Exploring and Applying a Socially Progressive Hermeneutical Lens in Hindu Thought

Abstract

Hermeneutics is the theory and methodology of interpreting texts. In this paper, I describe and explore the implications of a hermeneutical lens that was utilized by the Caitanya Vaiṣṇava theologian A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda (1896–1977 CE). My aims in doing so are to (1) contribute toward inter-religious reform within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), which Prabhupāda founded in 1966, and to (2) further develop Hindu conceptual resources that can inspire societal change. I also apply Prabhupāda’s hermeneutical lens to one narrative within the Bhāgavatapurāṇa (c. 9th to 10th century CE) and show how reading this narrative through this lens can de-emphasize certain patriarchal attitudes that are found within Hindu universes. Moreover, I demonstrate this lens’ applicability within ISKCON. I conclude by showing how this lens can also be applied in some other Hindu contexts.

Is a Guru as Good as God? A Vedāntic Perspective

“…First, as I have argued elsewhere, there are hermeneutic lenses that can be employed to interpret scriptural texts in a socially progressive manner (Gupta, 2021). For instance, one can draw a distinction between soteriologically necessary principles, which are essential to follow if one wishes to attain soteriological perfection (in this case, unadulterated love of Kṛṣṇa), and context-specific details, which do not need to be adhered to as rigidly (Gupta, 2021). Within the Caitanya tradition, prescriptions about the role of women or individuals of a particular caste can be interpreted as context-specific details (Gupta, 2021).…”

“…For instance, one can draw a distinction between soteriologically necessary principles, which are essential to follow if one wishes to attain soteriological perfection (in this case, unadulterated love of Kṛṣṇa), and context-specific details, which do not need to be adhered to as rigidly (Gupta, 2021). Within the Caitanya tradition, prescriptions about the role of women or individuals of a particular caste can be interpreted as context-specific details (Gupta, 2021). This being the case, although Prabhupāda's social statements are rooted in scripture, they are details and hence given less epistemological priority than statements which concern soteriologically necessary principles (such as the cultivation of devotion for Kṛṣṇa, in this context).…”

“…Recently, I offered some correctives to the various problems that have affected ISK-CON and proposed alternate, socially progressive ways of interpreting Prabhupāda's teachings (Gupta, 2021). In this paper, I make a similar attempt.…”

Caste and Devotion: A Casteless Framework for (Some) Forms of Hindu Devotionalism

“…In this framework, the benefits of work are not exclusive to men, and so women can also reap these benefits by holding an occupation. Moreover, as I have argued, narratives within the BhP indicate that strī ‐ dharma (the dharma of women, according to which women hold traditional roles as wives and mothers and perform domestic duties), is not essential to uphold (Gupta 2021). For instance, within the BhP , there is a narrative that discusses the wives of ritually minded brāhmaṇa s. These wives violated their strī ‐ dharma by going to see Kṛṣṇa with food to feed them, despite being told by their husbands not to go.…”

“…Moreover, the wives' husbands later praised the devotion of their wives and acknowledged that their wives were spiritually superior to them. One interpretation of this narrative is thus that strī ‐ dharma is not always essential to uphold and can even be neglected when it is not conducive to one's service to Kṛṣṇa (Gupta 2021; see also BhP 10.23).…”