The Progressive “Exotericization” and “Institutionalization” Of an Esoteric Tradition
The Progressive “Exotericization” and “Institutionalization” Of an Esoteric Tradition
This short chapter demonstrates that the esoteric elements of the tradition of the Bengali Kartābhajā sect would eventually become an increasing source of embarrassment. They were to be progressively institutionalized and marginalized as a later tradition evolved from the secretive obscure cult centring around the mysterious mad Fakir Bā into a largely innocuous, well‐organized, and rather, bureaucratic, and popular devotional faith centring around the miraculous healing powers of the Satī Mā, and the sacred hierarchy of the Mahāśays (regional gurus).
Keywords: Bengal, cults, faiths, India, Kartābhajās, secrecy, sects
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