Philosophical Musings For A Meaningful Life

ÿInside one of Contemporary India's most Influential Poets The twenty-four papers inÿPhilosophical Musings for a Meaningful Lifeÿstudy the poetry collectionsWinged Reasonÿ(2010),ÿWrite Son, Writeÿ(2011), andÿMulticultural Symphonyÿ(2014), of Dr. K.V. Dominic and reveal his humanistic values and concept of universal brotherhood, his social criticism devoid of absurdity and obscurity, his profound concern for the marginalized sections of society, and his reverence for Nature. All the papers focus on the poet's anguish at the evils and the inhuman attitude prevalent in the society and necessitate harmony of existence. In the context of Indian English poetry, the papers find Dominic to be unique in his use of simple and plain language to address the vast canvass of human life and the neglected segment of human society. Further, the papers bring out how the universal appeal of Dominic lies in his ability to view the world as a sanctuary and acknowledge him as the promising voice of the present century for his belief in the interrelatedness of all lives that ascertains positive change in the individuals. Dr. S. Kumaran, Editor, is working as an Assistant Professor in the Postgraduate & Research Department of English, Thiruvalluvar Government Arts College, Rasipuram. He is Associate Editor of two refereed international biannual journals,ÿWriters Editors Criticsÿ(WEC) andÿInternational Journal on Multicultural Literatureÿ(IJML); and a Member of the Editorial Boards of various journals from India and abroad. "This critical study on the poetry of Dr. K.V. Dominic deserves to be read closely for evaluation and to be on the shelf of every notable library.ÿPhilosophical Musings for a Meaningful Lifeÿwill inspire scholars from the West to find rubies and diamonds in the Indian poetry of today." --Dr. Stephen Gill, Poet Laureate of Ansted University "K.V. Dominic's social consciousness is his chief forte. Not for a moment does he divert attention from the simple and innocent activities of ordinary human beings. From his lyrics originate feelings of eternal sympathy, peace, and fraternal unity." --P.C.K. Prem, critic from Himachal Pradesh, India From the World Voices Series Modern History Press www.ModernHistoryPress.com

Join us on an epic journey to India! K.V. Dominic, one of India's leading contemporary English poets, takes us on a trip to India in this constellation of short stories. His love for his native country is exposed through stories that cover a range of humanistic concerns, including women’s empowerment, the natural environment, government and corruption, the education system, crime, the power of compassion and the question of how much influence we have in our own destinies. "Sanchita Karma, a collection of stories evocative of India with its characters, is simply sketched in a few sentences while still feeling rounded and real. From the tentative beginnings of friendship, to family problems, running from life to finding fulfilment, pointed character studies and quiet meditations—Dominic’s people are often bereft, put upon and always searching for something. Through them, he speaks volumes--in a short space--about cause and effect in relationships." --Dr. Patricia Prime, poet, critic, reviewer and editor, New Zealand "The stories in Sanchita Karma deal with a wide spectrum of themes, including the helplessness and loneliness of the aged, the thirst for love, crime and terrorism, religious intolerance and superstition and corruption and unemployment. Like sips of cold water after a dusty walk in the hot sun, the vivid portrayal of these stark realities is revealed through instances of love, humanism, honesty, duty consciousness, compassion, repentance and reformation." Chandramoni Narayanaswamy, English poet, writer, essayist and translator, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India "In Sanchita Karma, K.V. Dominic’s potential is testified by a simple yet realistic depiction of various characters drawn from all walks of life. The poet/short story writer portrays characters in such a way that the words emphatically flow from their mouths—and stay in our minds—as if they are time bound and dictums for all ages." --Dr. Radhamony Sarma, Professor of English (ret.), poet and critic, Chennai, India. Learn more at www.ProfKVDominic.com From Modern History Press www.ModernHistoryPress.com

