Significance of Incantation
Incantation encompasses a variety of spiritual and magical practices across different traditions. In South Asia, it can involve chants to summon supernatural beings, protective expressions in Tibetan Buddhism, or prayers for divine favor in rituals. Various texts describe incantations as sacred syllables used in meditation, magical words for invoking blessings, or spells to influence outcomes. Across disciplines such as Ayurveda and Dharmashastra, incantations serve therapeutic or protective purposes, showcasing their multifaceted significance in cultural and religious contexts.
Synonyms: Chant, Invocation, Spell, Enchantment, Conjuration, Sorcery, Hex, Charm, Mantra
In French: Incantation; In Dutch: Bezwering; In Finnish: Loitsu; In Spanish: Conjuro; In German: Beschwörung; In Malay: Mantera; In Swedish: Besvärjelse; In Portugese: Encantamento; In Italian: Incantesimo; In Polish: Zaklęcie
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Incantation'
In Buddhism, Incantation encompasses sacred chants and mantras designed to invoke spiritual power, facilitate rituals, control elements (like elephants), restore life, and express truths for intended beneficial or harmful outcomes.
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A ritualistic invocation performed by the seers to restore the young seer to life and to neutralize the poison.[1]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Sacred chants or rituals meant to invoke spiritual power in various Buddhist practices.[2]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) These are related to the hidden beings of mantras, referring to ghosts and spirits.[3]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) Incantations are related to memory and learning, and even those foremost in memory and incantations cannot completely understand the meaning of certain words.[4]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Chants or spoken phrases believed to have magical effects or invoke spiritual power.[5]
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) A series of sacred syllables or mantras used in meditation and ritual to invoke blessings and purification.[6]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Magical verses that are taught to Prince Bodhi for controlling elephants, which play an essential role in his rise to power.[7]
Hindu concept of 'Incantation'
In Hinduism, incantation defines the use of magical words or chants to invoke divine favor, healing, or protection, highlighting the practitioner's focus and the spiritual significance in various rituals and offerings across traditions.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Something that does not yield any fruits during times of adversity, but becomes efficacious and bears success during times of prosperity.[8] (2) Ritualistic recitations or spells that the speaker claims to possess the power to use to perform extraordinary feats, such as reuniting split mountains.[9]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Magical words or formulas that Khara believes could provide him with power, akin to remedies that affect living beings.[10]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Invocations related to disease and poison that are part of the sacred texts mentioned.[11]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Using incantations for gaining control over persons is sorcery and is also used for killing one's enemies, according to the provided text.[12] (2) Chanting or speaking of words believed to have magical power, particularly in rituals.[13] (3) Chants or spells claimed to have magical powers, often associated with deceitful practices.[14] (4) Chanted words or phrases believed to have magical power, often used in rituals to invoke specific outcomes.[15] (5) Chants or spells that are performed to invoke specific effects, typically associated with the role of the Brahmana.[16]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) Incantations or mantras are universally believed to possess extraordinary powers, enabling people to acquire special faculties through their use.[17] (2) This is a method for achieving perfections, such as ascending in the air through the repetition of specific mantras, as described in the text.[18]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) Incantations are a method for acquiring attainments, as described in the provided text, and are linked with specific powers such as motion in space and the ability to become minute.[19]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A spoken or chanted formula of words designed to invoke a magical effect, often spoiled by pollution during a rite.[20] (2) Ritual chants performed by the priest in the temple, invoking the goddess Camunda as part of the sacrifice.[21] (3) A series of magical words or phrases used in performing spells, crucial for attaining the desired magic but dependent on the practitioner's focus.[22] (4) A ritual declaration made by the old Malay during river excursions, involving a prepared chew of betel as an offering to water spirits.[23]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) Chanted prayers or spells intended to invoke divine protection and favor during the construction of a pillar.[24] (2) Chanted prayers or mantras offered to the deities during the rituals.[25] (3) Spiritual chants recited during the offering process to invoke the blessings of deities.[26]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) Verbal rituals recited during the offering process, aimed at seeking favor from the deities associated with the Grahas.[27]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) Sacred chants or verses recited as part of the therapeutic measures to invoke healing.[28]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A spoken word or series of words believed to have magical power, reflecting the importance of the advice given.[29]
The concept of Incantation in local and regional sources
Incantation encompasses a variety of rituals and chants, including medicinal practices, summoning spirits, and enchanting nature, highlighting its significance in cultural healing, magical interactions, and the interplay of tradition and supernatural beliefs.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A ritual chant taught by the snake to the prince's wife for harnessing the magic power.[30] (2) Rituals or chants that the ojhas planned to perform before applying any medicinal treatment to the patient.[31] (3) The series of spells recited by the monkey to aid in healing the rakhas and to barter for gifts for the children.[32]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The speaker expresses a desire to remain distant from spells or charms, indicating a preference for a simple and unadorned farewell.[33] (2) This refers to a specific word or phrase that when sung, allows someone to bring wild flowers, and experience ecstasy.[34]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A chant or formula used to summon a Brahma-Rakshasa to serve a landowner.[35]
The concept of Incantation in scientific sources
Incantation, as highlighted by Despeux, is linked to talismanic writing through spoken or chanted elements. These recitations were crucial in creating and utilizing talismans, according to regional sources.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Incantation was often part of talismanic writing, according to Despeux, highlighting the importance of spoken or chanted elements in the creation and use of talismans.[36]
Classical concept of 'Incantation'
From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1
(1) An incantation is referenced as a recited set of words, which is repeated over a patient with a toothache three times, while a mixture is rubbed on the tooth.[37]
From: Legends Of The Gods
(1) These were used against crocodiles, serpents, and other deadly reptiles and insects, with many being based on archaic texts, as seen in the Theban and Saïte Books of the Dead.[38]
From: The Liturgy of Funerary Offerings
(1) Verbal spells or charms recited as part of funerary ceremonies, intended to aid the deceased in their afterlife and prevent a second death.[39]
From: The History of Herodotus
(1) The Magians sang incantations to appease the wind, hoping to stop the storm, in addition to making sacrifices and offering to Thetis and the Nereïds.[40]