Ritual and speculation in early Tantrism: Studies in honor of André Padoux (Sri Garib Dass oriental series)

Book Details

• Title: Ritual and Speculation in Early Tantrism

• Author: Teun Goudriaan (Editor)

• Publisher: State University of New York Press

• Language: English

• Edition: 1993

• ISBN: 9788170303565

• Pages: 375

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 22.5 cm x 14.5 cm

• Weight: 530 gm

About the Book

“Ritual and Speculation in Early Tantrism” is a landmark scholarly anthology exploring the intricate relationship between Tantric rituals and metaphysical speculation within the Hindu tradition. Edited by eminent Indologist Teun Goudriaan, this volume brings together a diverse group of leading scholars who delve into how ceremonial practice and philosophical reflection co-evolve in early Tantric literature.

Contrary to modern assumptions that separate ritual from thought, the essays in this book reveal how Hindu philosophy and ritual are deeply intertwined, each fertilizing the other. Through in-depth studies of Saiva, Sakta, and Vaisnava traditions, the contributors shed light on foundational Tantric texts, doctrines of the Goddess, yogic practices, and symbolic cosmology.

From Agamic dualism and Trika monism to internal worship in Pancaratra and Kashmiri non-dualism, the essays provide a multifaceted understanding of Tantric ideology across time, geography, and schools of thought.

Key Features

• Covers multiple Tantric traditions—Saiva, Sakta, Pancaratra (Vaisnava), Trika, and Kaula.

• Discusses the dynamic interplay of ritual practice and speculative theology in early Tantric texts.

• Features contributions from top scholars including Alexis Sanderson, Helene Brunner, Paul Muller-Ortega, and others.

• Explores core philosophical themes such as non-duality, the Supreme Word, stages of awakening, mantra practice, and divine embodiment.

• Includes philological analysis and translations of important but lesser-known Tantric scriptures like the Svacchanda Tantra and Kubjika Upanisad.

Contributors Include

Helene Brunner, Gudrun Buhnemann, Richard H. Davis, Vrajavallabha Dviveda, Sanjukta Gupta, Minoru Hara, Paul Muller-Ortega, Navjivan Rastogi, Alexis Sanderson, Jan A. Schoterman, Raffaele Torella, and Teun Goudriaan.

Praise for the Book

“This volume is a pioneering and essential resource for scholars of Hinduism, Tantra, and Indian philosophy. It bridges the often-separated domains of ritual and theory with clarity and depth.”

“Each chapter opens up a new lens on the evolution of Tantric thought, showing how mystical practice and theological inquiry are deeply embedded in India’s religious heritage.”

Ideal For

• Scholars and students of Indology, Tantra, Hinduism, and Religious Studies

• Practitioners interested in historical and scriptural roots of Tantric yoga and ritual

• Libraries, academic institutions, and serious collectors of Hindu theological literature