{"title":"David Kinsley","description":"\u003cp\u003eDavid Kinsley’s works delve deeply into the realm of \u003cem\u003eReligion \u0026amp; Spirituality\u003c\/em\u003e, offering insightful explorations of divine concepts and sacred traditions. His writing often invites readers to engage with the rich symbolism and transformative power embedded in spiritual practices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith a particular focus on themes such as the \u003cstrong\u003eDivine Feminine\u003c\/strong\u003e, Kinsley’s books provide thoughtful perspectives that enrich understanding of mystical visions and religious experience across cultures.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"tantric-visions-of-the-divine-feminine-by-david-kinsley-9780520204997","title":"Tantric Visions of the Divine Feminine","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hindu pantheon is rich in images of the divine feminine—deities representing a wide range of symbolic, social, and meditative meanings. David Kinsley's new book, \u003cem\u003eTantric Visions of the Divine Feminine\u003c\/em\u003e, documents a highly unusual group of ten Hindu tantric goddesses, the Mahavidyas, many of whom are strongly associated with sexuality and violence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat is one to make of a goddess who cuts her own head off, or one who prefers sex with a corpse? The Mahavidyas embody habits, attributes, or identities usually considered repulsive or socially subversive and can be viewed as \"antimodels\" for women. Yet, it is within the context of tantric worship that devotees seek to identify themselves with these forbidding goddesses. The Mahavidyas seem to function as \"awakeners\"—symbols which help to project one's consciousness beyond the socially acceptable or predictable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDrawing on a broad range of Sanskrit and vernacular texts, as well as extensive research in India, including written and oral interpretations of contemporary Hindu practitioners, Kinsley describes the unusual qualities of each of the Mahavidyas and traces the parallels between their underlying themes. Especially valuable are the many rare and fascinating images he presents—each important to grasping the significance of the goddesses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWritten in an accessible, engaging style, Kinsley's book provides a comprehensive understanding of the Mahavidyas and is also an overview of Hindu tantric practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47487557927148,"sku":"9780520204997","price":60.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780520204997-tantric-visions-of-the-divine-feminine.jpg?v=1775744783"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/david-kinsley.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}