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

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

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

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

5. 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.?

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

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

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

12. 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

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

14. 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

15. 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

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

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