The Maitreya Academy Series fosters freedom and expansiveness of thought in exploring the prospects and possibilities of an evolving Republic of Conscience. These publications investigate the intelligent and equitable use of global resources on behalf of the societies of the future. By nurturing dialectical openness, it aims to focus the finest contributions of science, spirituality and intellectual culture upon the challenges of the emerging world civilization.
THE PLATONIC QUEST
By E.J. Urwick
The Platonic Quest by E.J. Urwick is a path-breaking interpretation
of Plato's Republic that weaves together Socratic-Platonic
teachings and classical Indian concepts. Urwick portrays the social
structure of the Republic as a holistic vision. Breaking with
the scholastic interpretations of earlier philologists and later
positivists, giving full measure to the profound and puzzling
themes of the Republic, Urwick also shows the coherence
of the dialogue as a living testament to the human potential for
spiritual wisdom. By integrating elements from humanity's ancient
heritage, he restores depth and meaning to the Platonic quest
while intimating its promise for the future. The book is enriched
by an introductory chapter on the Platonic dialectic and an epilogue
on anamnesis by Professor Raghavan Iyer.
262 p. Hardcover $21.75
PARAPOLITICS
Toward the City of
Man
By Raghavan Iyer
What is living and what is dead in contemporary political ideas,
traditional beliefs and inherited allegiances? How may a better
future be constructed from our complex past? Considering such
questions, Parapolitics unveils a radical new perspective extending
far beyond the pessimism of the current predicament. Raghavan
Iyer moves with ease from the Greek polis to the California communes,
from the psychology of self-actualization to the dynamics of social
structures. He shows the critical distance needed to see clearly
the costs of commitment, the limits and possibilities, in a global
community. The book explores the subtle relationships between
technology and politics, democracy and liberty, scarcity and abundance.
Parapolitics calls for audacious
diversity and dialectical skill in the responsible exercise of
will and imagination. By distilling the ideas of seminal political
thinkers from Socrates and Plato to Marx and Gandhi, the book
provides a firm basis for a fresh vision of Civitas Humana
the City of Man.
381 p. Sewn, softbound with dust jacket $21.75
Reviews of Parapolitics:
"Parapolitics is a work of large-scale political theory.
The book is a very fluent and readable piece of work . . . unusual
in trying to combine the concern of existential psychology with
the more conventional concerns of traditional political theory."
The Times Literary Supplement
"Erudition is united with wisdom in this stimulating work."
Journal of Politics
"The heart of the book is the attempt to sketch a foundation
for a global society of the future . . . an ambitious and original
undertaking."
Choice