friendly hindu philosopher lived later period ancient india mentioned wives sage estimated lived 8th century bce hindu epic described philosopher married ancient sanskrit literature known hymns attributed explored hindu concept soul self dialogue according dialogue love driven person soul discusses nature unity core philosophy dialogue topic commentary cited example educational opportunities available women philosophical achievements considered symbol indian intellectual women institution named honour early life daughter sage referred mentioned women scholars era father lived capital minister court king ancient india described philosopher said wife sage time hindu epic states young beauty marries explains philosophy described lifelong called female ancient sanskrit literature estimated lived 8th century bce described scholarly wife wife housewife lived studied engaged theological dialogues husband addition making self inquiries dialogue hymns attributed explores hindu concept soul self dialogue contained dialogue called dialogue states love driven person soul discusses nature unity core philosophy dialogue appears hindu texts earliest chapter modified chapter principal oldest dating approximately bce dialogue survived manuscript schools significant literary differences share philosophical theme achieved success stages life student family retirement wished old age asked permission telling wanted divide assets said interested wealth immortal wanted learn dialogue follows explains views soul ultimate reality objects parts explanation requests scholars differing views dialogue evidence ancient tradition women accepted active participants spiritual discussions scholars american professor history religions states dialogue portrayed author story wives distinguished intellect american professor contrast states portrayed minded challenges dialogue asks right questions millennium indian scholars viewed male female dialogue profound sides refuses wealth wishing share husband spiritual knowledge known versions story challenges theory acknowledges motivations questions evidence ultimate knowledge lover dialogue significant gender relations scholar influential school hindu philosophy wrote purpose dialogue chapter highlight importance knowledge understand according dialogue suggests prescribed texts means knowledge adds pursuit self knowledge considered important dialogue repeated chapter logical finale discussion nature love dialogue includes discussion love essence loves suggesting love connection soul universal self related individual according theological author editor asserts love reflection soul parents love children love religion entire world german oxford_university professor says love described dialogue extends aspects life verse gods dear love gods love self gods dear dialogue class class worlds gods beings soul hear perceive know self known concluding dialogue inner self soul tells leaves leads life legacy mentioned number regarded learned women ancient india intellectual women india college named retreat location
Maitreyi