Understanding Mantras (SUNY series in Religious Studies) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 143842602X ISBN 13: 9781438426020

Verlag: State University of New York Press, 2008

Über diesen Titel

Críticas:

"I know of nothing in its field that approaches this collection in scope and quality. Superior both in objectivity and in command of Sanskrit, its contributors represent the new grade of excellence in Asian studies produced in half a century of academic maturation in America. In this continent, no better selection could have been made. -- Norvin J. Hein, Yale University

"The bibliography by Alper is a tremendous piece of work --almost publishable in and of itself." -- Brian K. Smith, Barnard College

"Its greatest asset is the contribution it makes to the scholarly study of Indian religions, and more broadly to the study of ritual and to the philosophy of language." -- Glenn Yocum, Whittier College

Reseña del editor:

Understanding Mantras explores the origin, nature, function, and significance of mantras within the bounds of the Hindu tradition. It analyzes the use of mantras in the Vedic age, in the great theistic movements of Saivism and Vaisnavism, and in Tantra. A brief introduction by Alper outlines the major controversies in Western scholarship concerning the nature of mantras and gives an insightful and suggestive paradigm for resolving the issues. The essays provide enlightenment into the Indian mantric tradition, and into Western attempts to understand that tradition. They also discuss the issues surrounding the debate over whether mantras should count as instances of language.

Of immeasurable worth is the comprehensive bibliographical and methodological essay and list contributed by Professor Alper. This essay covers more than 1600 items and situates mantra contextually in Indian history, society, and culture. It approaches a bibliography of all of Hinduism and will serve as an invaluable tool for future research.

Harvey P. Alper was Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Southern Methodist University from 1974 to 1987. As a Sanskritist, his primary interest was the religious traditions of South Asia. He served as editor of the SUNY series on Saiva Traditions of Kashmir. Professor Alper died suddenly on April 4, 1987 after completing the editorial work on the present volume.

Über diese Auflage

• Verlag: State University of New York Press
• Erscheinungsdatum: 2008
• ISBN 10: 143842602X
• ISBN 13: 9781438426020
• Einband: Tapa blanda
• Anzahl der Seiten: 538
• Herausgeber: Alper Harvey P.