Gurus in America / edited by Thomas A. Forsthoefel and Cynthia Ann Humes.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Forsthoefel, Thomas A.

Humes, Cynthia Ann, 1958-

Series:

SUNY series in Hindu studies

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Gurus--United States.

Gurus.

Spiritual life--Hinduism.

Spiritual life.

United States.

Physical Description:

viii, 236 pages ; 23 cm.

Place of Publication:

Albany, NY : State University of New York Press, [2005]

Summary:

Gurus in America provides an excellent introduction to the guru phenomenon in the United States, with in-depth analyses of nine important Hindu gurus-Adi Da, Ammachi, Mayi Chidvilasananda, Gurani Anjali, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Osho, Ramana Maharshi, Sai Baba, and Swami Bhaktivedanta. All of these gurus have attracted significant followings in the U.S. and nearly all have lived here for considerable periods of time. The book's contributors discuss the characteristics of each guru's teachings, the history of each movement, and the particular construction of Hinduism each guru offers. Contributors also address the religious and cultural interaction, translation, and transplantation that occurs when gurus offer their teachings in America. This is a fascinating guide that will elucidate an important element in America's diverse and ever-changing spiritual landscape.

Contents:

Introduction: Making Waves / Thomas A. Forsthoefel, Cynthia Ann Humes 1

1 Raja Yoga and the Guru: Gurani Anjali of Yoga Anand Ashram, Amityville, New York / Christopher Key Chapple 15

2 Weaving the Inward Thread to Awakening: The Perennial Appeal of Ramana Maharshi / Thomas A. Forsthoefel 37

3 Maharishi Mahesh Yogi: Beyond the TM Technique / Cynthia Ann Humes 55

4 Krishna and Culture: What Happens When the Lord of Vrindavana Moves to New York City / Tamal Krishna Goswami, Ravi M. Gupta 81

5 Baba's World: A Global Guru and His Movement / Norris W. Palmer 97

6 Passage to America: Ammachi on American Soil / Selva J. Raj 123

7 The Perfectibility of Perfection: Siddha Yoga as a Global Movement / Lola Williamson 147

8 Osho, from Sex Guru to Guru of the Rich: The Spiritual Logic of Late Capitalism / Hugh B. Urban 169

9 Riding the Dawn Horse: Adi Da and the Eros of Nonduality / Jeffrey J. Kripal 193

Epilogue: Elevated Gurus, Concrete Traditions, and the Problems of Western Devotees / Daniel Gold 219.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

079146573X

0791465748

OCLC:

57208990