New Books in Indian Religions
Pravina Rodrigues, "A Sakta Method for Comparative Theology: Upside Down, Inside Out" (Lexington, 2023)
Feb 28, 2024
Pravina Rodrigues, an expert in Śākta thealogy and adjunct faculty at the Starr King School, sheds light on the often-overlooked Hindu perspectives in comparative theology. She introduces a groundbreaking Śākta method, emphasizing the significance of divine feminine energy and the complexities of religious diversity. With insights from her personal journey from Catholicism to Shaktism, Rodrigues critiques traditional methodologies, promoting immersive experiences and community engagement as vital for understanding ultimate reality.
26:23
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast highlights the need for a Śākta approach in comparative theology, emphasizing an inclusive understanding of divine femininity in religious practices.
- It introduces a new Shakta method that encourages embodied and sensory engagement with spirituality, challenging traditional intellectualized theological frameworks.
Deep dives
Understanding Shaktism and Its Relevance
Shaktism is a tradition within Hinduism that involves the worship of Shakti, the divine feminine energy. Practitioners of this tradition, known as Shaktas, view Shakti not just as an abstract concept but as the source of all creation, embodying both power and energy. The speaker explains this connection by sharing their personal journey of transitioning from a Catholic upbringing to embracing Shaktism, utilizing their doctoral research to explore how Shaktas perceive other religions. This perspective reveals a unique approach to comparative theology, encouraging a more inclusive understanding of spiritual practices that honors the feminine aspect of the divine.
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