First Time Ever
BY: YADUNANDANA PADA DASA
Dec 09, USA (SUN) — New Scholastic & Library Textbook Officially Maps Krishna Consciousness
Greenwood Press, a highly respected Academic Publisher, requested Steven Rosen (Satyaraja Dasa) to write a High School level reference textbook on the essence of Hinduism, to be distributed to Libraries, High Schools and Colleges throughout the U.S. and parts of Europe.
Greenwood Press had originally approached Frank Clooney, a well-known Christian Scholar who specializes in South Indian Vaishnavism. Clooney respectfully declined however, saying the right man for the job was Steven Rosen (Satyaraja). This undoubtedly is the fruit of Satyaraja Prabhu’s many years editing the Journal of Vaishnava Studies, among many other wonderful literary works. Apparently, scholars have gained faith in Satyaraja’s ability as a scholar himself, for being able to present Indian Spirituality in an objective and scholarly manner. This, no doubt, is a result of his sincerity and perseverance to present the Krsna Conception of Divinity through scriptural evidence and pragmatic approach.
Having been assured by Clooney of Satyaraja Prabhu’s qualifications, Greenwood Press called and gave him the assignment. Satyaraja Prabhu explained that he was a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, and that while he was more than capable of presenting a text on Hinduism, it would focus more on Vaishnavism as the central core of the Hindu tradition. Greenwood Press agreed and the book is now in print and distribution as part of the prestigious "Student's Guide to World Religions" 6 volume series in Schools and Libraries.
In this volume, Satyaraja explains how the words "Hindu" and "Hinduism" are inappropriate, “Vaishnavism” being the central core of true Hinduism—Sanatana Dharma. Srila Prabhupada's life story is told—TWICE! ISKCON's history is elaborated upon in great detail; the Maha Mantra appears two or three times, fully explained. There are pictures of Radha-Krishna, Vishnu, and so on. This is truly an exciting leap forward that will no doubt reveal its fruit in the near future—I am totally blown away! The only drawback is that the book can only be ordered as part of the 6 volume series.
Referencing this work is essential for all kinds of preaching work, especially in the education sector, as it clearly legitimizes acceptance and endorsement from the global academic community. This volume details the overarching Hindu Tradition and contextualizes Krishna Consciousness in a way that outsiders may deem reasonable, while remaining true to our Vaishnava Siddhanta. This is the first time that an established Academic Press has come to a disciple of Srila Prabhupada—because he was a disciple of Srila Prabhupada—and asked for an academic textbook account on Hinduism. No doubt, Srila Prabhupada has had a hand in this through His servant. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Notes from the Publisher:
Introduction to the World's Major Religions [Six Volumes]
“Description: World religions and religious diversity are increasingly being taught in schools. This trend reflects the changing religious landscape of the United States with significant new immigrant groups who worship outside the dominant Judeo-Christian traditions. The purpose of these 6 narrative volumes, each covering a major world religion, is to provide high school students on up and general readers with a clear, objective, detailed overview on the religion's history of foundation, text and major tenets, branches, practice worldwide, rituals and holidays, and major figures. The set fills a niche between the available sophisticated adult offerings and those for a middle school audience and offers up-to-date information and perspectives. Little knowledge of the religion and only an intellectual interest in the subject are assumed. The six titles in the set are:”
1. Judaism, Emily Taitz, vol.1
2. Confucianism and Taoism, Randall L. Nadeau, vol. 2
3. Buddhism, John M. Thompson, vol.3
4. Christianity, Lee W. Bailey, vol. 4
5. Islam, Zayn R. Kassam, vol. 5
6. Hinduism, Steven J. Rosen (SATYARAJA DASA), vol. 6
Each volume contains the following elements:
- Introduction
- Chronology
- Timeline
- Narrative chapters on history of foundation, texts and major tenets,
- Branches, practice worldwide (including demographics), rituals and
- Holidays, and major figures
- Glossary
- Bibliography
- Index
- Illustrations
- Set index
Book Code: GR3634
ISBN: 0-313-33634-2
1640 pages, maps; photos; tables
Greenwood Press
Publication Date: 11/30/2005
List Price: $325.00 (UK Sterling Price: £185.00)
Availability: In Stock
Media Type: Hardcover
Also Available: Ebook
Subjects:
Religious Studies » Comparative Religion
Customer Service: For questions pertaining to title availability, pricing, ordering, account information, and shipping within North America, please contact our Customer Service Department by emailing customer-service@greenwood.com.
Mail to: Customer Service Department
Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc.
P.O. Box 6926
Portsmouth, NH 03802-6926
Phone: 800-225-5800, M-F, 9-5 Eastern Time
Fax: (603) 431-2214
http://www.greenwood.com
Please note, because this new volume set is brand new it is not yet visible on the http://www.greenwood.com/ website but can be accessed through customer service and Amazon.com both in print and digital format.
Hare Krsna
Yadunandana Pada Dasa
