The Self & Its Other in Hindu Thought

Ganeshwari (feminine energy of Ganesh; half-and-half unclothed) on cover. The short book is about the fascinating conceptions and illustrative career of the self and its erasures in Hindu philosophical thinking as foundational to religious beliefs and practices (spirituality) therein. From Vedic idea of Cosmic Purusha, through Upanishadic Atman, to Samkhya-yoga co-union of Purusha-Prakriti to Tantric notions are discussed, with poems and expositions. Chapters move on to explain how ideas such as karma, dharma (moral living) rebirth, destiny, liberation, Ends-of-life (goals) impact on evolving idea of the self and ego and their dissolution, as well as the attempted but failing reconciliation of the estranged You and I, as light is to darkness. Very accessible introduction for non-specialist in the field. Written for the non-scholar and lay seekers after secular wisdom among the ancients.