About Book
With numerous illustrations, this work examines the dichotomy of the male and female principles in South Asian and Mediterranean religious and cultural traditions: Hindu (Sanskritic), Buddhist, Greek, Latin and western mystical traditions. It is a comparative study that explores the roots and nature of the dichotomy of the sexes in these traditions by delving into the sacred in terms of myth, concept, imagery and symbols. With extensive notes, it presents drawings of more than 60 symbols and concepts revolving around the male and the female principles. With sharp insights and reflecting painstaking research, it delves into the rich and complex meanings attached to the moon, sun, dark/light, phallus, rose, svastika, womb and weapons in various religions. The discussion shows the dichotomy of the sacred in all major religions, mostly the male being elevated and the female made subservient. It explains how dichotomies are all embedded within cultural icons and the dualism is often based upon a localised concept of a good and evil, or a right and wrong, polarity. The book will be useful to all interacted in comparative religion and cultural studies.
About Author
Fredrick W. Bunce, a Ph.D. a cultural historian of international eminence, is an authority on ancient iconography and Buddhist arts. He has been honoured with prestigious awards/commendations and is listed in Who's Who in American Art and the International Biographical Dictionary, 1980. He is currently Professor Emeritus of Art, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana. He has authored the following books all published by D.K. Printworld: * Buddhist Textile of Laos, Lan Na and the Isan - The Iconography of Design Elements. * A Dictionary of Buddhist and Hindu Iconography. * An Encyclopaedia of Buddhist Deities, Demigods, Godlings, Saints and Demons (2 vols.). * An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Deities, Demigods, Godlings, Demons and Heroes (3 vols.). * The Iconography of Architectural Plans. * Islamic Tombs in India - The Iconographical and Genesis of their Design. * Mudras in Buddhist and Hindu Practices - An Iconographic Consideration. * Numbers - Their Iconographic Consideration in Buddhist and Hindu Practices. * Royal Palaces, Residences and Pavilions of India - An Iconographic Consideration. * The Tibetan Iconography of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and other Deities - A Unique Pantheon. * The Yantra of Deities and their Numerological Foundations - An Iconographic Consideration.