Reflections on Resemblance, Ritual, and Religion

Brian K. Smith

ISBN 10: 0195055454 / ISBN 13: 9780195055450

Published by Oxford University Press, 42, 1989

About this Item

The classical Vedic texts that deal with large-scale sacrificial ritual and those writings that deal with domestic ritual have traditionally been treated as unrelated. The former are devoted to the explication of rituals that are dominated by wealthy male elites; the latter concern humble private ceremonies more open to female participation. Reflections on Resemblance, Ritual and Religion argues that there is in fact, a fundamental connection between these two large and important bodies of Indic religious literature. **** Inside the cover is a bookplate of Lauri Honko, famous Finnish professor of folklore studies. Flyleaf has a small marking. Only small wear otherwise and the dust jacket has a faded spine. 265 pp.

Seller Inventory # 1047

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Reflections on Resemblance, Ritual, and Religion
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, 42
• Publication Date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0195055454
• ISBN 13: 9780195055450
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition.
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • Drama
  • Religion
  • Social Science

About this title

Synopsis

This volume explores the organizational principles of the ancient Indian sacrificial system, and the role Vedic religion plays in later orthodox Hinduism. Smith argues that Vedic conceptions of the cosmos, the nature of the human being, visions of the afterlife, and representations of ritual theory and practice can all be understood in similar terms. Guiding all of them is the principle of hierarchical resemblance which forges interconnections and analogies between seemingly disparate things and beings. Such a classification system of superior prototypes and inferior but resembling counterparts links together the divine and the human, the social elite and the common householder, and male and female into a hierarchical whole. Illuminating such general issues as the definition of religion, the nature and purpose of ritual, the dynamics of sacrifice and substitution, and the process of change and continuity in traditions, this book serves as a guide to a complex ancient religion and its legacy.