Bull of a Man: Images of Masculinity, Sex, and the Body in Indian Buddhism

by John Powers

Book Overview

The androgynous, asexual Buddha of contemporary popular imagination stands in stark contrast to the muscular, virile, and sensual figure presented in Indian Buddhist texts. In early Buddhist literature and art, the Buddha's perfect physique and sexual prowess are important components of his legend as the world's "ultimate man." He is both the scholarly, religiously inclined brahman and the warrior ruler who excels in martial arts, athletic pursuits,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0674064038
• ISBN13: 9780674064034
• Release Date: April 2012
• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.26 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.1" x 9.1"