Understanding Mantras

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 majpor 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.

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.

Product details

• Authors: Harvey P. Alper
• Assisted by: Harvey P Alper (Editor), Harvey P. Alper (Editor)
• Publisher: State University of New York Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.06.2008
• EAN: 9781438426020
• ISBN: 978-1-4384-2602-0
• No. of pages: 530
• Dimensions: 152 mm x 226 mm x 30 mm
• Weight: 699 g
• Series: Suny Series in Religious Studi; Suny Religious Studies
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology > Other religions; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Religion: general, reference works