ÿPeek inside the mind one of Contemporary India's most influential poets Inside this book you'll find Dr. Ramesh Chandra Mukhopadhyaya, one of the most erudite philosopher-critics of India, brilliantly evaluating his compatriot English poet K.V. Dominic. Among the contemporary English poets of India, Dr. K.V. Dominic has established an unchallengeable position of his own. Through his poetry collectionsÿWinged Reason,ÿWrite Son, Write,ÿMulticultural Symphony,ÿContemporary Concerns and Beyond, andÿK.V. Dominic: Essential Readings and Study Guide, Dominic has beautifully portrayed themes of environmental, social, political, and humanitarian concerns. Mukhopadhyaya, with his unique style, critically and philosophically studies not only Dominic's poetry, but also the poet himself as a person with his background of family, town, state, and country. Being a master of Indian as well as western philosophy, Mukhopadhyaya digs out the philosophic thoughts lying hidden in many of the poems. In addition, his depth in English and Sanskrit literature has enabled him to make comparisons of Dominic's poems to those of the legends.ÿ "Dominic's poetry reflects India. This is the base of the study by Mukhopadhyaya who has taught literature and authored books. He finds Dominic's poetry irresistible. I add that Mukhopadyaya's book is enlightening and also irresistible. His study is a compassionate painting of Dominic's poetry with the shades that are eternal." --Dr. Stephen Gill, Canadian poet and novelist "Dr. Mukhopadhyaya's critique is a remarkable contribution to Dominic's poetry, as it is systematically written with philosophical explications and comparisons to great legends as well as classical poets of the East and the West. Indeed an important addition to the existing works on this major literary figure." --Dr. Rob Harle, Australian poet, author and artist "More than merely an analysis of Dominic's poems, this book is an insight into the vibrant philosophy experienced by the Indian mind that has amalgamated both the perennial bliss and the painful vicissitudes of life to foster sublime and universal notions of life. As the volume reveals the personality of the poet, it invites attention to the authenticity of the impersonal theory of poetry." --Dr. S. Kumaran, Indian critic, scholar and academician, author ofÿPhilosophical Musings for a Meaningful Life: An Analysis of K.V. Dominic's Poems Learn more at www.profkvdominic.com From Modern History Press www.ModernHistoryPress.com>

While most recent studies of Nietzsche's works have lost sight of the fundamental question of the meaning of a life characterized by inescapable suffering, Bernard Reginster's book The Affirmation of Life brings it sharply into focus. Reginster identifies overcoming nihilism as a central objective of Nietzsche's philosophical project, and shows how this concern systematically animates all of his main ideas.

In Philosophical Musings, Rogers introduces students to philosophy by focusing attention on some of the most interesting and challenging questions philosophers have wrestled with for the past 2,500 years. In this engaging, thorough, and accessible introduction, Rogers lays a philosophical foundation by asking how philosophy began, how it developed, and why we should study it. With this basic foundation in place, Rogers then asks a series of questions that provide students with insights not only into what philosophy is, but into some of life's most important questions, including: What can be known? Why is there something rather than nothing? Does God exist? What is God like? Why is there evil in the world? What kind of beings are humans? Are we really free to choose? What is the purpose of life? Is there life after death? How should human beings live? In addition to introducing and discussing these provocative questions, Rogers includes readings from some of history's most significant philosophers, as well as analyses of arguments that have been made for each of the issues under consideration.

ÿK. V. Dominic Essential Readingsÿgathers for the first time the three most important works of poetry from this shining new light of contemporary Indian verse in English:ÿWinged Reason,ÿWrite Son, WriteÿandÿMulticultural Symphony. A fourth collection of 22 previously unpublished poems round out a complete look at the first 12 years of Dominic?s prolific and profound verse. Each poem includes unique Study Guide questions suitable for South Asian studies curricula. Written in free verse, each of his poems makes the reader contemplate on intellectual, philosophical, spiritual, political, and social issues of the present world. Themes range from multiculturalism, environmental issues, social mafia, caste-ism, exploitation of women and children, poverty, and corruption to purely introspective matters. From the observation of neighborhood life to international events, and everyday forgotten tragedies of India, nothing escapes the grasp of Dominic?s keen sense of the fragility of life and morality in the modern world. Praise for the verse of K. V. Dominic "K. V. Dominic is one of the most vibrant Indian English poets whose intense passion for the burning social and national ailments makes him a disciple of Ezekielean School of poetry. His poetic passion for the natural beauty keeps him besides the Romanticists." -- Dr. A. K. Choudhary, English poet, critic and editor, Professor of English, Assam, India "K. V. Dominic?s poems are important additions to the growing global movement to bring about positive change and equality for all individuals. The injustices he confronts in his poems are the arrows and thorns that pierce his heart every day and the gushing blood that runs through his pen to paper." -- Rob Harle, poet and critic, Nimbin, Australia "K. V. Dominic is a poet of the suffering masses and oppressed sections of the society. He tries to dissect corruption at all levels, political or religious, social or academic and presents it in its true colours with all the ugliness and monstrous greed." --Prof. T. V. Reddy, reputed English poet, writer and critic, Emeritus Professor of English from Andhra Pradesh, India Learn more at www.profKVDominic.com From the World Voices Series atÿ Modern History Press LITERARY COLLECTIONS / Asian / Indic

