Matagiri and the Emerson Resort & Spa will host the second in a series of lectures on Sunday, March 11, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. in the Emerson Great Room. Entitled “Emerson and Thoreau: the Transcendentalists and India,” the lecture will be presented by Richard Davis, Professor of Religion and Asian Studies Programs at Bard College.
Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau were among the first Americans to read seriously the ancient Indian classics. Thoreau took along Emerson’s copy of the Bhagavad Gita during his stay at Walden Pond, and later wrote to a friend, “To some extent, and at rare intervals, even I am a yogin.” But what did Emerson and Thoreau understand by yoga? What impact did their reading of Indian classics have on the development of their distinctly American philosophy of Transcendentalism? This talk will explore some of the early connections between Indian religion and American culture.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to join Professor Davis for dinner following the lecture at 5:30p.m. The conversation with Professor Davis will continue over an a la carte dinner menu at Woodnotes Grille, also located at the Emerson Resort & Spa. Availability is limited. Contact Posie Strenz, (845) 688-2828, ext. 7602, for reservations.
The Emerson Resort & Spa is located at 5340 Route 28, Mount Tremper, NY. Tea will be served. Admission is free and reservations are not necessary however, a voluntary donation is suggested.
About Professor Richard H. Davis
Richard H. Davis is Professor of Religion and Asian Studies Programs at Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY. Formerly he taught as assistant and associate professor at Yale University. His most recent publication is The Bhagavad Gita: A Biography (Princeton University Press, 2014). He is author of four other books: Ritual in an Oscillating Universe: Worshiping Siva in Medieval India (Princeton, 1991), Lives of Indian Images (Princeton, 1997), Global India, circa 100 CE: South Asia in Early World History (AAS, 2010), and A Priest’s Guide for the Great Festival (Oxford, 2010). He has edited two volumes, and also wrote the text for a catalog of Indian religious prints, Gods in Print: Masterpieces of India’s Mythological Art (Mandala, 2012). Currently he is continuing work on the reception history of the Bhagavad Gita, and on a history of religions in early South Asia. Some copies of Professor Davis’ book The Bhagavad Gita: A Biography will be available for purchase.
About Emerson Resort & Spa
Surrounded by the splendor of the Catskill Mountains, the Emerson Resort & Spa is a hidden treasure located a mere two hours from Manhattan. The resort brings the Catskills inside with stunning views, open spaces and an earthy color palate. Featuring spacious accommodations in the contemporary Inn and Adirondack-style Lodge, Emerson guests also enjoy an award-winning Spa, shopping in the Country Stores and the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope. Seasonal activities are plentiful and include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and biking. Urban pursuits are satisfied by exploring the nearby towns of Woodstock, Phoenicia and Saugerties. The Emerson’s signature restaurant, Woodnotes Grille, makes a name of Catskill Creative Cooking with locally sourced foods prepared with a twist, and craft cocktails that are an experience as well as a drink. Overlooking the Esopus Creek and one of the region’s most magnificent peaks, Mount Tremper, the Emerson provides a memorable yet affordable respite from the demands of the outside world. The Emerson is also an idyllic location for special events, including corporate retreats and destination weddings. Dogs are welcome. For more information please visit http://www.emersonresort.com/ and for reservations call (845) 688-2828.