Yoga, Bhoga and Ardhanariswara

Individuality, Wellbeing and Gender in Tantra

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Eastern Religions, Buddhism, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Gender Studies
Cover of the book Yoga, Bhoga and Ardhanariswara by Prem Saran, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Prem Saran ISBN: 9781136516474
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: April 27, 2012
Imprint: Routledge India Language: English
Author: Prem Saran
ISBN: 9781136516474
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: April 27, 2012
Imprint: Routledge India
Language: English

This book is a social–scientific interpretation of the 15 centuries-old Hindu and Buddhist traditions of tantra. It is a self-reflexive study, informed by an insider’s empathy and the apprehension of an Indologist-cum-anthropologist who is also a mystic and an initiated practitioner of the cult himself.

Using his personal praxis to inform his research, the author examines three core themes tantra: a ‘holonic’/mandalic individuality that conduces to the mystical experience; a positive valorisation of pleasure and play; and cultural attitudes of gender-mutuality and -complementarity as neatly encapsulated in the icon of Shiva as Ardhanariswara. This analysis —as captured by the tantric mandalas of deities in intimate union who vividly enact the three themes — leads to his compelling metathesis, that of tantra serving as a permanent counterculture within Indic civilisation.

This book should be of interest to those in anthropology, South Asian studies, religious studies, gender studies, psychology, and philosophy, as also the general reader.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book is a social–scientific interpretation of the 15 centuries-old Hindu and Buddhist traditions of tantra. It is a self-reflexive study, informed by an insider’s empathy and the apprehension of an Indologist-cum-anthropologist who is also a mystic and an initiated practitioner of the cult himself.

Using his personal praxis to inform his research, the author examines three core themes tantra: a ‘holonic’/mandalic individuality that conduces to the mystical experience; a positive valorisation of pleasure and play; and cultural attitudes of gender-mutuality and -complementarity as neatly encapsulated in the icon of Shiva as Ardhanariswara. This analysis —as captured by the tantric mandalas of deities in intimate union who vividly enact the three themes — leads to his compelling metathesis, that of tantra serving as a permanent counterculture within Indic civilisation.

This book should be of interest to those in anthropology, South Asian studies, religious studies, gender studies, psychology, and philosophy, as also the general reader.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Fecal Matters in Early Modern Literature and Art by Prem Saran
Cover of the book Ideology and Linguistic Theory by Prem Saran
Cover of the book The Literal Sense and the Gospel of John in Late Medieval Commentary and Literature by Prem Saran
Cover of the book The Sciences of Learning and Instructional Design by Prem Saran
Cover of the book The User Perspective on Twenty-First-Century Art Museums by Prem Saran
Cover of the book Fifty Key Figures in Management by Prem Saran
Cover of the book Mendelssohn Essays by Prem Saran
Cover of the book Mahabharata Now by Prem Saran
Cover of the book The Internment of Aliens in Twentieth Century Britain by Prem Saran
Cover of the book Education and Neoliberal Globalization by Prem Saran
Cover of the book Michael Morpurgo by Prem Saran
Cover of the book Webs of Resistence in a Newly Privatized Polish Firm by Prem Saran
Cover of the book Essential Cognitive Psychology (Classic Edition) by Prem Saran
Cover of the book The Political Economy of Mercantilism by Prem Saran
Cover of the book Music Therapy by Prem Saran
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy