Storytellers, Saints, and Scoundrels: Folk Narrative in Hindu Religious TeachingSwamiji, a Hindu holy man, is the central character of Storytellers, Saints, and Scoundrels. He reclines in a deck chair in his modern apartment in western India, telling subtle and entertaining fold narratives to his assorted gatherings. Among the listeners is Kirin Narayan, who knew Swamiji when she was a child in India and who has returned from America as an anthropologist. In her book Narayan builds on Swamiji's tales and his audiences' interpretations to ask why religious teachings the world over are so often couched in stories. |
Contents
Theres Always a Reason | 15 |
Lives and Stories | 37 |
Sadhus | 63 |
The Listeners | 88 |
Loincloths and Celibacy | 113 |
False Gurus and Gullible Disciples | 132 |
Death and Laughter | 160 |
Heaven and Hell | 189 |
Other editions - View all
Storytellers, Saints, and Scoundrels: Folk Narrative in Hindu Religious Teaching Kirin Narayan No preview available - 1989 |