Yakṣas
Book Description
In this profound exploration of ancient spiritual traditions, renowned scholar Ananda Coomaraswamy unveils the hidden world of Yakṣas, mysterious divine beings that predate the familiar pantheon of Hindu deities. Drawing from extensive literary and archaeological sources, Coomaraswamy reconstructs a forgotten cosmology that reveals the deep spiritual significance these entities held in pre-Vedic civilization.
The author meticulously traces the origins and evolution of Yakṣas through sacred texts including Vedic, Brahmanical, and Upanishadic literature, while examining both male Yakṣas and their female counterparts, the Yakṣis. Through careful analysis of iconographic evidence and sculptural traditions, he demonstrates how these divine figures represented fundamental spiritual principles that influenced religious thought long before the arrival of Aryan traditions in the Indian subcontinent.
Originally published by the Smithsonian Institution and later expanded with substantial revisions, this scholarly work offers readers a unique window into humanity's earliest attempts to understand the divine realm. Coomaraswamy's research illuminates how ancient peoples conceived of spiritual forces that governed natural phenomena and human destiny, providing valuable insights for contemporary seekers interested in the roots of Eastern spirituality.
For those drawn to comparative mythology, ancient wisdom traditions, or the archaeological foundations of spiritual practice, this comprehensive study reveals the enduring power of humanity's oldest divine archetypes.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 257 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Yaksas (Buddhist deities)
- ✓ Explore Hindu Mythology
- ✓ Explore Hindu sculpture
- ✓ Explore Mythology, Hindu
- ✓ Explore Sculpture
- ✓ Explore Yakṣas (Hindu deities)
- ✓ Explore Indic Mythology
- ✓ Understand Buddhist philosophy and practice
