Understanding Mantras - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 8120818962 ISBN 13: 9788120818965

Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass,, 2003

Synopsis

This book explores the origin, nature, function and significance of mantras within the bounds of the hindu tradition. It analyses the use of mantras in vedic age in the great theistic movements of Saivism and Vaishanavism and in Tantra. The introduction outlines the controversies in western scholarship concerning the nature of mantras and gives an insighhtful paradigm for resolving the issues. these essays provide enlightenment into the indian mantric tradition. Of immeasurable worth is the comprehensive bibliographical essay and list contributes by Prof. Alper. It covers more than 1600 items and situates mantra contextually in indian history, society and culture. It approaches a bibliography on all of hinduism and will serve as an invaluable tool foe future research.

About this title

About the Author

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.

Review

"This is the single best effort to date on the whole issue of mantra." "Superior both in objectivity and in command of Sanskrit, its contributors represent the new grade of excellence in asian studies produced in half century of academic maturation in America. In this continent, no better selection could have been made." Norwin J. Hein Yale university --Norwin J. Hein Yale university

Edition details

• Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass,
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 8120818962
• ISBN 13: 9788120818965
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 546
• Editor: Harvey P. Alper