Universität Wien

142250 SE On the Early History of the Pañcaratra Tradition: The Narayaniya (Mahabharata 12.321-339) (2024S)

10.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 14 - Orientalistik, Afrikanistik, Indologie und Tibetologie
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle
We 08.05. 16:30-18:00 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 17 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

Wednesday 06.03. 16:30 - 18:00 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34
Wednesday 13.03. 16:30 - 18:00 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34
Wednesday 20.03. 16:30 - 18:00 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34
Wednesday 10.04. 16:30 - 18:00 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34
Wednesday 17.04. 16:30 - 18:00 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34
Wednesday 24.04. 16:30 - 18:00 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34
Wednesday 15.05. 16:30 - 18:00 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34
Wednesday 22.05. 16:30 - 18:00 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34
Wednesday 29.05. 16:30 - 18:00 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34
Wednesday 05.06. 16:30 - 18:00 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34
Wednesday 12.06. 16:30 - 18:00 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34
Wednesday 19.06. 16:30 - 18:00 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34
Wednesday 26.06. 16:30 - 18:00 Seminarraum 5 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-34

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

The Nārāyaṇīya is the earliest literary text of the Pāñcarātra, a Hindu tradition that worships Viṣṇu as the supreme god. It is found embedded as a section within the twelfth book of the Sanskrit epic Mahābhārata (Mbh 12.321-339). Its first part (Mbh 12.321-326) came into its present form probably in the third century CE, while the second part (Mbh 12.327-339) likely dates to the time of the Mahābhārata’s final redaction in the fourth-fifth centuries CE.
The Nārāyaṇīya contains both narrative and didactic components, providing insights into the early mythology of the Pāñcarātra, as well as the early characteristic theological teachings of the tradition.
Reading this passage can thus serve as an introduction to the early phase of one of the most important Vaiṣṇava traditions. Additionally, the course also aims to acquaint students with the genre of the Sanskrit epics.

Assessment and permitted materials

Prerequisites for obtaining a positive grade are attendance (three absences are tolerated if compensation tasks are completed), careful preparation and follow-up, active participation, the completion of homework on time and a written paper at the end of the semester.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Basic knowledge of Sanskrit is prerequisite for participation in the course as it consists mainly of Sanskrit readings. The course will be held in English, unless all participants prefer it to be held in German.
The grade is based 50% on the oral and 50% on the written contributions.

Examination topics

Reading list

A bibliography and the text passages to be read will be provided online in Moodle.

Association in the course directory

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Last modified: Fr 01.03.2024 08:26