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Contemplative practice and textual agency in advaita vedānta

Method & Theory in the Study of Religion October 22, 2009 DOI: 10.1163/157006809x416788 (opens in new tab)

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AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Ethnography Peer reviewed
Population Contemporary Advaita Vedānta monks from the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam
Topics Meditation
Key findings Argues that contemplative practice (nididhyāsana) among contemporary Advaita Vedānta monks is not a separate technique but is integrated with scriptural study and reflection, and that liberating experience is understood within this integrated framework.

Abstract

Abstract Advaita Vedāntins consider contemplative practice (nididhyāsana) as one of the primary practices for gaining self-knowledge and liberation. However, the nature of contemplative practice is both ambiguous and contested. How do Advaita Vedānta practitioners actually engage this contemplative process? What are the relationships between contemplative practice, scriptural study, and liberating experience? This paper explores the nature of contemplative practice based on fieldwork with contemporary Advaita Vedānta monks from the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam.

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A qualitative study of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for depression Participants in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in a mental-health context 2001 Qualitative study n = 7
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