This book represents an exploration of the relationship between how we view the world and how we view the divine. And it focuses on the way the symbol of the divine body functions as a model of consciousness in the worldviews of two thinkers who speak within the context of mainstream Christianity and Hinduism respectively.

It is a revised form of my doctoral thesis, the research for which I undertook at Lancaster University. I am indebted to Professor Ninian Smart and Dr Patrick Sherry for their thoughtful guidance and encouragement throughout my time in Lancaster. I would also like to acknowledge the financial support I received from the Department of Education and Science in the form of a Major State Scholarship, and from the Spalding Trusts, who made an invaluable contribution towards my last year's research.

There are others without whom the book would not be as it now stands. My deepest thanks go to Freda Matchett for her valued friendship and scholarly advice, and to Augustine Thottakara, CMI for his laughter and help with Sanskrit. Caroline Mackenzie has truly inspired me with her letters from the Rāmānuja temple town of Melkote in India, and her beautiful illustration of the cosmic Lord. My parents, Wynnell and Paul Hunt, provided tremendous support at the proof-reading stages.