Seeing Krishna : The Religious World of a Brahman Family in Vrindaban

by Margaret H. Case

This book offers a close-up view of the religious world of one of the most influential families in Vrinbadan, India's premier place of pilgrimage for worshipers of Krishna. This priestly family has arguably been the most creative force in this important town. Their influence also radiates well beyond India's borders both because of their tireless work in fostering scholarship and performance about Krishna and because the scion of the family, Shrivatsa Goswami, has become an international spokesman for Hindu ways and concerns. Case, who has been an occasional resident in the family ashram, gives the reader a real sense of the atmosphere of daily life there, and the complete devotion of the residents to the service and worship of Krishna.

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book after taking Religions of India. I found it randomly in the MLK library, and really fell in love. I read it a few times, underlined, dog-eared the pages...then sadly had to give it back. As you can probably tell, I really enjoy the format of learning about cultures and history through family stories, and this is the same style. By staying with an Indian family for about a year, the author was completely immersed in the family's day-to-day lives and celebrations, and though she loses some objectivity in the process, she still produces an eye-opening story that educated me as well as helped me empathize.