A Bull of a Man: Images of Masculinity, Sex, and the Body in Indian BuddhismThe androgynous, asexual Buddha of contemporary popular imagination stands in stark contrast to the muscular, virile, and sensual figure presented in Indian Buddhist texts. In early Buddhist literature and art, the Buddha’s perfect physique and sexual prowess are important components of his legend as the world’s “ultimate man.” He is both the scholarly, religiously inclined brahman and the warrior ruler who excels in martial arts, athletic pursuits, and sexual exploits. The Buddha effortlessly performs these dual roles, combining his society’s norms for ideal manhood and creating a powerful image taken up by later followers in promoting their tradition in a hotly contested religious marketplace. |
Other editions - View all
A Bull of a Man: Images of Masculinity, Sex, and the Body in Indian Buddhism John Powers Limited preview - 2009 |
A Bull of a Man: Images of Masculinity, Sex, and the Body in Indian Buddhism John Powers No preview available - 2012 |