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Rituals, Mantras and Science: An Integral Perspective
In this book the author discusses the places of science in rituals and mantras. Using structural analysis he shows that rituals in general, whether religious, political, social or otherwise have common structural patterns. These patterns are shared by poetry, music,dance and gymnastics, but not by language. Consideration of animal rituals and pathological rituals leads him to propose a general theory which unifies all rituals-like activities.
283 pages, Hardcover
First published July 15, 2004
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August 3, 2022
I began reading this book years ago and stopped about halfway because it became irrelevant to me and my study of Hindu (dharmic) spiritually and religion.
On that topic, this book is extremely valuable. It covers things that you don't commonly find elsewhere and provides a depth of insight into certain topics that make this a welcome addition to my library. I will consult it in the future.
The second half of the book is dedicated to Burde's research question regarding whether ritual and mantra can be considered science. I am not interested in that question so it took a long time for me to pick the book up again.
The author takes an approach to answering this question that is rather mathematical and hard for me to read. He otherwise leans heavily upon European scholarship that doesn't seem to have an adequate level of insight into the religio-cultural context of Hinduism.
In trying to make his topic relatable, Burde also often draws illustrations or parallel examples from nature or pop culture. I feel like this is done clumsily and is more distracting than either helpful or interesting.
The second half of the book is likely someone else's jam, but it isn't mine. The first half makes it though and earns it a permanent place in my library.
On that topic, this book is extremely valuable. It covers things that you don't commonly find elsewhere and provides a depth of insight into certain topics that make this a welcome addition to my library. I will consult it in the future.
The second half of the book is dedicated to Burde's research question regarding whether ritual and mantra can be considered science. I am not interested in that question so it took a long time for me to pick the book up again.
The author takes an approach to answering this question that is rather mathematical and hard for me to read. He otherwise leans heavily upon European scholarship that doesn't seem to have an adequate level of insight into the religio-cultural context of Hinduism.
In trying to make his topic relatable, Burde also often draws illustrations or parallel examples from nature or pop culture. I feel like this is done clumsily and is more distracting than either helpful or interesting.
The second half of the book is likely someone else's jam, but it isn't mine. The first half makes it though and earns it a permanent place in my library.
Displaying 1 of 1 review