Abstract

VENCHI, Mariane. Riding to the center of Earth: routes for an arab and indian erotica. Cad. Pagu [online]. 2012, n.38, pp. 281-308. ISSN 0104-8333.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0104-83332012000100010.

This paper discusses the relevancy of Western theoretical and empirical concepts such as eroticism, gender, power and religion regarding narratives from Arabic, Persian and Indian traditions dealing with sacred sexuality. Furthermore it argues about the Muslim and historical concept called jahiyylia or "age of ignorance" as an essentialist concept which hides an amalgam of beliefs and ritual practices.

Keywords : Sacred Eroticism; Arab; Persian and Indian Mysticism; Orientalism.