The Advaita of Art

by Hansha V. Dehejia and Kapila Vatsyayan (Foreword by)

This inquiry is an undertaking to demonstrate that aesthetic experience in the classical Indian tradition, on its own merit, without being subordinated to rituals and practices commonly held under the rubric of religion, is capable of providing a transcendent experience to a prepared aesthete. Dr. Dehejia examines the dynamics of two aesthetics processes, that stemming from aesthetic emotion or rasa and from aesthetic form or rupa, and cogently underpins them within the advaitic epistemology of Kasmir Saivism. The Advaita of Art, Dr. Dehejia argues, is a joyous celebration of affirmation and assertion and not negation. HARSHA V. DEHEJIA has a doctorate in Medicine and Ancient Indian Culture from Bombay University. He is also a member of the Royal College of Physicians of London and Glasgow as well as Canada. He is practising physicians and Adjunct Professor of Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The work is outstanding and an admirable contribution to the philosophy of art. S.P. DUBEY In this brilliantly constructed investigation, Dr. Dehejia has expounded perception of the dynamics of the artistic process. S.V. SOHONI There is no doubt that the book is engaging, stimulating and thought-provoking. S.S. JANAKI "we welcome this book, because it deals in depth with various theories of meaning, and make readers think about the author`s views. Kapila Vatsyayan has given a brilliant foreword to this book." THE ADYAR LIBRARY BULLETIN