Transcendent in America: Hindu-Inspired Meditation Movements as New Religion (New and Alternative Religions)
"Highly recommended."-CHOICE,"Bringing together history and ethnographic interviews,(NYU Press, $23) argues that Hindu-inspired meditation movements are a distinct type of new religious movement, even if their followers and leaders may repeat the "mantra" that they are "spiritual but not religious."" -Religion Watch,“In this highly readable study, Williamson not only places Hindu-inspired meditation movements within the larger picture of the historical context of American religion and culture, but also gives us an intimate glimpse into the motivations and experiences of long-time practitioners. Combining both insider and outsider perspectives, she provides a rich, balanced, and sympathetic account of these movements, while not shying away from the controversies they have generated. This book is a ‘must-read’ for those interested in both Indian spirituality and American pluralism.”-Kathleen M. Erndl,author ofVictory to the Mother: The Hindu Goddess of Northwest India in Myth, Ritual, and Symbol