Julian F. Woods is an independent scholar living in Montreal.

Preface

1. Introduction
The Theme in Historical Perspective
Focus of the Analysis
The Epic Context

2. Hermeneutical Perspectives

3. Cosmic Destiny
The Mythological Background
The Epic Accounts

4. Personal Destiny
Problems and Anomalies
Social Manifestations of Daiva
Prophecies and Pronouncements
Krsna as ¿Master of Yogä
Daiva and Karna
Daiva and Duryodhana
Krsna as Daiva

5. Destiny and Human Initiative
Tricks and Strategems
Daiva in Human Expression
Purusakara
Morality (Dharma) and Moral Conflict

6. Action and Contemplation
The Mythological Background
Krsna's Transformation of Vedic Values
Some Alternative Views

7. The Path of the Warrior
Draupadi's Impatie
Kunti's Exhortation
Yudhisthira's Grief
Bhisma's Instructions

8. Action and Retribution
Purusakara as Moral Autonomy
Vidura's ¿Wilderness of Life¿

9. The Path of Self-Determination
The Spiritual Journey
Moral Implications
The Evolutionary Ladder

10. Conclusion
The ¿Fate¿ of Human Action
The Problem of Agency
The Solution to the Antinomy of Providence

Appendix: Some Notes on Scholarship

Notes

Figure: Family Connections in the Mahabharata

Glossary of Proper Names

Glossary of Sanskrit Terms

Bibliography

Index