David Gordon White, born in 1953, is an American scholar specializing in Indology, with a particular focus on the historical study of yoga and tantra. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, where he studied under Mircea Eliade. White currently serves as the J. F. Rowny Professor of Comparative Religion at the University of California, Santa Barbara. His academic work has been recognized with awards, including a CHOICE book selection and a PROSE book award honorable mention for his book "Sinister Yogis."

White's scholarship has significantly contributed to the understanding of yoga and tantric traditions, leading many researchers to explore these fields. However, his interpretations have also drawn criticism. Scholars like James Mallinson have pointed out perceived biases in White's work, suggesting he sometimes overlooks contradictory evidence or selectively uses textual material to support his arguments. Gerald James Larson, while acknowledging the value of White's detailed research on tantra, has questioned his assertions about tantra being the sole "mainstream" South Asian religiosity and critiqued his call for a complete "revisioning" of scholarly views, arguing it might overlook the region's vast spiritual diversity. White's work has also been critiqued for its handling of specific practices and its linguistic and textual dating accuracy.

David Gordon White earned his undergraduate degree in South Asian Studies from the University of Wisconsin in 1975. He continued his academic pursuits at the University of Chicago, obtaining a Master's degree in Religion in 1981 and a Ph.D. in the history of religions in 1988. His doctoral dissertation explored themes related to 'Dog-Men on the Borders of Medieval Europe, India, and China.' During his studies, he served as an assistant to the influential historian of religions, Mircea Eliade. Since 1996, White has been a faculty member at the University of California, Santa Barbara, holding the position of J. F. Rowny Professor of Comparative Religion. He has authored numerous academic publications focusing on the historical development of yoga.

White is recognized for his extensive research into the history of yoga and tantra, with his book "Sinister Yogis" receiving notable academic accolades. His work has been influential, inspiring further scholarly inquiry into these complex traditions. However, his interpretations have also faced critical examination. Some scholars argue that White's analyses sometimes present a particular viewpoint by selectively engaging with evidence or by conflating distinct concepts, such as yoga practices and their purported results (siddhis). Critiques have also been raised regarding his linguistic competence and dating of ancient texts. White's assertion that tantra was the dominant religious force in South Asia for centuries has been challenged as potentially oversimplifying the region's rich and diverse spiritual landscape.

Much of David Gordon White's academic output centers on the historical evolution and diverse expressions of yoga and tantra within South Asian religious traditions. His work often delves into alchemical traditions, yogic bodies, and comparative demonology, examining the intersection of these elements across different cultures and historical periods. He has explored specific practices like vajroli mudra and has engaged with the concept of yogic powers (siddhis). White's research also touches upon the broader historiography of Hinduism and the challenges of defining "mainstream" religious practices in ancient and medieval South Asia, advocating for a re-evaluation of established scholarly paradigms.