Blood of the Goddess [Paperback]

William Schindler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 10, 2001

A Dutch merchant marine arrives in India in 1612 and is abducted by a mysterious stranger with a horrible secret who claims he is the sailor's immortal teacher and lover from a past life. The two trek together into the Himalayas in search of a secret shrine of the Goddess where the young man is to undergo a blood ritual that will transform him into an immortal. Although aided by supernatural beings, they face a terrifying foe who seems bent on foiling their purpose. They meet many colorful characters and witness miracles, both beautiful and bizarre. Reincarnation and destiny reunites old friends, lovers, and foes over three centuries. Their love faces the ultimate test, and the suspenseful conclusion unravels a mystery that none but the ancient immortal, Kedar Baba, suspected. Hindu philosophy and mythology are woven throughout this uplifting homoerotic adventure that takes the vampire genre to a new level.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

William Schindler obtained a B.A. in Sanskrit from UC Berkeley (1975), where he also studied Bengali and Hindi, and a Master's degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University (1986). He lived in India for two-and-a-half years from 1972-1977 first as a pilgrim, then as a student at Banaras Hindu University, and finally as a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. He has written novels, short stories, and numerous essays on gay spirituality. His non-fiction book, GAY TANTRA (Xlibris, 2000), is the definitive work on the topic of traditional Hindu Tantra adapted to the spiritual needs and aptitudes of gay-identified persons. He currently lives in Los Angeles, California, where he offers spiritual instruction and counseling for gay men.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Xlibris Corp; 1 edition (January 10, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738847194
• ISBN-13: 978-0738847191
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,200,256 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A one of a kind spiritual adventure!, August 19, 2011

By 

Erik Scott Forster - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Blood of the Goddess (Paperback)

A seamless mesh of Hindu spirituality, gay love, and vampirism. "Blood of the Goddess" is a good read and would make a great movie.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars hindu philosophy?, March 15, 2007

By 

Furio (Genova - Italy) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Blood of the Goddess (Paperback)

One's liking of this book will be strongly influenced by one's attitude toward this kind fiction, depleted of events and full of speculations.
The actual plot, written in a simple unprepossessing way, would probably have needed one third of the actual book.

Set mainly in India, this novel depicts an entirely new kind of vampirism, rooted in the worship of the allmighty, allknowing primeval goddess sometimes named Kali.
What little I know of Hindu culture and the little more I know about religious theory fits in the frame pictured here, but I shall leave more competent readers to decide whether Mr Schindler knows what he is saying or is making it all up according to his taste.

The main point though is that the plot is an excuse to present us with a plunge in Hindu cosmogony and world vision, described in full detail -I do not know if accurately, of course-

Therefore if one is looking for the usual (gay) bodice ripper with fangs one should probably avoid this particular read which by the way is rather difficult, some religious explanations are quite hard to grasp.

Personally I was never particularly drawn into Hindu -and Buddhist- thinking that one has to renounce the world to achieve real freedom of pain and sufferance nor was I ever much interested in forms of meditation. Goes without saying that the kind of sublimated gay sex described here as ideal has no appeal at all for me.

Gay men with a thorough knowledge of Indian culture might want to give this book a try: I shall be please to read their reviews and comments.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Book!, June 21, 2004

By 

Jay "Jay" (Oklahoma) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Blood of the Goddess (Paperback)

This book is amazing. The author has integrated spiritual teaching in the form of fiction. The story is deep and mysterious. It is mystical. The characters are real. This book delves into the mysteries of Kaula Tantra in Hinduism in a way that the reader can understand.