Possible Selves, Body Schemas, and Sādhana: Using Cognitive Science and Neuroscience in the Study of Medieval Vaiṣṇava Sahajiyā Hindu Tantric Texts

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

In recent decades, historians of religions have turned to, and developed, entirely new methodologies for the study of religion and human consciousness. Foremost among these are a collection of approaches often termed the “cognitive science of religion” (CSR), typically drawing on cognitive science, neuroscience, linguistics, and contemporary metaphor theory. Although we are still “early” in this enterprise, I hope to show how a meaningful dialogue between religious studies and contemporary neuroscience and cognitive science can help us to better understand some intriguing mystical texts and practices from a tradition of medieval South Asian Hinduism. Known collectively as the Vaiṣṇava Sahajiyās, these followers of transgressive and antinomian Tantric Yoga provide excellent examples for exploring the nature of religion, ritual, consciousness, embodiment, identity, gender, emotions and sexuality. This paper will show how the study of these rich materials from seventeenth through eighteenth century Bengal in northeastern South Asia can be enhanced using insights from the philosopher Shaun Gallagher and the neurologist Patrick McNamara.