Research Catalog

Title

The body incantatory : spells and the ritual imagination in medieval Chinese Buddhism / Paul Copp.

Author

Copp, Paul F., 1965-

Publication

New York : Columbia University Press, [2014]

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Description

xxx, 363 pages : illustrations; 24 cm

Summary

Whether chanted as devotional prayers, intoned against the dangers of the wilds, or invoked to heal the sick and bring ease to the dead, incantations were pervasive features of Buddhist practice in late medieval China (600--1000 C.E.). Material incantations, in forms such as spell-inscribed amulets and stone pillars, were also central to the spiritual lives of both monks and laypeople. In centering its analysis on the Chinese material culture of these deeply embodied forms of Buddhist ritual, The Body Incantatory reveals histories of practice -- and logics of practice -- that have until now remained hidden. Paul Copp examines inscribed stones, urns, and other objects unearthed from anonymous tombs; spells carved into pillars near mountain temples; and manuscripts and prints from both tombs and the Dunhuang cache. Focusing on two major Buddhist spells, or dharani, and their embodiment of the incantatory logics of adornment and unction, he makes breakthrough claims about the significance of Buddhist incantation practice not only in medieval China but also in Central Asia and India. Copp's work vividly captures the diversity of Buddhist practice among medieval monks, ritual healers, and other individuals lost to history, offering a corrective to accounts that have overemphasized elite, canonical materials. --Provided by publisher.

Series Statement

The Sheng Yen series in Chinese Buddhist studies

Uniform Title

Sheng Yen series in Chinese Buddhist studies.

Subjects

• Buddhist incantations
• History
• Buddhism > China > Rituals > History
• Buddhismus
• Buddhist incantations > History
• Buddhism > Rituals
• China
• Beschwörung

Genre/Form

History.

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references and index.

Contents

Introduction: Dharanis and the study of buddhist spells -- Scripture, relic, talisman, spell -- Amulets of the incantation of wish fulfillment -- Dust, shadow, and the incantation of glory -- Mystic store and wizards' basket.

Call Number

JFE 16-5232

ISBN

• 9780231537780
• 0231537786
• 9780231162708
• 0231162707
• 9780231537780 (canceled/invalid)

LCCN

2013036862

OCLC

879552712

Author

Copp, Paul F., 1965- author.

Title

The body incantatory : spells and the ritual imagination in medieval Chinese Buddhism / Paul Copp.

Publisher

New York : Columbia University Press, [2014]

Type of Content

text

Type of Medium

unmediated

Type of Carrier

volume

Series

The Sheng Yen series in Chinese Buddhist studies

Sheng Yen series in Chinese Buddhist studies.

Bibliography

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Local Note

AUTH: U CHICAGO. EXPLORES STONES, URNS & OTHER OBJECTS TO DISCUSS BUDDHIST INCANTATION PRACTICE.

Research Call Number

JFE 16-5232