Ravi Shankar

Ravi Shankar is an Indian-American poet, literary critic, and professor who has published numerous collections of poetry and works of literary criticism. He currently serves as Professor of English at Central Connecticut State University and the founding editor of Drunken Boat, an international online journal of the arts. His poetry collections include "Instrumentality" (2004), "Deepening Groove" (2011), and "What Else Could It Be" (2015), which explore themes of identity, cultural displacement, and the intersection of Eastern and Western literary traditions. Shankar's work frequently incorporates elements of formal experimentation while engaging with both contemporary and classical poetic forms. As a scholar, Shankar has contributed significantly to discussions of postcolonial literature and South Asian writing in English. His critical works include "Autobiography of a Goddess" (2016), a translation of Tamil poetry by Andal, and various essays on contemporary poetics and literary theory. Shankar is also recognized for his editorial work, having compiled several anthologies including "Language for a New Century: Contemporary Poetry from the Middle East, Asia & Beyond" (2008). His achievements have been acknowledged through various awards and fellowships, including grants from the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Readers praise Shankar's poetry for its precise language and creative merging of Eastern and Western influences. Comments often highlight his ability to weave complex cultural themes into accessible verse. Several reviewers on Goodreads note his skillful use of form and structure. Readers appreciate: - Clear, image-rich language - Integration of classical and modern poetic techniques - Thoughtful exploration of identity and displacement - Academic rigor in his critical works Common critiques: - Some poems feel too academic or abstract - Occasional dense theoretical language in critical works - Limited emotional connection in certain pieces Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (42 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (28 ratings) Poetry Foundation reader reviews: 4.0/5 (15 ratings) "His poetry demands attention but rewards close reading," notes one Goodreads reviewer. Another comments: "Shankar bridges cultural gaps without compromising complexity." Recent academic reviews cite his work's importance in contemporary postcolonial discourse, particularly his translations and anthology editing.

Instrumentality (2004) A poetry collection examining cultural identity and displacement through formally experimental verse and hybrid forms.

Deepening Groove (2011) A collection of poems exploring the intersections between Eastern and Western poetic traditions with focus on rhythm and musicality.

What Else Could It Be (2015) Poetry collection investigating questions of possibility and perception through contemporary and classical poetic forms.

Autobiography of a Goddess (2016) A scholarly translation of Tamil poet Andal's works with critical commentary on South Asian literary traditions.

Language for a New Century: Contemporary Poetry from the Middle East, Asia & Beyond (2008) An anthology compiling diverse poetic voices from across Asia and the Middle East with historical and cultural context.

Deepak Chopra combines Vedic philosophy with modern medicine and has written extensively on mind-body healing and consciousness. His background as a physician adds scientific perspective to spiritual concepts similar to Shankar's integration of traditional and contemporary approaches.

Thich Nhat Hanh focuses on mindfulness practices and peaceful living through Buddhist teachings. His work on breathing techniques and meditation parallels Shankar's emphasis on practical spiritual tools for daily life.

Sadhguru teaches Inner Engineering practices that blend yogic science with contemporary needs. His foundation's structure and global outreach mirror Shankar's organizational approach to spreading spiritual knowledge.

Eknath Easwaran translated Indian spiritual texts and developed passage meditation techniques for Western practitioners. His work bridges Eastern wisdom with Western understanding, similar to Shankar's adaptation of traditional practices for modern audiences.

Ken Wilber developed integral theory combining spirituality, psychology, and science into a comprehensive framework. His systematic approach to consciousness and human development relates to Shankar's integration of ancient wisdom with contemporary understanding.