This book presents a close reading of four Indian narratives from different time periods (epic, Upaniṣadic, pre-modern and contemporary): Ekalavya's story from the
Mahābhārata
(MBh 1.123.1-39), the story of Prajāpati, Indra and Virochana from the
Chāndogya Upanisad
(CU 8.7.1-8.12.5), the story of Śankara in the King's body from the
Śankaradigvijaya
, and A.R. Murugadoss's Hindi film
Ghajini
(2008), respectively. These stories are thematically juxtaposed with Pātañjala-yoga, namely Patañjali's
Yogasūtra
and its vast commentarial body. The sūtras reveal hidden philosophical layers. The stories, on the other hand, contribute to the clarification of "philosophical junctions" in the
. Through sūtras and stories, the author explores the question of self-identity, with emphasis on the role of memory and the place of body in identity-formation. Each of the stories diagnoses the connection between self-identity and (at least a sense of) freedom.
Employing cutting-edge methodology, crossing the boundaries of literary theory, story-telling, and philosophical reflection, this book presents fresh interpretations of Indian thought. It is useful to specialists in Asian philosophy and culture.