Život vznešeného Kršny – Štipl Zdeněk (2021)

The Bhágavatapurána (probably 10th century CE) is one of the most significant works of Sanskrit literature and forms one of the foundational pillars of Indian religious traditions. This extensive collectively-anonymous text is the most well-known and simultaneously the most influential product of an extraordinarily productive genre of religious-narrative literature, collectively known as the puranas. The 10th book of this work narrates the classic biography of the god Krishna, who descended to Earth, was born as a human, grew up among shepherds in a region called Braj, and in adulthood became a faithful protector not only of his clan but of all good and righteous people. The engaging narrative is complemented by serious philosophical passages concerning ideas about the nature of God, humanity, and their mutual relationship. The text also exhibits considerable literary qualities, appreciated not only by generations of Indian artists and thinkers but also by ordinary listeners and readers of Krishna's life story. The Czech translation of this canonical work is the very first complete example of the puranic genre created directly from the Sanskrit original.