While the Gods Play: Shaiva Oracles and Predictions on the Cycles of History and the Destiny of Mankind

by Alain Daniélou

According to the early writings of the Shaiva tradition--still alive in India and dating back at least 6,000 years--the arbitrary ideologies and moralistic religions of modern society signal the last days of humanity heading toward destruction.

This prediction is only a fragment of the vast knowledge of Shaiva wisdom, author Alain Danielou as assimilated and reviewed essential concepts of the Shaiva philosophy and its predictions. Clearly expressed in the ancient teachings, these concepts are in accord with, yet surpass, the boldest scientific speculations about consciousness, time, the nature of life and matter, and the history and destiny of the human race.

Inherent in this body of knowledge is an understanding of the cycles of creation and destruction which, in conjunction with astronomical phases, determine the life span of the species. Since 1939, humankind has been in the twilight of the Kali Yuga age, or at the end of a cycle. The impending cataclysm, Danielou explains, is brought on by our own errors, and its date will be determined by our present and future actions.

While the Gods Play examines how the visionaries of ancient times defined our rose in creation. It explains why and how we have abandoned this role, and reflects on what action can be taken to consciously and creatively influence our own destiny. Included are chapters on The Religion of Nature and The Religion of the City, The Transmigrant Body, Sexual Rites, the Castes, Sacrifice, Magical Powers, Monastic Orders, and Forestalling the Final Day.

Genres: Hinduism, History, India, Mythology

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Alain Daniélou :
1935-1948, études du sanskrit, philosophie, théologie, musique dans les écoles traditionnelles hindoues à Bénarès ;
1948-1954, professeur à l'université hindoue de Bénarès ;
1954 1956, directeur de la bibliothèque de manuscrits et des éditions sanskrites d'Adyar à Madras;
1956-1963, membre de l'Institut français d'indologie et de l'Ecole française d'Extrême-Orient ;
1963-1977, directeur de l'Institut international d'études comparatives de la musique à Berlin et Venise.

Reviews

[Karl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good general account of Shaivism, particularly in its coverage of cosmogony, marred only by the occasional jarring reference to problems caused by 'mixing races' and other such nonsense- hence four stars rather than five.

[Dante Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Éste libro cambió mi vida, de una manera que nunca podría terminar de describir de manera exacta o inclusive no estoy seguro si mis palabras le hacen justicia a todo lo que este libro cambió en mi vida.

[Johnny Cordova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielou was a very interesting scholar who claimed to have been initiated by a Shaivite Guru into the oral traditions. There's a lot more to this book than predictions on the cycles of history. I found it to be an invaluable and fascinating look at the tantric practices and philosophies of ancient Shaivism as well as the origins and evolution of Indian spirituality. Not an easy read. It's stylistically dense. But well worth the effort and an essential resource for any serious student of ancient India.

[DiegoB · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesante versión de la historia... lamentablemente con poco rigor histórico. Asegura la existencia de un shivaismo pre védico muy , pero que muy discutible, aunque suene bonito.