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Author Davis, Richard H., author

Title Ritual in an oscillating universe : worshiping Śiva in medieval India / Richard H. Davis
Published Princeton, New Jersey : Princeton University Press, [1991]
©1991

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Description 1 online resource (217 pages) : illustrations
Series Princeton legacy library
Contents Frontmatter -- Contents -- Illustrations -- Preface -- Acknowledgments -- Abbreviations -- INTRODUCTION. Locating the Tradition -- CHAPTER ONE. Ritual and Human Powers -- CHAPTER TWO. Oscillation in the Ritual Universe -- CHAPTER THREE. Becoming a Siva -- CHAPTER FOUR. Summoning the Lord -- CHAPTER FIVE. Relations of Worship -- CONCLUSION -- Notes -- Glossary -- Selected Bibliography -- Index
Summary Saiva liturgy is performed in a world that oscillates: a world permeated by the presence of Siva, where humans live in a condition of bondage and where the highest aim of the soul is to attain liberation from its fetters. In this account of Indian temple ritual, Richard Davis uses medieval Hindu texts to describe the world as it is envisioned by Saiva siddhanta and the way daily worship reflects and acts within that world. He argues that this worship is not simply a set of ritualized gestures, but rather a daily catechism in which the worshiper puts into action all the major themes of Saiva philosophy: the cyclic pattern of cosmic emission and reabsorption, the human path of attaining liberation, the manifestation of divinity in the world, and the proper interrelationship of humanity and god. In re-creating the convictions and intentions of a well-versed worshiper of the twelfth century, Davis moves back and forth between philosophical and ritual texts, demonstrating the fundamental Saiva belief that the capacities of humans to know about the world and to act within it are two inter-related modalities of the unitary power of consciousness. Originally published in 1991. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These paperback editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905
Bibliography Includes bibliographical references (pages 189-193) and index
Notes In English
Print version record
Subject Siva (Hindu deity) -- Cult -- India -- History
SUBJECT Siva (Hindu deity) fast (OCoLC)fst01119826
Śiva (divinité hindoue) -- Culte. ram
Subject RELIGION -- Hinduism -- General.
RELIGION -- Comparative Religion.
Cults.
Schiwaismus
Siddhanta.
Shivaïsme.
Sivaïsme.
Vie religieuse -- Hindouisme.
Rites et cérémonies -- Hindouisme.
Philosophie hindoue.
Geschichte (700-1100)
SUBJECT India -- Religious life and customs
Subject India.
Inde -- Vie religieuse.
Genre/Form History.
Form Electronic book
ISBN 9781400862382
1400862388