Frontmatter
Contents
List of Figures and Tables
Introduction The Path of Desire Living Tantra, Vernacular Religion, and the Study of Secrets
Chapter One The Left-Hand Path Secrecy, Transgression, and the Kaula Tradition in Assam
Chapter Two "The Land of Black Magic" Healing, Enchantment, and Witchcraf
Chapter Three The Politics of Sacrifice Blood Offerings and the Struggle over Local and National Identity in Modern India
Chapter Four Dancing for the Snake Possession, Performance, and Gender in Manasā Pūjā
Chapter Five "The Cradle of Tantra" Modern Transformations of a Tantric Center from Nationalist Symbol to Tourist Destination
Chapter Six "Sinister Tāntriks" Tantra in Popular Culture, Fiction, and Film
Conclusions The Path of Desire in an Age of Capital Living Tantra in the Context of Globalization and Neoliberalism
Acknowledgments and Entanglements
Notes
Selected Bibliography
Index