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Tantra...
Tantra
Hedonism in Indian Culture by: Prem SaranThis is a cultural-anthropological study exploring those hedonistic aspects of the pan-Indian heritage which affirm that the pleasurable, especially the sexually pleasurable, is natural as a means to achieve the highest mystical experience.
₹216.00
ISBN: 9788124600979
Year Of Publication: 2006
Edition: 1st
Pages : xvi, 100 [+8]
Bibliographic Details : 4 Color Illustrations; 4 b/w Illustrations; Bibliography; Index; Glossary
Language : English
Binding : Hardcover
Publisher: D.K. Printworld Pvt. Ltd.
Size: 23 cm.
Weight: 350
This is a brilliant cultural-anthropological study exploring those hedonistic aspects of the pan-Indian heritage which, represented by centuries of the non-Vedic, Tantric tradition, affirm that the pleasurable, especially the sexually pleasurable, is natural as a means to achieve the highest mystical experience. Himself a Tantric initiate, Prem Saran offers a compelling, sympathetic analysis of Tantrism, its place in the Bengali and Assamese cultures, and its pervasiveness in pan-Indian thought and ritual generally. Prem Saran’s is also a cultural critique of modern Indian values and life-ways. In addition, it is an exercise in methodology, employing certain anthropological tools and concepts like Cultural Debate, Cultural Criticism, Hindu Renaissance and Pizza-effect the last three having been developed by the late Professor Agehananda Bharati whom the author acknowledges as a constant source of encouragement during the last decade.
Foreword
Preface
List of Plates
1. The Pan-Indian Tantric Tradition
Meaning and Scope of Tantrism
Early History of Tantrism
Later History of Tantrism
Social Position of Tantrics
2. Tantrism and the Khajuraho Temples
Persuasive, not Descriptive
Contradictory Arguments
Vedic Ontology Reflects Sexual Symbolism
Perhaps Polemical, But Justified
3. The Tantric Tradition in Bengal
Bengali Tantric Literature
The Charyapadas
Influence of Vaishnavism
Vaishnava-Sahajiyas, Bauls, Etc.
The Vaishnava-Sahajivya Cult
4. Chaitanya, Tantrism and Hedonism in Bengal
Three Discrete Characteristics
Analysis
5. Cultural Debate and Tantrism in Modern Bengal
The Debate Up to 1857
The Debate in the Pan-Indian Culture
The Debate in the Bengali Sub-Culture
The Debate in Modern Bengal, 1857 to 1947
Conclusion: Bengali Attitudes Towards Tantrism, 1857 to 1947
6. Tantrism and the Hindu Renaissance in Bengal
Rammohans Contribution Significant
Ramakrishna Offers Simple Vision of Hinduism
Tagores Views on Tantrism
Aurobindos Integral Yoga and Tantrism
7. The Tantric Tradition of Assam: Cultural Implications
Assamese Society Less Inhibited
8. The Kamakhya Myth and Modern Indian Values
Blasphemy Alien to Traditional Indian
9. Tantrism and Modern Assamese Ideology
Women an Embodiment of Devi
10. Tantrism: A Quest for Personal Autonomy
Mysticism Can be Good Psychotherapy
Bibliography
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