About the book
2019 CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title
This is the first book to examine the development of the figure of Māra, who appears across Buddhist traditions as a personification of death and desire. Portrayed as a combination of god and demon, Māra serves as a key antagonist to the Buddha, his followers, and Buddhist teaching in general. From ancient India to later Buddhist thought in East Asia to more recent representations in Western culture and media, Māra has been used to satirize Hindu divinities, taken the form of wrathful Tibetan gods, communicated psychoanalytic tropes, and appeared as a villain in episodes of Doctor Who. Michael D. Nichols details and surveys the historical transformations of the Māra figure and demonstrates how different Buddhist communities at different times have used this symbol to react to changing social and historical circumstances. Employing literary and cultural theory, Nichols argues that the representation of Māra closely parallels and reflects the social concerns and anxieties of the particular Buddhist community producing it.
Editions of Malleable Māra
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781438473215
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781438473222
- PDF
- ISBN 9781438473239
Read an Excerpt
2019 CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title
This is the first book to examine the development of the figure of Māra, who appears across Buddhist traditions as a personification of death and desire. Portrayed as a combination of god and demon, Māra serves as a key antagonist to the Buddha, his followers, and Buddhist teaching in general. From ancient India to later Buddhist thought in East Asia to more recent representations in Western culture and media, Māra has been used to satirize Hindu divinities, taken the form of wrathful Tibetan gods, communicated psychoanalytic tropes, and appeared as a villain in episodes of Doctor Who. Michael D. Nichols details and surveys the historical transformations of the Māra figure and demonstrates how different Buddhist communities at different times have used this symbol to react to changing social and historical circumstances. Employing literary and cultural theory, Nichols argues that the representation of Māra closely parallels and reflects the social concerns and anxieties of the particular Buddhist community producing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Malleable Māra about?
2019 CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title
This is the first book to examine the development of the figure of Māra, who appears across Buddhist traditions as a personification of death and desire. Portrayed as a combination of god and demon, Māra serves as a key antagonist to the Buddha, his followers, and Buddhist teaching in general. From ancient India to later Buddhist thought in East Asia to more recent representations in Western culture and media, Māra has been used to satirize Hindu divinities, taken the form of wrathful Tibetan gods, communicated psychoanalytic tropes, and appeared as a villain in episodes of Doctor Who. Michael D. Nichols details and surveys the historical transformations of the Māra figure and demonstrates how different Buddhist communities at different times have used this symbol to react to changing social and historical circumstances. Employing literary and cultural theory, Nichols argues that the representation of Māra closely parallels and reflects the social concerns and anxieties of the particular Buddhist community producing it.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Malleable Māra?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Buddhism
Where can I read a sample of Malleable Māra?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781438473215
How long is Malleable Māra and how many pages does it have?
Malleable Māra has 268 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Malleable Māra?
Michael D. Nichols
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Malleable Māra is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781438473215) and paperback(ISBN 9781438473222) and pdf(ISBN 9781438473239)
Where can I buy Malleable Māra online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Malleable Māra from below
Where can I buy Malleable Māra?