Tantric Knowledge
Philosophy, History, Practice
Published on 26. June 2025
Book
Hardback
296 pages
979-8-88762-113-5 (ISBN)
Description
The most misrepresented of all Hindu traditions, Tantra is a complex interweaving of teachings and practices that pervades Vai?nava, Saiva, Sakta, and Smarta traditions. Its roots can be traced back to Vedic times and its influence has spread to Jainism, Buddhism, and beyond.
In Tantric Knowledge, Gavin Flood demystifies tantra, illustrating how it is more than just esoteric teachings, but is in fact the very fabric of the Hindu worldview. While sex and secret ritual are an element of some practices, tantra encompasses much more than that.
Tantric ideas have shaped core Hindu practices such as temple building, worship, mantra, yoga, ayurveda, meditation, and guru-disciple relationships. It is a part of everyday life. Tantric Knowledge also highlights how tantric traditions claim to possess knowledge about the nature of the universe, the nature of ourselves as human beings, and how we fit into the wider cosmos around us. Tantric knowledge is what the texts and traditions profess. The study of these traditions raises interesting questions of both historical and existential importance.
In Tantric Knowledge, Gavin Flood demystifies tantra, illustrating how it is more than just esoteric teachings, but is in fact the very fabric of the Hindu worldview. While sex and secret ritual are an element of some practices, tantra encompasses much more than that.
Tantric ideas have shaped core Hindu practices such as temple building, worship, mantra, yoga, ayurveda, meditation, and guru-disciple relationships. It is a part of everyday life. Tantric Knowledge also highlights how tantric traditions claim to possess knowledge about the nature of the universe, the nature of ourselves as human beings, and how we fit into the wider cosmos around us. Tantric knowledge is what the texts and traditions profess. The study of these traditions raises interesting questions of both historical and existential importance.
Reviews / Votes
"Tantric Knowledge is a rich and comprehensive study that brings a much-needed perspective on the informed understanding of the Tantric religion ... This is an essential reading that will dispel misunderstandings about Tantra for those smitten by the consumer-oriented, market-driven Tantric spirituality in the West." -- Madhu Khanna, former director, Centre for the Study of Comparative Religions & Civilizations, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi "In addition to his own insights from decades of deep study of the Tantric traditions, Professor Flood neatly incorporates and summarises the great advances made in recent years by other scholars. An essential resource for all those interested in the subject." -- Jim Mallinson, Boden Professor of Sanskrit, University of Oxford, and co-author of<I> Roots of Yoga</I> "A lucid exposition, Tantric Knowledge is indispensable for a serious student of the Tantras, a complex religious phenomenon about which many misconceptions persist in popular imagination." -- Bihani Sarkar, Lancaster University, author of <I>Heroic Shaktism: The Cult of Durga in Ancient Indian Kingship</I> "With this book, Professor Flood has rendered a great service by providing a much-needed overview of the entire Tantric tradition. Though short, this book covers the vast territory of Tantra with scholarly precision, summarising huge amounts of evidence in an accurate yet accessible manner." -- Christopher D. Wallis, author of <i>Tantra Illuminated</i> and <i>The</i> <i>Recognition Sutras</i>More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Insight Editions
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 160 mm
Thickness: 30 mm
Weight
794 gr
ISBN-13
979-8-88762-113-5 (9798887621135)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
05/2025
Mandala Publishing
€12.85
Available for download
Persons
Professor Gavin Flood FBA is the Dean of Academic Affairs at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and Senior Research Fellow at Campion Hall, Oxford University. He is the author of works on Hinduism and Comparative Religion including Religion and the Philosophy of Life and The Truth Within: A History of Inwardness in Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
The Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies is an academy for the study of Hindu cultures, societies, philosophies, religions, and languages. The Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies Mandala Publishing Series offers authoritative yet accessible introductions to a wide range of subjects in Hindu Studies. Each book in the series aims to present its subject matter in a form that is engaging and readily comprehensible to persons of all backgrounds - academic or otherwise - without compromising scholarly rigour. The series thus bridges the divide between academic and popular writing by preserving and utilising the best elements of both.
General Editor: Lucian Wong
Editorial Board: John Brockington, Avni Chag, James Madaio, and Valters Negribs
For information on Continuing Education Courses at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, visit www.ochsonline.org
The Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies is an academy for the study of Hindu cultures, societies, philosophies, religions, and languages. The Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies Mandala Publishing Series offers authoritative yet accessible introductions to a wide range of subjects in Hindu Studies. Each book in the series aims to present its subject matter in a form that is engaging and readily comprehensible to persons of all backgrounds - academic or otherwise - without compromising scholarly rigour. The series thus bridges the divide between academic and popular writing by preserving and utilising the best elements of both.
General Editor: Lucian Wong
Editorial Board: John Brockington, Avni Chag, James Madaio, and Valters Negribs
For information on Continuing Education Courses at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, visit www.ochsonline.org