Religion and Social System of the Vira' saiva Community

by Dan A. Chekki

Overview

Using original religious-philosophical texts and sociological research, the author explores the various dimensions of the Virasaiva religious tradition. His sociological analyses of the monastic organization and social structure, the family and the community, the roles of women, and the future of the community emphasize the intricate relationship between religion and the social system. This study of a largely unknown religious community demonstrates how the followers of Virasaivism, known as Lingayats, have been adapting to the changing milieu in North America while retaining the religion's core values. Dr. Chekki shows the interplay between tradition and modernity as the Virasaivas attempt to maintain a distinct identity while adopting the ways of modern culture.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313302510
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	11/25/1997
Series:	Contributions to the Study of Anthropology , #8
Pages:	168
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	1260L (what's this?)

About the Author

DAN A. CHEKKI is Professor of Sociology at the University of Winnipeg. His books include New Communities in a Changing World (1996), American Sociological Hegemony (1987), and Modernization and Kin Network (1974).

Table of Contents

Preface
The Patterns of Religious Culture
Vira'saivism: A Prologue
'Siva: The Vira'saiva Concept
The Guru in the Vira'saiva Religious Tradition
Ethical Bases of Vira'saivism
Psychological Dimensions
Theology of Vira'saivism
Vira'saiva Philosophy
The Social System and Cultural Dynamics
The Social Vision of Basava
The Monastic Organization
Ideology and Practice: Social Equality and Inequality
The Socio-Ethical Code of Conduct
Family and Community, 1880-1950
Contemporary Family and Community, 1951-1996
The Status and Roles of Women
The Future of the Vira'saiva Community
The Community in Retrospect and Prospect
Knowledge and Society
Intellectuals and Culture
Glossary
References
Index

Editorial Reviews

Chekki (sociology, U. of Winnipeg) offers a multitude of perspectives on the relationship between spiritual and material values among the ten million Lingayats, followers of Vira<'s>aivism, in India, some reworked essays by his father V. C. Yagati (1900-76). Under patterns of religious culture he discusses such topics as their concept of <'S>iva, the ethical bases, and theology. The social system and cultural dynamics he approaches from such dimensions as the monastic organization, codes of conduct, family and community before and after 1950, and the status and roles of women. He also looks at knowledge and intellectuals. He includes a glossary among the back matter and a guide to pronunciation among the front. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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