Uses of the body in religion 1.Body as metaphor 2.The social body 3.Body and experience – limits and their transcendence

The body as metaphor Because we all have bodies… Body is relatable model with which to think about – Social order – Cosmic order

Myth Myths of creation often focus on emergence/creation/birth of human bodies and their differentiation

Human origins and moral order Creation and proper human society – Controversies of creationism/evolution? End of world – Perversion or reversal of creation processes

Body boundaries and integrity Purity and body integrity – Eating/eliminating/wound s and healing How to keep the body’s substance uncompromised – Food taboos – Health food/veganism etc.?

Ritual Because the body is not constant, therefore its fluctuations and changes draw attention – Pregnancy and childbirth – Puberty – Menstruation – Menopause – Senescence – Death

Altering/transforming the body Body disciplines important in many religious traditions – Asceticism/chastity/mortification – Entering religious institutions may involve adjustments to the body

Dealing with anomaly What about “liminal” bodies? – Those that don’t seem to “fit” comfortably within social categories

Hijras in culture and society Loss of their own powers = power over others Blessing of marriages and birthsmarriages Prostitution and begging in city settings Political activism Third sex recognition

Social body How does body present itself in social life? Dress/behavior/demeanor

Meanings of veiling Sexual desire is natural Experienced by both sexes Restraint cannot be exercised solely by individuals – women must conceal selves/ be concealed – men must comply with standards veiling imply

Wearing a veil/obeying its rules Communicates that the wearer and the observer acknowledge social rules – Are accepted and protected by appropriate social institutions – The family

Hijab/burqa “ Portable walls ” Allow movement outside the home Variability in style/pattern of wear

Veil as symbolic statement Communicates presence of Muslim community Anti-westernization – Commoditization – Media Though now is definitely part of fashion market