The Hindu Tantric World
An Overview
9780226424095
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The Hindu Tantric World
An Overview
Tantra occupies a unique position in Western understandings of Hindu spirituality. Its carnal dimension has made its name instantly recognizable, but this popular fascination with sex has obscured its philosophical depth and ritual practices, to say nothing of its overall importance to Hinduism.
This book offers a clear, well-grounded overview of Tantra that offers substantial new insights for scholars and practitioners. André Padoux opens by detailing the history of Tantra, beginning with its origins, founding texts, and major beliefs. The second part of the book delves more deeply into key concepts relating to the tantric body, mysticism, sex, mantras, sacred geography, and iconography, while the final part considers the practice of Tantra today, both in India and in the West. The result is an authoritative account of Tantra’s history and present place in the world.
This book offers a clear, well-grounded overview of Tantra that offers substantial new insights for scholars and practitioners. André Padoux opens by detailing the history of Tantra, beginning with its origins, founding texts, and major beliefs. The second part of the book delves more deeply into key concepts relating to the tantric body, mysticism, sex, mantras, sacred geography, and iconography, while the final part considers the practice of Tantra today, both in India and in the West. The result is an authoritative account of Tantra’s history and present place in the world.
240 pages | 3 line drawings | 6 x 9 | © 2017
Religion: Religion and Society, South and East Asian Religions
Reviews
Table of Contents
Note on the Pronunciation and Transcription of Sanskrit
Preface
Introduction
Part I The Hindu Tantric DomainPreface
Introduction
1 The Hindu Tantric Field: Terminology and Attempts at Defining a Tantric Domain
2 Origins, History, Expansion
3 The Textual Material
4 Tantric Traditions: Fundamental Notions, Beliefs, and Speculations
Part II The Tantric World
5 The Tantric Body
6 Sex
7 The Tantric Word: Mantras
8 Tantric Ritual
9 The Spiritual Aspect
10 Tantric Places or Practices
Part III Tantra Today
11 Tantra in India
12 Tantra in the West
Notes
Glossary
Bibliographical References
Index
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