Bhakti, Tantra, Yoga, and Sufism in North India Flashcards
What is the main focus of Burchett’s A Genealogy of Devotion?
The book examines the historical development of devotional (bhakti) traditions in North India and their interactions with Tantra, Yoga, and Sufism.
Why does Burchett emphasize a genealogical approach to bhakti?
He traces how bhakti evolved over time and was shaped by social, political, and religious influences, rather than seeing it as a timeless, singular tradition.
What is the common misconception about bhakti that Burchett challenges?
The idea that bhakti was a purely spiritual, egalitarian movement separate from ritualism, Tantra, or elite traditions.
How does Bhakti relate to Tantra and Yoga in historical development?
Bhakti interacted with and incorporated elements of Tantric practices and Yogic disciplines, rather than being entirely distinct from them.
What role does Sufism play in Burchett’s analysis?
Sufism, an Islamic mystical tradition, influenced and was influenced by bhakti traditions, particularly in the context of North Indian devotional practices.
How does Burchett challenge the idea of bhakti as anti-Brahminical?
He argues that while some bhakti movements critiqued Brahmin orthodoxy, others were deeply connected to elite traditions and rituals.
What historical time period does Burchett focus on?
He examines pre-modern and early modern North India, particularly from the medieval period onward.
Why is it important to study bhakti in relation to Tantra and Yoga?
Bhakti, Tantra, and Yoga coexisted and influenced each other, rather than developing as separate, isolated traditions
How does Burchett’s approach differ from traditional narratives of bhakti history?
Instead of viewing bhakti as an independent, spiritual movement, he examines its complex interactions with other religious traditions.
