Exploring and Applying a Socially Progressive Hermeneutical Lens in Hindu Thought

Akshay Gupta

doi:10.3390/rel12080595

Abstract

Hermeneutics is the theory and methodology of interpreting texts. In this paper, I describe and explore the implications of a hermeneutical lens that was utilized by the Caitanya Vaiṣṇava theologian A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda (1896–1977 CE). My aims in doing so are to (1) contribute toward inter-religious reform within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), which Prabhupāda founded in 1966, and to (2) further develop Hindu conceptual resources that can inspire societal change. I also apply Prabhupāda’s hermeneutical lens to one narrative within the Bhāgavatapurāṇa (c. 9th to 10th century CE) and show how reading this narrative through this lens can de-emphasize certain patriarchal attitudes that are found within Hindu universes. Moreover, I demonstrate this lens’ applicability within ISKCON. I conclude by showing how this lens can also be applied in some other Hindu contexts.

Highlights

In this paper, I describe and explore the significance of a particular hermeneutical lens that was utilized by A.C
I apply Prabhupāda’s hermeneutical lens to one narrative within the Bhāgavatapurān.a (c. 9th to 10th century CE) and show how reading this narrative through this lens can de-emphasize certain patriarchal attitudes that are found within Hindu universes
The first aim of this paper is to offer one corrective to the various problems that have affected International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), and to put forth alternative readings of Prabhupāda’s teachings that can be utilized by practitioners within ISKCON that do wish to adhere to a socially egalitarian vision of the world

Summary

Introduction

I describe and explore the significance of a particular hermeneutical lens that was utilized by A.C. This paper focuses primarily on one specific religious tradition (Caitanya Vais.n.avism), I argue that this paper serves as a model for other Hindu traditions and can inspire them to develop and apply similar hermeneutical lenses At this point, it is worth drawing attention to a logical fallacy known as the “genetic fallacy”. Prabhupāda’s employment of his hermeneutical lens may have been inspired by other Hindu thinkers, perhaps within his own tradition, it is unclear precisely where this inspiration originates For these reasons, when I speak of Prabhupāda’s hermeneutical lens, I use this term somewhat loosely to indicate a specific hermeneutical lens that Prabhupāda described and himself employed at various junctures, even though Prabhupāda did not invent this lens per se. I will proceed to describe this lens

Understanding Prabhupāda’s Hermeneutical Lens

Understanding the Reformative Efficacy of Prabhupāda’s Hermeneutical Lens

Exploring the Relevance of Prabhupāda’s Hermeneutical Lens Outside ISKCON

Findings

Conclusions