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Rapt in the Name

Rapt in the Name

By Lamb, Ramdas

Published by State University of New York Press

English 251 pages 2012
Estimated reading time: 4 h 36 min
PDF

About this book

An introduction to the Ram bhakti tradition and a fascinating account of its practice among a group of Central Indian Untouchables. In Rapt in the Name, Ramdas Lamb provides an intriguing account of the Ram bhakti tradition in India. Less well-known in the West than the tradition of devotion to Krishna, the Ram tradition is an important component of Hinduism. Ram is the most-worshipped form of the divine in North India today and has long been particularly important to those of the lower castes throughout India. Lamb explores both the evolution of the tradition and the rise of lower caste religious movements devoted to Ram, specifically the Ramnami Samaj, an Untouchable religious movement in Central India. Lamb's study of the Ramnamis has spanned nearly three decades, first on a personal level as a Hindu monk and later as both a friend and a researcher. He discusses the historical origins, as well as present-day forms and structure of the Samaj, including a description of its distinctive ritual dress and practices. Among the more innovative aspects of the sect is its adaptation of the story of Lord Ram that is uniquely woven into its devotional repetition of his name (Ramnam). In addition, Lamb shares biographical sketches of six Ramnamis, each of which reveals the freedom of individual exploration and expression that is integral to the sect. This is a fascinating account of religious life and adaptation on the periphery of society.

Availability

Rapt in the Name is available as PDF at 9 online bookshops. Bookshops carrying it include Bajalibros Argentina, Bajalibros Latam, Bookshop Uruguay.

Language
English
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In what formats is Rapt in the Name available?
Rapt in the Name is available as PDF at 9 online bookshops.
Where can I buy Rapt in the Name?
You can buy Rapt in the Name at Bajalibros Argentina, Bajalibros Latam, Bookshop Uruguay. Compare every option in the list on this page.
How long does it take to read Rapt in the Name?
At an average reading pace, Rapt in the Name takes about 4 h 36 min to read (251 pages).

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