inform and motivate the acts of love, unity, justice, compassion, kindness, and mercy for all beings that are so desperately required to counter the toxic influences in the world. Contributors: William C. Chittick, Vigen Guroian, Ruben L. F. Habito, William K. Mahony, John S. Mbiti, Jacob Neusner, Clark H. Pinnock, and David Tracy.