
Word, Chant, and Song
Spiritual Transformation in Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Sikhism
Harold Coward(Author)
State University of New York Press
Will be published approx. on 2. July 2020
Book
Paperback/Softback
194 pages
978-1-4384-7576-9 (ISBN)
Description
An accessible introduction to the centrality of word, chant, and song in the Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic, and Sikh traditions.
In academic religious studies and musicology, little attention has been given to chanted word, hymns, and songs, yet these are often the key spiritual practices for lay devotees. To address this gap in knowledge, Harold Coward presents a thematic study of sacred sound as it functions in word, chant, and song for devotees in the Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic, and Sikh traditions. Each chapter begins with a brief introduction of a particular tradition's word/scripture, followed by case studies showcasing the diversity of understanding and the range of chant and song in devotee practice, and concludes with a brief illustration of new trends in music and chant within the tradition. Written in a style that will appeal to both scholars and lay readers, technical terms are clearly explained and case studies explicitly include devotees' personal experiences of songs and chants in public and private religious ritual.
In academic religious studies and musicology, little attention has been given to chanted word, hymns, and songs, yet these are often the key spiritual practices for lay devotees. To address this gap in knowledge, Harold Coward presents a thematic study of sacred sound as it functions in word, chant, and song for devotees in the Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic, and Sikh traditions. Each chapter begins with a brief introduction of a particular tradition's word/scripture, followed by case studies showcasing the diversity of understanding and the range of chant and song in devotee practice, and concludes with a brief illustration of new trends in music and chant within the tradition. Written in a style that will appeal to both scholars and lay readers, technical terms are clearly explained and case studies explicitly include devotees' personal experiences of songs and chants in public and private religious ritual.
Reviews / Votes
"Accessible, informative, and interesting, this is a fine contribution." - Anantanand Rambachan, author of A Hindu Theology of Liberation: Not-Two Is Not OneMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Albany, NY
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
US School Grade: College Graduate Student and over
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight
290 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4384-7576-9 (9781438475769)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Harold Coward
Word, Chant, and Song
Spiritual Transformation in Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Sikhism
E-Book
08/2019
1st Edition
De Gruyter
from
€76.99
Available for download
Person
Harold CowardM is Professor Emeritus of History and Founding Director of the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society at the University of Victoria in Canada. He is the author of numerous books, including Yoga and Psychology and The Perfectibility of Human Nature in Eastern and Western Thought, both also published by SUNY Press; The Philosophy of the Grammarians (volume five of The Encyclopedia of Indian Philosophies, with K. Kunjunni Raja); Mantra (with David J. Goa); and Pluralism in the World Religions.
Content
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. Hinduism: Mantra Chanting and Singing in Spiritual Transformation
2. Buddhism: Word, Chant, and Song in Spiritual Practice
3. Word, Chant, and Song on the Islamic Spiritual Path
4. Sikh Spiritual Practice: Word, Chant, and Song
Conclusion
References
Index
Introduction
1. Hinduism: Mantra Chanting and Singing in Spiritual Transformation
2. Buddhism: Word, Chant, and Song in Spiritual Practice
3. Word, Chant, and Song on the Islamic Spiritual Path
4. Sikh Spiritual Practice: Word, Chant, and Song
Conclusion
References
Index