The Roots of Tantra (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780791453063)

Among the many spiritual traditions born and developed in India, Tantra has been the most difficult to define. Almost everything about it--its major characteristics, its sources, its relationships to other religions, even its practices--are debated among scholars. In addition, Tantrism is not confined to any particular religion, but is a set of beliefs and practices that appears in a variety of religions, including Hinduism and Buddhism. This book explores one of the most controversial aspects of Tantra, its sources or roots, specifically in regard to Hinduism. The essays focus on the history and development of Tantra, the art history and archaeology of Tantra, the Vedas and Tantra, and texts and Tantra. Using various disciplinary and methodological approaches, from history to art history and religious studies to textual studies, scholars provide both broad overviews of the beginnings of Tantra and detailed analyses of specific texts, authors, art works, and rituals.

Author: Katherine Anne Harper
ISBN-10: 0791453065
ISBN-13: 9780791453063
Publisher: State University of New York Press
Language: English
Published: 05/17/2002
Pages: 280
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.81lbs
Size: 9.04h x 6.10w x 0.61d

Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 03/01/2002 pg. 110