The Place of the Hidden Moon: Erotic Mysticism in the Vaisnava-Sahajiya Cult of Bengal (Paperback)

~ Edward C. Dimock Jr. (Author) "LOVE SACRED AND PROFANE..." (more)
Key Phrases: sáhitya paricaya, parakiyá woman, parakiyá women, Sukumár Sen, Ulan Phakir, Calcutta University (more...)

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Product Description

The Vaisnava-sahajiya cult that arose in Bengal in the sixteenth century was an intensely emotional attempt to reconcile the sensual and the ascetic. Exploring the history and doctrine of this cult, Edward C. Dimock, Jr., examines the works of numerous poets who are the source of knowledge about this sect. Dimock examines the life of the saint Caitanya, the mad Baul singers, the doctrines of Tantrism, the origins of the figure of Radha, and the worship of Krishna. His study will appeal to students of the history of religion as well as of Indian culture. This edition includes a new Foreword by Wendy Doniger.

"This is a magnificent book—painstakingly researched and gracefully written. . . . Professor Dimock's book is one of the most rewarding and stimulating studies to appear in recent years."—G. Richard Weldon, Journal of Asian Studies

About the Author

Edward C. Dimock, Jr., is Distinguished Service Professor in the Department of South Asian Languages and Civilizations at the University of Chicago.

Product Details

• Paperback: 332 pages
• Publisher: University Of Chicago Press (October 15, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0226152375
• ISBN-13: 978-0226152370
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,107,180 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A typical Dimock book., July 31, 2008

By	James R. Schwartz (Michigan City, Indiana) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is yet another typical Edward C. Dimock book: scholarly, well written, but thoroughly readable and enjoyable.

However, there are severe lapses in logic here (also known as philosophical fallacies). For example, the author uses the argument that, because, in the scripture known as the "Caitanya Bhagavata", Sri Nityananda knew that the "street term" for alcohol ("happiness") was, indeed, alcohol; therefore he (Nityananda) used alcohol and was therefore a sahajiya. This is faulty reasoning. I know that the current street term for LSD is "acid", and "smack" refers to heroin. But just because I know this does not mean that I have used these drugs. Therefore, the author's argument is absolutely meaningless.

The sahajiya cult of Bengal has been unnecessarily demonized, in my opinion. No religion or cult should ever be demonized (unless the "demonizer" is willing to submit himself to similar scrutiny). This is one of the few books available that shed any light upon this mysterious and esoteric cult.