Possible Selves, Body Schemas, and Sādhana: Using Cognitive Science and Neuroscience in the Study of Medieval Vaiṣṇava Sahajiyā Hindu Tantric Texts
Journal of Dharma Studies August 5, 2014 G. Hayes
Historians of religion have adopted methods from cognitive science, neuroscience, linguistics, and metaphor theory, collectively called the cognitive science of religion (CSR). This paper argues that dialogue between religious studies and neuroscience can illuminate mystical texts and practices from a tradition of medieval South Asian Hinduism known as the Vaiṣṇava Sahajiyās. These followers of transgressive Tantric Yoga from seventeenth- to eighteenth-century Bengal provide examples for exploring religion, ritual, consciousness, embodiment, identity, gender, emotions, and sexuality. The study uses insights from philosopher Shaun Gallagher and neurologist Patrick McNamara to enhance understanding of these materials.