Anthropology and the limits of secular reason -- Gnosticism and the pursuit of the sacred -- Traditionalism : a dialectic of authenticity -- Gnostics, religion and the (mis)recognition of modernity -- Modern mystics : towards a gnostic science -- The inner journey of the gnostic self : ethics and politics -- Other worlds or ours? : sacred/secular/gnostic/modern -- What if culture didn't matter? : Asian studies and the new universalism(s)
Summary
"Examines a large number of Europeans who, disillusioned with western culture and religion after World War I, and anticipating the spiritual seekers of the counterculture, turned to the religious traditions of Asia for inspiration. Harshly criticized by both scholars and religious reformers, their project of "Gnostic Diplomacy" became of continuing relevance in a time of violent clashes between inhabitants of 'secular' and 'sacred' worlds"-- Provided by publisher
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 173-186) and index
