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The Yonitantra
Sanskrit Only
89
About the Book
The Yonitantra probably belongs to that kind of Tantric literature which gave
Tantrism and its concepts a rather bad reputation. According to Sir M.
Monier-Williams, 'Tantrism or Saktism, in Hinduism arrived at its last and
worst stage of development'. But in present times Tantrism has become
rather popular outside the Indian subcontinent, a popularity, however, which
is based mainly upon those aspects of Tantrism formerly looked on with
so much abhorrence. The Yonitantra particularly deals with that side of
Tantrism which seems to appeal most to the average Western adept of
Tantric religion.
The text of Yonitantra, based on the microfilms of six MSS, provides
information on religious practices with Yonipuja at the centre which most
probably are closely connected with similar practices in Kamarupa but
which have remained virtually unknown until today.
The editor has added a valuable introduction that deals with the origin
of this tantra, Madhavi and Visnu, Visnu and Yoni, the Yonitantra and
Kamarupa, the Kulachara and the Yonipuja, and also contains an evaluation of the Yonitantra.
The volume fills an important gap in the study of tantric religion and
practices.
About the Author
J.A. Schoterman studied Indo-Iranian Languages and Culture at the
State University of Utrecht (The Netherlands). Initially specializing in
Vedic literature, he subsequently directed the aim of his studies towards
Hindu Tantric Literature, both in India and Nepal. Another aspect of his
research constitutes the study of Sanskrit grammar and lexicography in
the Indonesian Archipelago.
Preface
The
89
About the Book
The Yonitantra probably belongs to that kind of Tantric literature which gave
Tantrism and its concepts a rather bad reputation. According to Sir M.
Monier-Williams, 'Tantrism or Saktism, in Hinduism arrived at its last and
worst stage of development'. But in present times Tantrism has become
rather popular outside the Indian subcontinent, a popularity, however, which
is based mainly upon those aspects of Tantrism formerly looked on with
so much abhorrence. The Yonitantra particularly deals with that side of
Tantrism which seems to appeal most to the average Western adept of
Tantric religion.
The text of Yonitantra, based on the microfilms of six MSS, provides
information on religious practices with Yonipuja at the centre which most
probably are closely connected with similar practices in Kamarupa but
which have remained virtually unknown until today.
The editor has added a valuable introduction that deals with the origin
of this tantra, Madhavi and Visnu, Visnu and Yoni, the Yonitantra and
Kamarupa, the Kulachara and the Yonipuja, and also contains an evaluation of the Yonitantra.
The volume fills an important gap in the study of tantric religion and
practices.
About the Author
J.A. Schoterman studied Indo-Iranian Languages and Culture at the
State University of Utrecht (The Netherlands). Initially specializing in
Vedic literature, he subsequently directed the aim of his studies towards
Hindu Tantric Literature, both in India and Nepal. Another aspect of his
research constitutes the study of Sanskrit grammar and lexicography in
the Indonesian Archipelago.
Preface
The
Hardcover
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