Abstract
AbstractThe guru field—to implement sociologist Pierre Bourdieu’s understanding of the concept of “field”—is a term signifying the symbolic sphere of influence, power, and sociality populated by “specialized agents”, that is, in this case: charismatic Hindu religious leaders and their movements. Compounded with the term “contemporary,” the title of this article suggests a distinctive religious field located in the near present, at once characterized by modernity, globalization, and technological developments, and also by the postcolonial and post‐Independence context of modern India. This article aims to assess the contours of that historical trajectory, beginning with Swami Vivekananda’s speeches at the World’s Parliament of Religions and continuing through the present day. The author also proposes possible futures for emerging scholarly directions in assessing this influential and expanding scholarly field.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
