About the book
Drawing on original field research, Dealing with Deities explores the practice of taking ritual vows in the lives of ordinary religious practitioners in South Asia. The cornerstone of lay religious activity, vow rituals are adopted by Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs who wish to commit themselves to ritually enacted relationships with sacred figures in order to gain earthly boons and spiritual merit. The contributors to this volume offer a fascinating look at the varieties and complexities of vows and also focus on a unique characteristic of this vow-taking culture, that of resorting to deities and shrines of other religions in defiance of institutional directives and religious boundaries. Richly illustrated, the book explores the creativity of South Asian devotees and their deeply felt convictions that what they require, they can achieve faithfully—and independently—by dealing directly with deities.
Editions of Dealing with Deities
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780791467077
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780791467084
- PDF
- ISBN 9780791482001
Read an Excerpt
Drawing on original field research, Dealing with Deities explores the practice of taking ritual vows in the lives of ordinary religious practitioners in South Asia. The cornerstone of lay religious activity, vow rituals are adopted by Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs who wish to commit themselves to ritually enacted relationships with sacred figures in order to gain earthly boons and spiritual merit. The contributors to this volume offer a fascinating look at the varieties and complexities of vows and also focus on a unique characteristic of this vow-taking culture, that of resorting to deities and shrines of other religions in defiance of institutional directives and religious boundaries. Richly illustrated, the book explores the creativity of South Asian devotees and their deeply felt convictions that what they require, they can achieve faithfully—and independently—by dealing directly with deities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dealing with Deities about?
Drawing on original field research, Dealing with Deities explores the practice of taking ritual vows in the lives of ordinary religious practitioners in South Asia. The cornerstone of lay religious activity, vow rituals are adopted by Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs who wish to commit themselves to ritually enacted relationships with sacred figures in order to gain earthly boons and spiritual merit. The contributors to this volume offer a fascinating look at the varieties and complexities of vows and also focus on a unique characteristic of this vow-taking culture, that of resorting to deities and shrines of other religions in defiance of institutional directives and religious boundaries. Richly illustrated, the book explores the creativity of South Asian devotees and their deeply felt convictions that what they require, they can achieve faithfully—and independently—by dealing directly with deities.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Dealing with Deities?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Islam > Islamic life and practice
Where can I read a sample of Dealing with Deities?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780791467077
How long is Dealing with Deities and how many pages does it have?
Dealing with Deities has 288 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Dealing with Deities?
Selva J. Raj, William P. Harman
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Dealing with Deities is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780791467077) and paperback(ISBN 9780791467084) and pdf(ISBN 9780791482001)
Where can I buy Dealing with Deities online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Dealing with Deities from below
Where can I buy Dealing with Deities?