Tantric Visions of the Divine Feminine

by Kinsley, David

• ISBN13: 9780520204997
• ISBN10: 0520204999
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1997-06-01
• Publisher: Univ of California Pr

Summary

Written in an accessible, engaging style, author David Kinsley's new book documents a highly unusual group of ten Hindu tantric goddesses the Mahavidyas many of whom are strongly associated with sexuality and violence. The Mahavidyas embody undesirable attributes, yet they serve as symbols for projecting one's consciousness beyond the socially acceptable and predictable. 41 illus.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction	p. 1
The Mahavidyas as a Group
The Individual Mahavidyas
Kali: The Black Goddess	p. 67
Tara: The Goddess Who Guides through Troubles	p. 92
Tripura-sundari: She Who Is Lovely in the Three Worlds	p. 112
Bhuvanesvari: She Whose Body Is the World	p. 129
Chinnamasta: The Self-Decapitated Goddess	p. 144
Bhairavi: The Fierce One	p. 167
Dhumavati: The Widow Goddess	p. 176
Bagalamukhi: The Paralyzer	p. 193
Matangi: The Outcaste Goddess	p. 209
Kamala: The Lotus Goddess	p. 223
Concluding Reflections
Notes	p. 253
Glossary	p. 281
Bibliography	p. 289
Index	p. 299
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.