Customer Reviews

Ganesh: Studies of an Asian God (Suny Series in Tantric Studies)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

I came here looking for this very informative book. I picked up a copy on the bookshelf in the quiet hours at an ashram in the Rocky Mountains because Ganesh is my patron and the face of the Radiant One who most fills me with humor and joy. I do collect Ganeshas and know from passed expereince that the boy with the elephant head is as alive today as ever. Run a search on "Milk Miracle" to find out of Ganesha's most recent miracle. This comprehensive and informative treatise on the ancient diety who is revered in three religions has many articulate articles on the history, importance and background of Ganesh. I was very glad to read so many insightful articles from highly educated and knowledegable experts in anthropological religious studies. The pictures of Ganesha date all the way back to the fifth century and the articles discuss all intellectual aspects of the deity. If you love Ganesha like I love Ganesha than this is a must-have. It's only shortcoming is predictable if you realize that this is created and written at a University. It is textbook, and only discusses anthropological fact,historical perspective and religious dogma. The wonderful tales of Ganesh and his joy and whimsy are not a part of such a detailed scientific study. Thus; a 4 instead of a 5. All hail Ganesha, destroyer of obstacles.

The surprise in these essays was to learn of the complexity of the myth of the elephant head and how it came to be acquired. This is why I love Indian myth. There are layers and layers of meaning, all complexly attuned to the creative life. There is never a resolution to the inner life of eros and creativity; only more layers of story. We should all live this way.