Introduction The Path of Desire Living Tantra, Vernacular Religion, and the Study of Secrets

Chapters in this book

1. Frontmatter i
2. Contents v
3. List of Figures and Tables vii
4. Introduction The Path of Desire Living Tantra, Vernacular Religion, and the Study of Secrets 1
5. Chapter One The Left-Hand Path Secrecy, Transgression, and the Kaula Tradition in Assam 29
6. Chapter Two “The Land of Black Magic” Healing, Enchantment, and Witchcraf 59
7. Chapter Three The Politics of Sacrifice Blood Offerings and the Struggle over Local and National Identity in Modern India 87
8. Chapter Four Dancing for the Snake Possession, Performance, and Gender in Manasā Pūjā 113
9. Chapter Five “The Cradle of Tantra” Modern Transformations of a Tantric Center from Nationalist Symbol to Tourist Destination 135
10. Chapter Six “Sinister Tāntriks” Tantra in Popular Culture, Fiction, and Film 161
11. Conclusions The Path of Desire in an Age of Capital Living Tantra in the Context of Globalization and Neoliberalism 183
12. Acknowledgments and Entanglements 195
13. Notes 197
14. Selected Bibliography 253
15. Index 267