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Podcast: New Books in South Asian Studies
Episode: Steven E. Lindquist, "The Literary Life of YÄjñavalkya" (SUNY Press, 2024)
Description: In The Literary Life of YÄjñavalkya (SUNY Press, 2024), Steven E. Lindquist investigates the intersections between historical context and literary production in the "life" of YÄjñavalkya, the most important ancient Indian literary figure prior to the Buddha. Known for his sharp tongue and deep thought, YÄjñavalkya is associated with a number of "firsts" in Indian religious literary history: the first person to discuss brahman and Ätman thoroughly; the first to put forth a theory of karma and reincarnation; the first to renounce his household life; and the first to dispute with women in religious debate. ...