Renowned Goddess of Desire: Women, Sex, and Speech in Tantra 1st Edition

Description: Renowned Goddess of Desire: Women, Sex, and Speech in Tantra 1st Edition Renowned Goddess of Desire: Women, Sex, and Speech in Tantra 1st Edition PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Tantra is a family of rituals modeled on those of the Vedas and their attendant texts and lineages. These rituals typically involve the visualization of a deity, offerings, and the chanting of his or her mantra. Common variations include visualizing the deity in the act of sexual union with a consort, visualizing oneself as the deity, and "transgressive" acts such as token consumption of meat or alcohol. Most notoriously, non-standard or ritualized sex is sometimes practiced. This accounts for Tantra's negative reputation in some quarters and its reception in the West primarily as a collection of sexual practices. Although some today extol Tantra's liberating qualities, the role of women remains controversial. Traditionally there are two views of women and Tantra. Either the feminine is a metaphor and actual women are altogether absent, or Tantra involves the transgressive use of women's bodies to serve male interests. Loriliai Biernacki presents an alternative view, in which women are revered, worshipped, and considered worthy of spiritual attainment. Her primary sources are a collection of eight relatively modern Tantric texts written in Sanskrit from the 15th through the 18th century. Her analysis of these texts reveals a view of women that is generally positive and empowering. She focuses on four topics: 1) the "Kali Practice," in which women appear not only as objects of reverence but as practitioners and gurus; 2) the Tantric sex rite, especially in the case that, contrary to other Tantric texts, the preference is for wives as ritual consorts; 3) feminine language and the gendered implications of mantra; and 4) images of male violence towards women in tantric myths. Biernacki, by choosing to analyse eight particular Sanskrit texts, argues that within the tradition of Tantra there exists a representation of women in which the female is an authoritative, powerful, equal participant in the Tantric ritual practice. DETAILS: Paperback: 314 pagesPublisher: Oxford University Press; 1 edition (October 11, 2007)Language: EnglishISBN-13: 978-0195327830Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.7 inchesShipping Weight: 15.2 ounces ADDITIONAL PRODUCT INFO: HANDLING TIME: We ship orders within 1 business day of receiving payment, sometimes faster SHIPPING We ship out via expedited shipping that usually arrives within 3 business days. IF YOU NEED YOUR ITEM FASTER UPGRADED 2 DAY SHIPPING IS ONLY $2.99 FOR MANY ITEMS. We Do Not Ship to PO/APO Boxes, HI or Alaska. For international shipments- We are part of the eBay Global Shipping Program. For large items that require Freight shipping a valid phone number is required to call and schedule your delivery. Please make sure to provide the correct shipping address during checkout as the address cannot be changed after checkout. We are not responsible for any incorrect or undeliverable addresses. If an item can not be delivered by our shipping service due to address issues your purchase will need to be cancelled and resubmitted with alternate information. RETURN & REFUND POLICY We offer a 30 day refund policy. WE OFFER FREE RETURNS AND WE PROVIDE THE SHIPPING LABLES. Just send us a note through the ebay returns portal and we will send you the label. All items must be returned undamaged in the original package. A restocking fee may apply.

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Location: US

End Time: 2024-12-09T05:29:37.000Z

Shipping Cost: 9.99 USD