142040 VO The tradition of Pancaratra in the light of its original sources (2020W)

This class will present the teachings, rituals and historical development of the Vaiṣṇava tradition of Pāñcarātra on the basis of original historical sources. Text passages from various genres of Sanskrit literature and inscriptions will be presented in translation. These passages will be contextualized and discussed both historically and in terms of content. This should provide a general overview of the teachings, rituals and history of the tradition. Further, it should offer an insight into various literary genres as well as the terminology and language styles used in them. Methodological questions will also be discussed, as for example, how to deal with compiled texts.
Topics that will be examined include: early evidence of Vaiṣṇavism, Pāñcarātra in the Sanskrit epic Mahābhārata, cosmology and creation theories, religious (temple) rituals, yoga practice, and interactions with other religious traditions.
The lectures will be held online and in English, unless all participants prefer them to be held in German.
Knowledge of Sanskrit will help, but is not taken for granted. Students who do not know Sanskrit are welcome!