While The Gods Play

While The Gods Play

Author: Alain Daniélou

ISBN: 978-0892811151

Price: Rs. 949.00 • ✓ 100% Genuine Publisher Edition

Book Overview

According to the early writings of the Shaiva tradition--still alive in India and dating back at least 6,000 years--the arbitrary ideologies and moralistic religions of modern society signal the last days of humanity heading toward destruction. This prediction is only a fragment of the vast knowledge of Shaiva wisdom, author Alain Danielou as assimilated and reviewed essential concepts of the Shaiva philosophy and its predictions. Clearly expressed in the ancient teachings, these concepts are in accord with, yet surpass, the boldest scientific speculations about consciousness, time, the nature of life and matter, and the history and destiny of the human race. Inherent in this body of knowledge is an understanding of the cycles of creation and destruction which, in conjunction with astronomical phases, determine the life span of the species. Since 1939, humankind has been in the twilight of the Kali Yuga age, or at the end of a cycle. The impending cataclysm, Danielou explains, is brought on by our own errors, and its date will be determined by our present and future actions. While the Gods Play examines how the visionaries of ancient times defined our rose in creation. It explains why and how we have abandoned this role, and reflects on what action can be taken to consciously and creatively influence our own destiny. Included are chapters on The Religion of Nature and The Religion of the City, The Transmigrant Body, Sexual Rites, the Castes, Sacrifice, Magical Powers, Monastic Orders, and Forestalling the Final Day.

Browse this title within our Spiritual Books Collection collection. Edition details: Images in this review, English, 304 pages. Reference ISBN: 978-0892811151.

About the Author

One of the most distinguished living orientalists and a friend of Stravinsky, Jean Cocteau, and Nabokov, Daniélou spent more than 20 years in India studying music and philosophy. He wrote the acclaimed Gods of India and Shiva and Dionysus and produced a series of ethnic music recordings for UNESCO. Formerly director of the International Institute for Comparative Music Studies in Berlin and Venice, he is a Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur, Chevalier des Arts et des lettres, and Officier du Mérite National.

Book Specifications & Quick Facts

Reading Level
General / Adult
Language & Format
English • Images in this review
ISBN Reference
978-0892811151
Publisher
Simon & Schuster
Pan-India Delivery
Dispatches in 24–48 Hours across India

What is this book about?

According to the early writings of the Shaiva tradition--still alive in India and dating back at least 6,000 years--the arbitrary ideologies and moralistic religions of modern society signal the last days of humanity heading toward destruction. This prediction is only a fragment of the vast...

Who should read this book?

Recommended for readers who enjoy Spiritual Books Collection and are looking for genuine, well-crafted literature by Alain Daniélou.

Why Readers Pick This Edition

  • You’ll love this book if you’re drawn to big questions about time, consciousness, and humanity’s destiny. Alain Daniélou opens a gateway into ancient Shaiva wisdom, presenting ideas that feel uncannily relevant to the modern world. As you read, you’ll sense the depth of a living tradition that challenges moral dogma and linear history, offering a powerful, cyclical view of creation and destruction. It’s a thought‑provoking, immersive read that stays with you long after the last page.
  • Published by Simon & Schuster.
  • Language: English.
  • Page count: 304.

Catalog Description

According to the early writings of the Shaiva tradition--still alive in India and dating back at least 6,000 years--the arbitrary ideologies and moralistic religions of modern society signal the last days of humanity heading toward destruction. This prediction is only a fragment of the vast knowledge of Shaiva wisdom, author Alain Danielou as assimilated and reviewed essential concepts of the Shaiva philosophy and its predictions. Clearly expressed in the ancient teachings, these concepts are in accord with, yet surpass, the boldest scientific speculations about consciousness, time, the nature of life and matter, and the history and destiny of the human race. Inherent in this body of...

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