This elegantly written book introduces a new perspective on Indic religious history by rethinking the role of mantra in Vedic ritual. In Bringing the Gods to Mind; Laurie Patton takes a new look at mantra as "performed poetry" and in five case studies draws a portrait of early Indian sacrifice that moves beyond the well-worn categories of "magic" and "magico-religious" thought in Vedic sacrifice. Treating Vedic mantra as a sophisticated form of artistic composition; she develops the idea of metonymy; or associational thought; as a major motivator for the use of mantra in sacrificial performance. Filling a long-standing gap in our understanding; her book provides a history of the Indian interpretive imagination and a study of the mental creativity and hermeneutic sophistication of Vedic religion.
#4115941 in Books 2000-01-11Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .98 x 8.40 x 11.87l; #File Name: 0520222415284 pages
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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Ancestry researchBy PhyllisGave this as a gift to someone researching his ancestry. He loved the book and said it was very helpful and informative.
