Transforming the void
Subtitle: embryological discourse and reproductive imagery in East Asian religions
By: edited by Anna Andreeva and Dominic Steavu
Series: Sir Henry Wellcome Asian series -- VOLUME 16
Publisher: Brill
Published: 2015
Place of publication: Boston
Language: eng
Number of pages: 578
ISBN-13: 9789004300675; 9789004306523
Subjects: Sex; Human reproduction; Religious aspects; Human Embryology; Religion
Description: Embryological Discourse and Reproductive Imagery in East Asian Religions considers paths to self-cultivation and salvation that are patterned on human embryological development or procreative imagery in the religions of China and Japan. Focusing on Taoism, Esoteric Buddhism, Shinto, Shugendō, and local religious traditions, the contributors to the volume provide new insight into how the body's generative processes are harnessed as powerful metaphors for spiritual attainment. This volume offers an in-depth examination of the religious dimensions of embryology and reproductive imagery, topics that have been hitherto solely approached through the lens of the history of medicine. Contributors include: Brigitte Baptandier, Catherine Despeux, Grégoire Espesset, Christine Mollier, Fabrizio Pregadio, Dominic Steavu, Lucia Dolce, Bernard Faure, Iyanaga Nobumi, Anna Andreeva, Kigensan Licha, Gaynor Sekimori.
Notes: Includes index.