Cover

Copyright

Title

Contents

Tables

Illustrations

Preface

A Note on Transliteration

Introduction/Backgrounds in Tradition and History

Hindu Asceticism and Monasticism

The Setting: Bhubaneswar, Orissa

A Tentative History of Monasticism at Bhubaneswar

Part One/The Ascetics

1 Religious Leaders: The Ascetic as Guru and Preacher

The Guru

The Preacher

Summary

2 Common Lifestyles: Non-Intellectual Devotion and Solitary Withdrawal

The Bhaktas, Father and Son

The Troubadour

The Solitary Ascetic

Summary

3 Three Atypical Life Histories

The Fun-Lover and the Mendicant

The Babaji ("Doctor Refugee")

4 The Development of the Monastic Career

Psycho-Social Factors Motivating Entrance, According to Age

Initiation

Ranks of Ascetics

Religious Experiences

5 The Laity's Perception of Ascetics and Contemporary Hinduism

The Laymen's Opinions

Patrons and Clients

The Du Bois Value Guide

Part Two/The Monasteries

6 The Range of Religious Structures

Fission and Intercommunication

Chosen Deities

Monastic Orders and Non-Sectarianism

7 The Varieties of Social Structure

Financial Structure

Organizational Structure

Succession to Headship

8 The Range of Religious Rituals

Public External Festivals

Internal Monastic Celebrations Held Annually

A Special-Purpose Ritual

Private Internal Observances: Daily Worship

9 Social Functions: Their Range and Trends

Monasteries as Feudal Landlords

The Monastery as Guest-House

Dispensaries

Educational Institutions

Religious Parks and Roadside Shrines

Centres of Sacredness

Conclusion/An Evaluation

Glossary

Bibliography

Index