Brahmins and Kings, political philosophy in the Sanskrit Narratives (a guest post by John Nemec)

John Nemec has just published a new book (see here). He kindly agreed to present it to our audience in the post below. How much philosophy is there in story?  How do stories relate ideas?  How do they animate them Continue reading Brahmins and Kings, political philosophy in the Sanskrit Narratives (a guest post by John Nemec)

Second Kumārila conference (2025)

The first Kumārila conference took place at the University of Toronto in 2024. You can read more about why we need to read and write more about this key Sanskrit philosopher here: https://elisafreschi.com/2025/02/28/kumarila-conference-2025/ The second Kumārila conference will take place Continue reading Second Kumārila conference (2025)

Mantras and the inadequacy of language (guest post by Dominik Haas)

Thank you, Elisa, Amod, and Ethan, for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts on your fantastic blog! I’m a researcher in the field of South Asian Studies working with Vedic and Sanskrit texts. Since writing my dissertation on Continue reading Mantras and the inadequacy of language (guest post by Dominik Haas)

We need a history of modern yoga but not A History of Modern Yoga

Even more ubiquitous in the West than mindfulness meditation, and for a longer period of time, is yoga: specifically meaning the practice of postural stretching exercises, with names like “sun salutation” and “downward dog”. They can be supplemented by breathing Continue reading We need a history of modern yoga but not A History of Modern Yoga