The Divine Player attempts to analyze the relationship between play and religion in the context of Hinduism. It focuses primarily on the youthful god Krisna. The first part of the book Surveys the role of play among the gods and concludes that play seems to be an intrinsic part of the divine in Hinduism. the second part of the book investigates the role of play in religious cult, again focusing on the various Krisna cults. This section concludes that, although ...
In tracing the specifically religious dimensions of the mythologies of two of the most popular Hindu deities, Krsna and Kali, Mr. Kinsley grasps those qualities that have both stunned and blessed generations of Hindus and have, according to their many devotees, transported men to the "other shore" of spiritual fulfillment. He demonstrates that, whether the divine reveals itself (or is apprehended by man) in terrible or sublime form, it is ultimately ...