Books in the Hermeneutics: Studies in the History of Religions series

Examines Ashanti, Fon, Yoruba, and Dogon trickster-figures in their social and mythical contexts and in light of contemporary thought, exploring the way the trickster links animality and ritual transformation; culture, sex, and laughter; cosmic process and personal history; and, divination and social change.

Western students have observed that religion and magic pervade not only the forms of Tibetan art, politics, and society, but also every detail of ordinary human existence. And what is the all-pervading religion of Tibet? This title presents the vital material ignored or slighted by others: the living ritual of Tibetan Buddhists.

This study considers the writings of traditional and contemporary religious mystics. It argues that not only are the mystic's responses to experiences culturally and historically conditioned, but historical context and cultural environment shape the perceptual content of the mystic's experience.

Goddess worship has long been a significant aspect of Hinduism. In this book David Kinsley, author of The Sword and the Flute-Kali & Krsna: Dark Visions of the Terrible and the Sublime in Hindu Mythology, sorts out the rich yet often chaotic history of Hindu goddess worship.