Religion and Social System of the Vira' saiva Community

(Hardback)

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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.

Reviews

"This book is an excellent study of various aspects of the unique culture of the Lingayats or followers of Virasaiva religious tradition facing rapid modernization in North America as well as in India."-Dr. George Kurian Professor of Sociology University of Calgary
.,."deserves attention....an interesting book that should provide a useful primer to those who are interested in the culture and religion of Virasaivas."-Journal of Third World Studies
...deserves attention....an interesting book that should provide a useful primer to those who are interested in the culture and religion of Virasaivas.-Journal of Third World Studies
Overall, the volume is well written, scholarly, and accessible to the general educated reader. Highly recommended for scholarly libraries, as well as advanced students of religion, South Asia, and anthropology.-Choice
This book shows the interplay between traditional and modernity as the Vraaiva attempt to maintain distinct identify while adopting the ways of the more modern culture.-Sage Urban Studies Abstracts
..."deserves attention....an interesting book that should provide a useful primer to those who are interested in the culture and religion of Virasaivas."-Journal of Third World Studies
"This book shows the interplay between traditional and modernity as the Vraaiva attempt to maintain distinct identify while adopting the ways of the more modern culture."-Sage Urban Studies Abstracts
"Overall, the volume is well written, scholarly, and accessible to the general educated reader. Highly recommended for scholarly libraries, as well as advanced students of religion, South Asia, and anthropology."-Choice

Author Bio

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).