Yab-Yum

A goddess is a female deity. In some faiths, a sacred female figure holds a central place in religious prayer and worship. For example, Shaktism (one of the three major Hindu sects), holds that the ultimate deity, the source of all reality, is Supreme Goddess (Mahaiia) and in some forms of Tantric Shaivism, the pair of Shiva and Shakti are the ultimate principle (with the goddess representing the active, creative power of God). Meanwhile, in Vajrayana Buddhism, ultimate reality is often seen as being composed of two principles depicted as two deities in union (yab yum, "father-mother") symbolising the non-duality of the two principles of perfect wisdom (female) and skillful compassion (male). A single figure in a monotheistic faith that is female may be identified simply as god because of no need to differentiate by gender or with a diminutive. An experiment to determine the effect of psychedelics on subjects composed of leaders from diverse religious groups revealed a general experience that the divine the subjects encountered was feminine.

Polytheist religions, including Polytheistic reconstructionists, honour multiple goddesses and gods, and usually view them as discrete, separate beings. These deities may be part of a pantheon, or different regions may have tutelary deities. In many known cultures, goddesses are often linked with literal or metaphorical pregnancy or imagined feminine roles associated with how women and girls are perceived or expected to behave. This includes themes of spinning, weaving, beauty, love, sexuality, motherhood, domesticity, creativity, and fertility (exemplified by the ancient mother goddess cult). Many major goddesses are also associated with magic, war, strategy, hunting, farming, wisdom, fate, earth, sky, power, laws, justice, and more. Some themes, such as discord or disease, which are considered negative within their cultural contexts also are found associated with some goddesses. There are as many differently described and understood goddesses as there are male, shapeshifting, devilish, or neuter gods.

Eastern esotericism is a term utilized by various scholars to describe a broad range of religious beliefs and practices originating from the Eastern world, characterized by esoteric, secretive, or occult elements. The classification of Eastern esotericism presents challenges, as it is influenced by varying geographical and cultural definitions of "Eastern" and "Western" contexts, particularly in relation to Islamic nations. The delineation of esotericism itself can vary among scholars, with some arguing that the concept is predominantly rooted in Western traditions. This perspective raises important questions regarding the applicability of a Western framework to non-Western practices, potentially leading to classifications that may not accurately reflect the complexities of these traditions. Conversely, other scholars propose a more globalized viewpoint, suggesting that comparable systems of secret knowledge and mystical practices exist across different cultures and warrant examination within a unified framework.

Despite these ongoing debates, the concept of Eastern esotericism has been adopted by many scholars as a relevant category for investigating the nuanced dimensions of spiritual life in various Eastern traditions. This includes elements found in Hinduism and Buddhism, where secret teachings, initiatory rites, and mystical experiences are significant. Additionally, Eastern esotericism encompasses a variety of ethnic religions and syncretic systems that integrate indigenous beliefs with other spiritual influences, thereby broadening the scope of study in this area. Overall, the term serves as a foundation for exploring the diverse and intricate landscape of esoteric thought and practice across the Eastern world.