Yoga, tantra and other forms of Asian meditation are practised in modernized forms throughout the world today, but most introductions to Hinduism or Buddhism tell only part of the story of how they developed. This book is an interpretation of the history of Indic religions up to around 1200 CE, with particular focus on the development of yogic and tantric traditions. It assesses how much we really know about this period, and asks what sense we can make of the evolution of yogic and tantric practices, which were to become such central and important features of the Indic religious scene. Its originality lies in seeking to understand these traditions in terms of the total social and religious context of South Asian society during this period, including the religious practices of the general population with their close engagement with family, gender, economic life and other pragmatic concerns.

An interpretation of the history of Indic religions up to around 1200 CE.

About the Author
Geoffrey Samuel is Professorial Fellow at the School of Religious and Theological Studies at Cardiff University. His publications include Mind, Body and Culture: Anthropology and the Biological Interface (2006).

Reviews
' ... a masterful book that I am very grateful to have read ...' Yoga and Tantra



Book Information
ISBN 9780521695343
Author Geoffrey Samuel
Format Paperback
Page Count 431
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 610g
Dimensions(mm) 226mm * 152mm * 25mm