DIVINE FEMININE: HINDU THEALOGY (BSST-5400)

The theological vision of the Divine as Mother, once common, has almost disappeared from the world of religion. However, it has continued to flourish through the textual, liturgical, ethical, and theological traditions of the Divine Feminine, as Creator, as Creative Process, and as Creation, over a span of 3,500 years in the world of Hindu spirituality. This theology offer a powerful resource for justice—social, gendered, environmental, and ecological. The tradition of Shakti/Mahadevi offers a multidimensional theological ethos that integrates and rises beyond the polarities of transcendence and immanence, the masculine and feminine, life and liberation, dynamic creativity and contemplative tranquility, and the intuitive and empirical dimensions of experience. The course will explore the mystical narratives, sacred texts, theology, contemplative praxis, ritual art, and theories of consciousness and subtle energy associated with the theology of the Divine Feminine. The course is appropriate for MA/MTS, only  if they have prior knowledge or studies in Hindu thought and praxis & it is open to PhD/ThD (additional research), & will require reflections papers, & a term paper. We will explore centers offering the traditional rituals, and teachings of this rare theological path of God the Mother, which still remains extant as a major branch of Hindu spiritual life. The course will be offered remotely. [Auditors with faculty permission]