The idea of Maya pervades Indian philosophy. It is enigmatic, multivalent, and foundational, with its oldest referents found in the Rig Veda. This book explores Maya's rich conceptual history, and then focuses on the highly developed theology of Maya found in the Sanskrit Bhagavata Purana, one of the most important Hindu sacred texts. Gopal K. Gupta examines Maya's role in the Bhagavata's narratives, paying special attention to its relationship with other key concepts in the text, such as human suffering (duhkha), devotion (bhakti), and divine play (lila). In the Bhagavata, Maya is often identified as the divine feminine, and has a far-reaching influence. For example, Maya is both the world and the means by which God creates the world, as well as the facilitator of God's play, paradoxically revealing him to his devotees by concealing his majesty. While Vedanta philosophy typically sees Maya as a negative force, the Bhagavata affirms that Maya also has a positive role, as Maya is ultimately meant to draw living beings toward Krishna and intensify their devotion to him.

About the Author
Gopal K. Gupta is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Evansville (UE), Indiana. He is the editor-in-chief for the Journal of Hindu-Christian Studies (JHCS).

Reviews
Gupta's study is a fine starting place to learn about the development of the term into a central category of theology and discursive potential in South Asian thought. * Jeremy Hanes, Reading Religion *
Gupta's multifaceted and in-depth book is a well-written and insightful work that deserves serious attention. * Akshay Gupta, International Journal of Hindu Studies *



Book Information
ISBN 9780198856993
Author Gopal K. Gupta
Format Hardback
Page Count 288
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 594g
Dimensions(mm) 243mm * 169mm * 21mm