Transcendence in Sports: How Do We Interpret Mysticism in Sports?

  • Loriliai Biernacki University of Colorado at Boulder
Keywords: Mind-body, cognitive science, Tantra, Gopinath Kaviraj,

Abstract

This article proposes that transcendent experiences in sports follow a model of mystical experience aligned with Tantric practices. Using the writings of 20th century scholar Gopinath Kaviraj, the mechanisms for special sports abilities operates in terms of what Kaviraj calls parakāya praveśa, entering another body. This article explores these practices in relation to sports and cognitive science.

Author Biography

Loriliai Biernacki, University of Colorado at Boulder
Loriliai Biernacki is Associate Professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

References

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Kaviraj, Gopinath. Bhāratīya Saṃskṛti aur Sādhanā. Dvitīya Khaṇḍa. Patna: Bihar Rāṣṭrabhāṣā Pariṣad 1964.

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Published
2018-08-01