Writers Editors Critics (WEC) An International Biannual Refereed Journal of English Language and Literature Volume 6 Number 2 (September 2016) ISSN: 2231 ? 198X Special Issue: a tribute to Indian poet Mahasweta Devi (14 January 1926 ? 28 July 2016) A Poetic Tribute to Mahasweta Devi ÿ ÿ- K. V. Dominic Mahasweta Devi: Death cannot Claim a Valiant Soul ÿ- Ketaki Datta Mahasweta Devi: Fourth World Literature for Indigenous ÿPeople?An Obituary - Ratan Bhattacharjee Charting the ?Subaltern? Terrain?The Outsider-Insider: Mahashweta Devi?s ?Pterodactyl? in Perspective - Poonam Sahay Aarti to Maha Shakthi - P. Gopichand & P. Nagasuseela Mahasweta Devi: Voice of the Deprived Millions - Manas Bakshi The Mourners of Mahasweta Devi: A Critical Analysis of Rudali - J. Pamela The Subaltern Woman and Woman as Subaltern: A Study of 34 Selected Works of Mahasweta Devi - Anisha Ghosh (Paul) A Critical Analysis of Mahasweta Devi?s ?Bharsaa? - Ramesh Chandra Mukhopadhyaya The Plight of Tribal People in Mahasweta Devi?s ?Shishu? (Children) Writers Editors Critics (WEC) is a research journal in English literature published from Thodupuzha, Kerala, India. It is the main product of Guild of Indian English Writers, Editors and Critics (GIEWEC), a non-profit registered society of Indian English writers, English language professors as well as PhD research scholars. The publisher is hence GIEWEC itself and editor is its secretary Prof. Dr. K. V. Dominic, a renowned English language poet, critic, short story writer and editor who has to his credit 27 books. ÿIt is truly a refereed journal which has got a screening committee consisting of eminent professors. The articles are sent first to the referees by the editor and only if they accept, the papers will be published. The journal is international in the sense each issue will have contributors from outside India.ÿ The singularity or specialty of this journal is that it has no thrust area. It is hence so accommodative that it publishes papers on all types of literatures including translations from regional languages, literary theories, communicative English, ELT, linguistics etc. In addition, each issue will be rich with poems, short stories, review articles, book reviews, interviews, general essays etc. under separate sections. WEC has print version as well as kindle version. ÿ

Philosopher Todd May s latest book helps readers to find meaning in their lives, especially those readers who, like Camus, do not look to God. As Camus says of daily life, But then one day the why arises and everything begins in that weariness tinged with amazement. To move beyond that weariness tinged with amazement, we must look, May argues, toward a realm of values that inheres in our practices but that we rarely reflect on systematically: narrative values. Narrative values offer thematic meaning and a sense of worth to the trajectory of our lives. The book proceeds in five stages. In the first chapter, May raises the question of meaningfulness, and then rejects the answers he thinks are too easyGod and the universe. The second chapter considers and rejects the possibility that happiness is good enough. For a life to be meaningful in the sense many of us seek, it cannot only feel good to us: it must also meet certain, more objective criteria of meaningfulness. In the third chapter, the heart of the book, May proposes narrative values as offering those criteria or standards of meaning, values such as steadfastness, adventurousness, or gracefulness. In chapter four, May contrasts narrative values with both moral values and aesthetic ones, and in chapter five May defends the idea that we can have standards or criteria of meaning that are objectivenot simply a matter of personal opinioneven in the absence of God or some foundation upon which to rest our beliefs. May reflects on what it is to have a meaningful life, and how much or how little comfort we can take from the meaning our lives might express. Narrative values do not offer us an assurance that our lives have a cosmic significance, and they do not redeem all humankind. Instead, they give us a framework for reflecting on ourselves that allow us to make sense of and give value to the particular bent of the arc of our lives."