Abstract: The article deals with the biography and scientific achievements of one of the founders of Tamil studies, G.U. Pope. His many years of selfless activity in the field of Indian education, the creation of basic textbooks and anthologies of the literary Tamil, which generations of schoolchildren and students studied, and translation of the main texts of ancient and medieval Tamil literature, have earned well-deserved honor and respect from the Tamils, for whom he is a national hero. His identification and study of the main ideas of Śaiva Siddhānta based on the biography and poems of the Tamil poet Māṇikkavācakar using Tiruvaruṭpayaṉ and Civappirakācam by Umāpati Civācāriyar (which he introduced into academic discourse) have largely retained their scientific significance and today.
For the first time in Russian Tamil studies, Pope is shown as the first person to realize the philosophy of Tamil Śaiva Siddhānta value for understanding South Indian Śaivism. The article discusses in detail Pope's analysis and formulae of the main provisions and key ideas of Śaiva Siddhānta based on the comparative method, which allowed him to involve previously unexplored treatises of Umāpati Civācāriyar, and sacred writings of Hinduism, in comparison with the Christian religion, including the Gnostics and the Apocrypha. In conclusion, the author characterizes Pope's main scientific achievements, which influenced not only the development of academic Tamil studies, but also the national consciousness of the Tamils, their awareness of their unique identity, value and originality of own culture.

Abstract: The object of this research is the socio-legal institution of mediation as an alternative dispute settlement procedure in Russia. The subject of this research is the peculiarities of development of this institution and their substantiation by the specificity of institutional implementation, as well as cultural-historical aspects of the Russian society. The author indicates that the longstanding efforts of enthusiasts with the support of government structures aimed at the development of mediation as a legal institution outside its social component (mediation as an assisting profession) appeared to be ineffective and even faced rejection of a considerable part of society, as its conceptual grounds on the foundation of law do not correspond with the cultural-historical matrix of Russia. Special attention is given to the peculiarities of the establishment of mediation as a social institution and assisting profession. The author concludes on the presence of basic institutional restrictions of the development of socio-legal institution of mediation in Russia, due to the absence of mediation mechanisms of development (according to A. S. Akhiezer). The novelty of this work consist in tracing the dynamics of institutional development of mediation in the context of social evolution of the Russian society. The author believes that successful development of mediation in Russia as a social institution and assisting profession is not only possible, but essential; first and foremost, school mediation combined with remedial practices, as an effective technique of helping families, including families with children, and as instruments for working with ethno-confessional conflicts.

Abstract: The object of this research is the professional training of Russian mediators within the framework of Master's Degree and vocational education. The subject of this research is the organizational and methodological problems of training and professional becoming of mediators, substantiated by the specificity of current legislation in this field, as well as the established practice of professional training. Application of general scientific methods allows examining the requirements of current Russian legislation in the sphere of professional training of mediators, comparing with the fundamental changes proposed in the draft law of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, and relevant practice. The author outlines the key vectors of professional training of future mediators offered by the Russian universities in the Master's Degree program. Based on the critical analysis of research and empirical methods (expert evaluation, survey), the authors determine the key personal and professional characteristics of the mediator, essential for successful their successful activity. The novelty of this work lies in drawing parallels between the requirements to professional training of mediators in the current legislation and according to the new draft law; as well as in the analysis of peculiarities and difficulties of professional training of mediators within the framework of the Master's Degree program “Mediation in Social Sphere” and competences that are considered of prime importance. The authors underline the need for raising requirements to the process of professional training of mediators, and their legislative consolidation. The top results can be achieved by acquiring basic legal or psychological education, as well as completion of the basic course of mediation prior to the advanced training.

Abstract: This article is dedicated to examination of the traditional structure of the Russian institute of mediation and its possible transformations in light of the provisions of the new draft law “On Settlement of the Disputes Trough Mediation in the Russian Federation". Based on the principle of historicism and systemic analysis, the authors consider the established structure of the Institute, and highlight the three stages in development: latent, euphoria and stagnation. It is assumed that such peculiarities of development are substantiated by its implementation “from the top”. The current state of the institute of mediation, despite the fact that it remains at the “initial” level of development, can be characterizes as a years-long stagnation. Therefore, the draft of the new Federal Law on Mediation, developed by the Ministry of Justice, which in case of enactment significantly changes the structure and functional concept of mediation, became the subject of intense discussion within the professional community, since the intended radical reform is planned to be implemented “from the top”, without consideration of the opinion of professional community and interested stakeholders. Having analyzed separate elements of the institute of mediation and changes therein, the authors came to the following conclusions. One of the three key reasons for the established situation in the area of mediation is the low level of professional qualifications of mediators; incompetence of mediators impedes conducting mass mediation and further development of the institute of mediation. The second reason consists in incompetence and disunity of the professional community of mediators, absence of an authoritative body nationwide. The third reason lies in discrepancy of the development of two vectors of mediation — traditional and academic as a special trend in reconstructive approach. The presented analysis allows reassessing the current state and potential of the Russian Institute of mediation, as well as forecasting further ways of its development.

Abstract: The subject of this research is the phenomenon of corporeality and transformation of the model of body in Tamil Saiva-bhakti. The author examines the notional variations of these practices presented in texts of the canon “Panniru Thirumurai”. Description of the path to God as individual practice of a single bhakt comprises the content of Manickavasagar's “Thiruvasagam” (8th book of the canon), while the meticulous description and classification of different variations of the path with detailed recommendations on the improvement of adept’s body are contained in Thirumoolar's “Thirumanthiram” (10th book of the canon). Using the comparative analysis of texts of the canon, the author reveals the formation of the new model of body of the bhakt, which led to changes in the ritual and iconography of temple’s adornment. It is concluded that in the writings of Tamil bhakti poets of the VI-IX centuries has been formed a new representation on Shiva and the new model of adept’s body. The own body initially was perceived as an obstacle in the path to liberation. The extreme forms such attitude obtained in the works of Manickavasagar. Thirumoolar described the new model of adept’s body as the key instrument for achieving mukti. Further development of this model led to advancement of the yogic and alchemic practices in the tradition of Siddhi for acquisition of body that is immortal, perfect, and not subject to corruption. Visionary representations of bhakts led to the drastic transformation of iconographic system of Shivaist temple, realized by Chola Dynasty rulers in the X-XII centuries. Tamil bhakts created a universal complex of spiritual practices, focusing on the work with body, as well as consciousness – through the transformation of body. Such practices not only retained their relevance and practical implementation, but also became widely known outside the region.