Title: writer

Gender: Male

Age: 47

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Chinese Sign: Metal Rat

Location: Victoria

In a former life I was an Indologist. In my current incarnation I am exploring my capacities as a musician and transmitter of musical traditions.

I remain interested in Indian intellectual history and spirituality, though I do take a historical-critical approach toward modern Western appropriations of Asian religion and philosophy. For my views on such matters you can check out my web page, Explorations in Neo-Vedanta and Perennialism.

The Sanskrit term “kela” is related to “keli,” which in Sanskrit means play, dalliance, or jest. The appellation “kelamuni” thus means “playful-muni.”

As an Indologist, I am a specialist in the thought of Shankara. As for scholars of Vedanta, I respect the work of Phyllis Granoff, Paul Hacker, Hajime Nakamura, Wilhelm Halbfass, and Sengaku Mayeda.

My philosophical views have been shaped Wittgenstein, Gadamer, Collingwood, and Kant, though I have an interest in traditional philosophers and exegetes like Nagarjuna and Chandrakirti. My personal views on spirituality can perhaps best be described as anarchic, in the spirit of figures like Asthavakra. 

Piano lessons began at 4, violin at 6. I studied Philosophy as an undergrad and Sanskrit at grad school. I have played in numerous orchestras and ensembles; managed a symphony orchestra for a stint; lived and studied in India; taught Buddhist Studies at a major American university; and helped raise my charming daughter.

I currently play viola in a string quartet, do freelance gigs, and teach violin and piano privately. Pedagogically, my approach to teaching the violin is a kind of amalgam of traditional classical and Suzuki methods. Of late, I've taken an interest in traditional Irish fiddle music, particularly that of county Donegal in north Ireland, and for fun and edification I participate in local Irish sessions.

Member Since: Saturday, January 12 2008

Last Visit: 2 days ago.

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