Tantric Knowledge

Tantric Knowledge Philosophy, History, Practice - The Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies Mandala Publishing Series

Hardback (08 May 2025)

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Publisher's Synopsis

The most misrepresented of all Hindu traditions, Tantra is a complex interweaving of teachings and practices that pervades Vaiṣnava, Saiva, Sakta, and Smarta traditions. Its roots can be traced back to Vedic times and its influence has spread to Jainism, Buddhism, and beyond. In Tantric Knowledge, Gavin Flood demystifies tantra, illustrating how it is more than just esoteric teachings, but is in fact the very fabric of the Hindu worldview. While sex and secret ritual are an element of some practices, tantra encompasses much more than that. Tantric ideas have shaped core Hindu practices such as temple building, worship, mantra, yoga, ayurveda, meditation, and guru-disciple relationships. It is a part of everyday life. Tantric Knowledge also highlights how tantric traditions claim to possess knowledge about the nature of the universe, the nature of ourselves as human beings, and how we fit into the wider cosmos around us. Tantric knowledge is what the texts and traditions profess. The study of these traditions raises interesting questions of both historical and existential importance.

Book information

ISBN: 9798887621135
Publisher: INSIGHT EDITIONS
Imprint: Mandala Publishing
Pub date:
DEWEY: 294.5514
DEWEY edition: 23/eng/20240627
Language: English
Number of pages: 296
Weight: -1g
Height: 229mm
Width: 152mm