Description
The Indian Buddhist world abounds with goddesses--graceful nature divinities, maternal nurturers, potent healers, mighty protectors, transcendent wisdom figures, cosmic mothers of liberation, and dancing female Buddhas. Despite their importance in Buddhist thought and practice, female deities have received relatively little scholarly attention, and no comprehensive study of the female pantheon has been available.
Buddhist Goddesses of India chronicles the histories, legends, and artistic portrayals of nineteen goddesses and several related human figures and texts. Beautifully illustrated and drawing on a sweeping range of material, from devotional poetry and meditation manuals to rituals and artistic images, Shaw reveals the character, powers, and practice traditions of the female divinities in this definitive and essential guide.Author: Miranda Shaw
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published: 08/25/2015
Pages: 608
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 2.20lbs
Size: 9.30h x 6.10w x 1.40d
ISBN13: 9780691168548
ISBN10: 0691168547
BISAC Categories:
- Religion | Buddhism | General (see also Philosophy | Buddhist)
- Social Science | Folklore & Mythology
About the Author
Miranda Shaw is associate professor of religious studies at the University of Richmond. She is the author of "Passionate Enlightenment: Women in Tantric Buddhism" (Princeton).