Upclose with Rajarshi Nandy: Hindu Dharma, Tantra, Devatas, Pashubali & Clash of Civilisations

Rajarshi Nandy is an author, speaker, scholar and tantra practitioner who is committed to rectifying the negative stereotypes and colonial era prejudices about Tantra and Hindu Dharma even among Hindus themselves. In this episode of Upclose, he speaks with Ashish Dhar on his book (Adhyatmikta), the infallibility of Shastras (scriptures), the authority of the Guru, Pashu Bali, the clash of civilisations and much more. 0:00 - Introduction 1:26 - About Rajarshi’s book ’Adhyatmikta’ 5:34 - The place of shāstra in the Hindu religion 11:51 - Who is a sādhaka? 19:16 - Sadhana is for everyone 26:58 - Devatas and their Ganas (attendants) 36:30 - How does an ordinary Hindu start doing sadhana? 47:38 - What is adhikāra and why it matters? 54:46 - Deeksha (initiation) and adhikāra 01:07:55 - Effect of colonial history on Tantra 01:26:00 - Various Durga puja kramas 01:32:23 - The culture of studying texts is extremely important 01:36:38 - Esoteri