Aesthetic Vedanta: Review

Aesthetic Vedanta occupies a unique place in the literary heritage of Eastern spirituality; beautifully composed and poetically rendered, Swami Tripurari provides us with a soul-stirring and emotionally rich insight into one of the world's most profound religious metaphors- the Rasa Lila or the Dance of Divine Love. 

Sandwiched between two theologically rich chapters of philosophy is an evocative rendering of the Rasa Lila. The prose and poetry is lucid and fluid, pregnant with meaning and religious symbolism. Replete with extensive footnotes, the thoughtful translation makes accessible an entire tradition's insight into one of India's most enduring religious narratives. Moreover, the lucidity and simplicity of the translation empowers the text aesthetically and imbues it with a poetic power that can otherwise be lost in more literal translations.

The two chapters on philosophy provide readers with a sophisticated theological apparatus through which they can navigate expertly through the text and its myriad themes. More importantly, the 'theologizing' that goes on in these chapters prevents a sort of crude misinterpretation of the narrative since it brings to light the spiritual purity, selfless nature and sanctity of the passionate love being written about.
This is, of course, not a text for everybody but for those sincere souls who find themselves in love with the Bhakti traditions of India, this book is a masterpiece.