Logo

The book deals with the metaphysical concept of materiality, termed as maya in Indian systems, and as mayai in Saiva Siddhanta text called `Tirumandiram', authored by Tirumular. Reading of `mayai in Tirumandiram,' is perceived from an ecological perspective and the author of the book engages in a hermeneutical discourse of role of traditional concepts in contemporary thinking and living.

Affirmation of the reality of the material and physical world is a dire need of our times. A renewal and a re-visioning in line with a traditional notion of material reality are aimed at in this book, looking for an effective change in one's conception about nature. By highlighting particular ideology of `Tirumandiram' as a corrective notion towards enhancing human-nature relationship, the author throws open the profound ecological thoughts concerning inter-connectedness between humans and nature.

This scholarly work helps in understanding the theology of the body as emerging from Tirumular's understanding of physical body and the material world, in relation to the Christian concept of body and Christian medical ethics. Also, juxtaposing Saiva Siddhanta and Christian understanding of the materiality sets forth both conceptual and practical implications for contemporary approach to ecological crisis.