Overview

The experience of the divine in India has three components, sight, performance, and sound. One in a trilogy of books that include Diana Eck's Darsan: Seeing the Divine in India, and Susan L. Schwartz's Rasa: Performing the Divine in India, Mantra presents an introduction to the use of sound-mantra-in the practice of Indian religion. Mantra-in the form of prayers, rituals, and chants-permeate the practice of Indian religion in both temple and home settings. This book investigates the power of mantra to transform consciousness. It examines the use and theory of mantra under various religious schools, such as the Patanjali sutras and tantra, and includes references to Hindu, Sikh, Sufi, Islam, and Buddhist traditions. This edition adds new sections on the use of sacred sound in Hindu and Sikh North American diaspora communities and on the North American non-Indian practice of yoga and mantra.

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9780231129602

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In a wide-ranging introduction to the use of mantra in Indian religions, Coward and Goa deal with the philosophy of its use in Yoga and Mimamsa, as well as its actual use in Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Muslim and Christian Communities. This is a lucid and empathetic treatment, calling attention to parallels in Western Christian practices. The book will be read with interest and understanding by undergraduate students and provides a welcome possibility for inserting this often neglected aspect of Indian religious life into introductory courses. Using Diana Eck's Darshan as a companion book, students will be introduced to two concepts that illuminate much of Indian religious practice: seeing and hearing the divine.

Author Information

Harold G. Coward is the director of the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society at the University of Victoria in British Columbia. David J. Goa is curator emeritus of the Provincial Museum of Alberta.

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