Comparative and Critical Study of Mantrashastra

SR No.: 006540
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Mohanlal Bhagwandas Jhaveri, K V Abhayankar
Publisher: Sarabhai Manilal Nawab
Publication Year: 1944
Total Pages: 635
Language: English, Sanskrit
Classification: Book_English & Culture
File Size: 18 MB

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INTRODUCTION
or even with those of the Prophet or the angels, which are also written together with verses from the Korān and used as charms in a variety of occasions. * * * Amulets, formulas or recipes against diseases, talismans, and the operations of a magic nature with prayers verses from the Korān, and invocations with great names belong to this branch, and some consider that even sorcery practised for benevolent purposes is a part of divine magic.” Such magic is called Ulwi and all other magic Sifli. The former derives its power from revealed Scriptures, God, His Prophet, or superior angels, while the latter derives its power from non-revealed texts and lower entities.
Satanic Magic-The 'Black Art' is called Sehr, and believed nearly always to depend on the agency of evil spirits. By means of enchantment or Sorcery persons may be afflicted with various kinds of diseases and harassed in various ways.
CHARMS AND TALISMANS "They (Shaikhs and Darvishes) claim the power of interpreting dreams, and of healing, by means of spiritual remedies, both mental and bodily diseases. These remedies consist in exorcisings, and prayers" written on small rolls of paper and taken generally from the two chapters of the Qurān which refer to the work of malevolence, enchantments, witchcrafts, etc. Some invalids are asked to throw them into a cup of water, and drink the same afterwards, others are asked to carry them on their persons or in their pockets or to hang them around their necks for fifteen thirty or sixty days reciting now and then certain prayers. Some invalids are treated by the Shaikh or Darvish placing his hand on his head, making mysterious breathings on his person and touching the suffering parts. Not only to the sick but also to the healthy, as preservations against physical ailments--and even wounds
$ There are many Mantras current amongst the people generally as also amongst some of the Darvishes in which invocation with the name of God is mixed up with that with the names of Auliás, Pirs, and other persons as also Hindu deities-such as Janji. rasfor self protection and others. All of them are considered Sifli by the Muhammedans.