Mrtyu Concept of Death in Indian Traditions

281From the JacketYama in Hindu mythology is the eschatologist and god of death. And is thus, dreaded. Even in todays India there is a fearful hesitancy if not conscious avoidance of any talk about him. Yet paradoxically the phenomenon of death does not evoke a similar fear in the Indian psyche accepted as it is natural event a part of life just like poverty sickness and old age.Here is an insightful at once compelling exposition of the phenomenon of death based on plurimillennial tradition of the Hindus which despite the affirmation of western attitudes in certain elitist sections of the urban society has endured since the times of the Vedas and Indic Civilization Exploring contextually the age old Indian view of mortal existence from the very moment of an individuals conception to his/her journey to the kingdom of Yama through the major phases of birth growth and ageing Professor Filippi unveils a complex network of sentiments beliefs scriptural references customs, hopes ritualistic practices and much else relevant to the great adventure of death.Notwithstanding the sentimental undertones of the mrtyu theme, Dr. Filippi work outstands for its rare scientific objectivity. It has grown form years of his rigorous research effort involving not only his extensive studies of Indian literature classical as well as modern but also his interviews with Indian samnyasins Brahmans relatives of the dead and the persons living around the cremation grounds. Together with visual material bibliographic references and a glossary of nonEnglish terms the book holds out as much appeal to the general reader as to the specialist.About the AuthorGian Giuseppe Filippi (born 21 June 1947) holds Venice Universitys doctorate and international recognition as a specialist in Indological studies. For over three decades he has lectured on Indian art,