Nostalgia for Eternity: Journeys in Religion, History, and Myth on the Indian Subcontinent

Book Details

• Author: Leonid Plotkin

• Publisher: Niyogi Books Pvt. Ltd.

• Language: English

• Edition: Annotated

• ISBN: 9789386906410

• Pages: 366

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 10.4 x 9.8 x 1.2 inches

About the Book

"Nostalgia for Eternity" by Leonid Plotkin is a breathtaking visual and spiritual journey that immerses readers in India’s ancient mystic and spiritual traditions. This annotated edition, the result of five years of travel with Indian pilgrims, offers a rare and profound exploration of the timeless human search for transcendence and ultimate truth.

The term "nostalgia," derived from the Greek meaning homesickness, takes on a deeper spiritual meaning in this context—describing the universal longing for existential peace and resolution of life’s conflicts. The book delves into the myriad paths that pilgrims take in their quest for this transcendence, from Tantric worshippers of the Mother Goddess to Sufi pilgrims crossing Rajasthan’s deserts. The rich, meditative photographs reveal the inner worlds of mystics like the Bengali Bauls, who revere the human being, and the Sidis, descendants of African saints whose religious practices merge African ancestor worship with Sufism.

The richly annotated text complements the evocative imagery, offering insights into the symbolic and mythological significance behind Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic, and syncretic practices. Plotkin’s work is not just a visual meditation but a profound reflection on the highest human aspirations: to discover one’s true self and understand one’s place in the vast cosmos. "Nostalgia for Eternity" is a must-read for those seeking a deeper connection to the spiritual traditions of India and the universal truths that bind humanity.