1st Edition

Female Ascetics Hierarchy and Purity in Indian Religious Movements

By Wendy Sinclair-Brull Copyright 1997
    284 Pages
    by Routledge

    290 Pages
    by Routledge

    This book examines in rich detail the neglected topic of female ascetics. Based on field research, it documents the social forces which facilitated the establishment of an Order of Ascetics for women, defying tradition in many respects. It describes the subtle methods by which the individual is transformed into a full member of the Order, and how hierarchy and purity are indeed integral to the process.

    Introduction 1 The Hindu Revival 2 The Ramakrishna Movement: From Religious 3 The Ramakrishna Movement in Kerala 4 The Foundation of a Monastic Order for Women 5 The Ramakrishna Order of Samnyasinis 6 The Monastic Inmates 7 Adjusting 8 Being and Becoming 9 Hierarchy and Rank 10 The Concept of Purity 11 Sarada Mandiram and the Local Villagers

    Biography

    Sinclair-Brull, Wendy