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Ramanathan Srinivasan

8 papers in the library · 5 citations · publishing 2025-2026

Papers

Tiruvācakam as Lived Theology: Emotion, Experience, and Śaiva Mysticism

Poornaprajna International Journal of Philosophy & Languages (PIJPL) February 3, 2026 Ramanathan Srinivasan, P. S. Aithal 2 citations

Tiruvācakam, a 9th-century Tamil Śaiva text by Māṇikkavācakar, presents theology as lived experience through emotion, surrender, and mystical intimacy with Śiva, dissolving boundaries between devotee and deity. This exploratory qualitative study argues that the text functions as an experiential theology prioritizing inner transformation over metaphysical speculation, using motifs of tears, longing, divine grace, and ego-annihilation rooted in personal encounter rather than institutional dogma. By situating it within Tamil bhakti traditions and global mystical literature, the paper highlights its enduring relevance as a spiritual manual integrating ethics, aesthetics, and transcendence, articulating human-divine communion through lived emotional experience.

Comparative Mysticism: Tamil Bhakti Saints and Global Mystical Traditions

Poornaprajna International Journal of Philosophy & Languages (PIJPL) March 10, 2026 Ramanathan Srinivasan, P. S. Aithal 1 citation

Tamil Bhakti literature, a major mystical tradition centered on devotion and inner realization, shares common themes—love, surrender, self-annihilation, and experiential knowledge of the Divine—with Sufi, Christian Mystical, and Zen Buddhist traditions. This paper uses an exploratory qualitative method, collecting data via keyword searches in Google, Google Scholar, and AI-driven GPTs, to compare Tamil Bhakti saints (Nāyaṉmār and Āḻvārs) with these global traditions. The analysis shows that Tamil Bhakti mysticism transcends South Indian religious theology, establishing a soteriological grammar of interiority. The paper places these saints within a contemporary global mystic community, highlighting their relevance to modern spirituality and peace.

Comparative Analysis of Upanishadic and Modern Quantum Physics Concepts: Exploring Parallels Between Advaita Vedanta and Quantum Physics

Poornaprajna International Journal of Basic & Applied Sciences March 31, 2025 P. S. Aithal, Ramanathan Srinivasan 1 citation

A comparative analysis explores parallels between Advaita Vedanta philosophy from the Upanishads and modern quantum physics, focusing on non-duality, the observer effect, quantum entanglement, and consciousness. Both systems challenge classical ideas of reality and duality. The Upanishadic concept of Brahman as an indivisible ultimate reality aligns with quantum physics' non-locality and particle interconnectedness. The observer-dependent nature of quantum measurement resonates with the Upanishadic claim that reality is shaped by consciousness. The paper uses an exploratory qualitative method with keyword searches in Google, Google Scholar, and AI-driven GPTs. It concludes that the convergence invites humility and openness toward the unknown depths of reality.

Memory, Rebirth, and the Upanishads: A Psychological and Philosophical Study

Poornaprajna International Journal of Philosophy & Languages (PIJPL) February 26, 2025 Ramanathan Srinivasan, P. S. Aithal 1 citation

Rebirth (Punarjanma) and the continuity of consciousness across lifetimes are central themes in the Upanishads, where karma and the evolution of the soul link the cycle of birth and death. This exploratory qualitative paper examines key texts such as the Brihadaranyaka and Chandogya Upanishads, discussing the transmigration of the self (Ātman) and the role of memory and consciousness across lifetimes. It also explores intersections with modern psychological theories of memory, consciousness, and past-life regression therapy. The paper argues for integrating ancient wisdom with modern scientific inquiry to deepen understanding of consciousness, memory, and rebirth, investigating whether past-life memories are psychological phenomena, metaphysical truths, or both.

Ashtavakra Gita and the Philosophy of Consciousness: A Contemporary Psychological Reading

Poornaprajna International Journal of Philosophy & Languages May 31, 2026 Ramanathan Srinivasan, P. S. Aithal

The Ashtavakra Gita, an ancient Sanskrit dialogue between Sage Ashtavakra and King Janaka, presents a radical non-dual philosophy that insists the Self is already free, whole, and untouched by worldly experience, rejecting gradual spiritual paths. This exploratory qualitative paper examines its core doctrines—witness consciousness, non-doing, the illusory nature of bondage, and non-origination—within the Advaita Vedanta tradition. It argues that the text's rejection of the seeker-seeking paradigm and its claim that psychological suffering stems from mistaken identification with the mind-body complex anticipate and challenge modern cognitive psychology, contemplative neuroscience, and phenomenological philosophy. The paper proposes an integrative model positioning the text as a living epistemological framework for consciousness studies and East-West dialogue.

Comparing Upanishadic Moksha with Buddhist Nirvana: A Philosophical Inquiry

Poornaprajna International Journal of Philosophy & Languages (PIJPL) April 21, 2025 Shubhrajyotsna Aithal, Ramanathan Srinivasan

Moksha (liberation) in Upanishadic thought and Nirvana in Buddhism are the ultimate spiritual goals of Hinduism and Buddhism, respectively. Both traditions emphasize ending suffering and transcending worldly existence, but they differ in metaphysical foundations, epistemology, and soteriology. This paper compares their views on self (Ātman versus Anātman), the nature of reality, and the roles of knowledge and meditation. Despite differing frameworks, practical approaches such as meditation, ethical living, and ego transcendence show common ground. The analysis covers Advaita Vedanta's non-dualistic interpretation of Moksha and Theravāda and Mahāyāna perspectives on Nirvana, highlighting both convergence and divergence.

The Concept of Self in Advaita Vedanta and Western Idealism: A Comparative Analysis of the Advaitic Idea of Atman-Brahman Identity with Immanuel Kant’s Transcendental Idealism or Hegel’s Absolute Idealism

Poornaprajna International Journal of Philosophy & Languages March 17, 2025 Ramanathan Srinivasan, P. S. Aithal

A philosophical comparison of selfhood in Advaita Vedanta and Western Idealism shows that while both traditions explore the nature of ultimate reality and self-awareness, they diverge in method and conclusion. Advaita Vedanta, particularly Shankara's non-dualism, identifies the individual self (Atman) with ultimate reality (Brahman) as pure consciousness. Immanuel Kant distinguishes the phenomenal self, subject to experience, from the unknowable noumenal self, while Hegel's Absolute Idealism presents reality as an evolving self-conscious unity. The analysis uses exploratory qualitative research, gathering information from keyword searches in Google, Google Scholar, and AI-driven GPTs. The comparison highlights convergences and divergences in their understanding of self, perception, and ultimate reality.

Advaita Vedanta and Kashmir Shaivism: A Study of Non-Dualistic Interpretations

Poornaprajna International Journal of Management Education & Social Science February 28, 2025 P. S. Aithal, Ramanathan Srinivasan

Advaita Vedanta and Kashmir Shaivism are two non-dualistic Indian philosophies that both reject a fundamental separation in reality but differ in their metaphysical frameworks. Advaita Vedanta holds that the singular, formless Brahman is the only reality, and the perception of a separate self is an illusion born of ignorance. Kashmir Shaivism, by contrast, describes a dynamic, creative divinity that manifests through a spectrum of energies and conscious play. This paper compares classical texts and modern interpretations to explore the dialogue between static monism and dynamic realism, and it discusses the implications of these doctrines for contemporary spiritual practice and philosophical inquiry.