This volume brings together compelling new research on South Asian women who have renounced worldly life for spiritual pursuits. Documenting contemporary women's experiences with intimate ethnographic narratives, this book offers feminist insights into Jain, Buddhist, Hindu and Baul ascetic traditions.

Autorentext
MEENA KHANDELWAL is Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Women's Studies, University of Iowa, USA.

SONDRA L. HAUSNER is an Anthropologist based in Kathmandu, Nepal.

ANN GRODZINS GOLD is Professor of Religion and Anthropology and Director of the South Asia Centre, Syracuse University, USA.

Inhalt
Introduction: Grounding Renunciation in the Lives of Real Women PART I: PORTRAITS OF WOMEN ON THEIR OWN Do Saints Need Sleep? Baiji's Renunciation as Service Living Practical Dharma: A Tribute to Chomo Khandru and the Bonpo Women of Lubra Village, Mustang, Nepal The True River Ganges: Tara's Begging Practices Staying in Place: The Social Actions of Radha Giri PART II: LANDSCAPES OF CONTEMPORARY TRADITIONS Passionate Renouncers: Hindu Nationalist Renouncers and the Politics of Hindutv Renunciation and Reciprocity: How Nuns and Monks Rely on Their Kin Renouncing Expectations: Single Baul Women Renouncers and the Value of Being a Wife These Hands are Not for Henna Afterword: Breaking Away