Significance of Incantation
Incantation encompasses a wide range of meanings across various traditions. In South Asia, it refers to chants or formulas intended for summoning supernatural entities, invoking blessings, or achieving specific results. This includes sacred syllables in Tibetan Buddhism, ritual prayers in Shilpashastra, and spells in Vaishnavism and Purana. Moreover, it involves verbal rituals in Ayurveda and Dharmashastra aimed at invoking healing or supernatural powers. Overall, incantation is recognized as a powerful tool for spiritual and magical purposes across different cultural contexts.
Synonyms: Chant, Spell, Invocation, Enchantment, Formula, Mantra, Recitation, Charm
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 phrases that invoke spiritual power for various purposes, including protection and purification. It combines truth and ritual, serving both beneficial and magical roles in practice.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Chants or spoken phrases believed to have magical effects or invoke spiritual power.[1]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) Incantations consist of truth or protective expressions that are designed to bring about intended results, either beneficial or harmful.[2]
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) A series of sacred syllables or mantras used in meditation and ritual to invoke blessings and purification.[3]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A ritualistic invocation performed by the seers to restore the young seer to life and to neutralize the poison.[4]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Sacred chants or rituals meant to invoke spiritual power in various Buddhist practices.[5]
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.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Incantation'
In Hinduism, Incantation involves specific syllables or phrases chanted for worship, healing, and invoking divine powers. It serves sacred purposes, including rituals for protection, blessings, and connecting with higher consciousness and mystical energies.
From: Agni Purana
(1) Specific syllables or phrases used in chanting during the worship rituals intended to absorb subtle principles.[7] (2) The act of chanting or reciting specific phrases intended to invoke the goddess’s power and blessings.[8]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Magical chants used by demons to cast spells and manipulate reality during confrontations.[9]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Sacred verses or chants intended to invoke the goddess's power for assistance against Mahisha.[10]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) Magical words or formulas that Khara believes could provide him with power, akin to remedies that affect living beings.[11]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) A spoken verse or chant referenced in the sacred context of the Brahmacarya, indicating a mystical connection to Brahman.[12]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Invocations related to disease and poison that are part of the sacred texts mentioned.[13]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Chanted prayers or hymns used during the rituals of the sacrifice to invoke divine blessings.[14]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Chanting or speaking of words believed to have magical power, particularly in rituals.[15] (2) Chants or spells claimed to have magical powers, often associated with deceitful practices.[16] (3) Chanted words or phrases believed to have magical power, often used in rituals to invoke specific outcomes.[17] (4) Chants or spells that are performed to invoke specific effects, typically associated with the role of the Brahmana.[18] (5) Verbal spells or chants used in malevolent rites and sorcery intended to invoke supernatural powers for harmful purposes.[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]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) Chants or formulas used with the intention of influencing or accessing higher states of consciousness.[30]
The concept of Incantation in local and regional sources
Incantation involves various chants or formulas used in rituals, including summoning supernatural entities, aiding healing, harnessing magic, and preparing medicinal treatments. It plays a vital role in spiritual and medicinal practices, reflecting its cultural significance.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A ritual chant taught by the snake to the prince's wife for harnessing the magic power.[31] (2) Rituals or chants that the ojhas planned to perform before applying any medicinal treatment to the patient.[32] (3) The series of spells recited by the monkey to aid in healing the rakhas and to barter for gifts for the children.[33]
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.[34]