Malleable Mara: Transformations of a Buddhist Symbol of Evil
Michael D. Nichols
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| This is the first book to examine the development of the figure of Mara, who appears across Buddhist traditions as a personification of death and desire. Portrayed as a combination of god and demon, Mara serves as a key antagonist to the Buddha, his followers, and Buddhist teaching in general. From ancient India to later Buddhist thought in East Asia to more recent representations in Western culture and media, Mara has been used to satirize Hindu divinities, taken the form of wrathful Tibetan gods, communicated psychoanalytic tropes, and appeared as a villain in episodes of Doctor Who. Michael D. Nichols details and surveys the historical transformations of the Mara figure and demonstrates how different Buddhist communities at different times have used this symbol to react to changing social and historical circumstances. Employing literary and cultural theory, Nichols argues that the representation of Mara closely parallels and reflects the social concerns and anxieties of the particular Buddhist community producing it. |
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Religious Journeys in India: Pilgrims, Tourists, and Travelers
Andrea Marion Pinkney and John Whalen-Bridge (editors)
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| In an increasingly global world where convenient modes of travel have opened the door to international and intraregional tourism and brought together people from different religious and ethnic communities, religious journeying in India has become the site of evolving and often paradoxical forms of self-construction. Through ethnographic reflections, the contributors to this volume explore religious and nonreligious motivations for religious travel in India and show how pilgrimages, missionary travel, the exportation of cultural art forms, and leisure travel among coreligionists are transforming not only religious but also regional, national, transnational, and personal identities. The volume engages with central themes in South Asian studies such as gender, exile, and spirituality; a variety of religions, including Sikhism, Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity; and understudied regions and emerging places of pilgrimage such as Manipur and Maharashtra. |
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Battling 498A: A Father’s Fight for His Son’s Justice
Bipin Jain
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| Battling 498A: A Father’s Fight for His Son’s Justice is a poignant and deeply emotional narrative that delves into the complexities of familial relationships, love, and resilience. Through the eyes of the protagonist, the reader is taken on a journey marked by legal battles, heartache, and an unwavering hope for reconciliation. The story captures the essence of enduring love amidst adversity and the profound impact of forgiveness and acceptance.In this compelling tale, the protagonist faces an unexpected twist when his estranged daughter-in-law returns with a surprising demand, challenging his notions of family and love. As he navigates the turbulent waters of rejection and hope, the story beautifully portrays his inner struggles and the lessons learned about the strength of the human spirit.Battling 498A: A Father’s Fight for His Son’s Justice is more than just a story; it is a testament to the enduring power of love, the importance of family, and the resilience required to face life’s most challenging moments. Through its authentic and heartfelt narrative, this book offers readers a glimpse into the transformative journey of its characters, leaving a lasting impression of hope and perseverance. |
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