The Sword and the Flute

by Kinsley, David R.

• ISBN13: 9780520224766
• ISBN10: 0520224760
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-04-01
• Publisher: Univ of California Pr

Summary

Vivid sketches and interpretations of two Hindu deities: the amorous, irresistibly beautiful Krishna and the black, fearsome goddess Kali. The book traces the history and describes the mythology of both deities.

Author Biography

David R. Kinsley is Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.

Table of Contents

Preface to the Second Edition	vii
Preface to the Original Edition	ix
Introduction	1	(8)
PART I. THE FLUTE: KRSNA'S CARNIVAL OF JOY
Chapter I	9	(47)
Krsna and the ``Krsnas''	9	(3)
The Divine Child: The Spontaneous and Tumultuous Nature of God	12	(7)
Krsna's Sport with Demons: Combat as Play	19	(4)
The Embodiment of Beauty and Grace	23	(9)
The Call of Krsna's Flute	32	(9)
The Divine Lover	41	(15)
Chapter II	56	(25)
Introduction	56	(1)
Bhakti: From Lord to Lover	57	(9)
Ananda: The Inherent Bliss of the Divine	66	(7)
Lila: The Divine Player	73	(8)
PART II. THE SWORD: KALI, MISTRESS OF DEATH
Chapter III	81	(46)
Introduction	81	(5)
The Prehistory of Kali	86	(2)
Kali in the Mahabharata	88	(2)
Kali in the Devi-mahatmya	90	(3)
The Early History of Kali in Puranic and Dramatic Literature	93	(3)
Kali's Regional Distribution	96	(5)
Kali's Association with Siva	101	(8)
Kali and the Tantric Hero	109	(5)
Kali and Bengali Devotionalism	114	(11)
Summary	125	(2)
Chapter IV	127	(24)
Introduction	127	(6)
Kali as Mahamaya	133	(4)
Kali as Prakrti and Duhkha	137	(2)
Kali as Time	139	(2)
Confrontation and Acceptance of Death: Kali's Boon	141	(5)
Kali's ``Taming''	146	(5)
The Sword and the Flute: Conclusion	151	(10)
Works Cited	161