Samipya 1992 Vol 09 Ank 01 02

Author(s): Pravinchandra C Parikh, Bhartiben Shelat
Publisher: Bholabhai Jeshingbhai Adhyayan Sanshodhan Vidyabhavan

Page 78

Habiy.
Hypnosis is not a sleep but rather a shift in attention which can occur in a matter of seconds, either with guidance or spontaneously. Highly hypnotizable individuals are measure-prone to intensely absorbing and self-altering experiences. All hypnesis is really self hypnosis. Under guided condition, a hypnotizable individual allows a therapist or other person to structure his own shift in attention. However, not every one can be hypnotized.
So far as religious life is concerned, the role of Pūjārt, known as Bhagat, of the community and the Bhůvā, the exorciser, is very great. For each and every matter pertaining to a sacrifice, rituals, rites, pujā and performance of Jātar ceremony, these two persons are consulted. Both of them belong to Vaghari community and initiated accordingly as Pūjārt or Bhūvā. Their functions differ from each other and at the same time, suppliment each other. They control the whole religious and social life of Vaghari community. Pujārı is also referred as 'Joshi.' No date of any religious or cultural ceremony or social function is fixed up without the consent of Pajari. He decides every thing through observing ‘Dana'-grain corn. Moreover, he directs all functions whereas the ceremonies of worship is conducted and executed by the Bhūvās only.
They also function as exorcisers and sorcerers. Both these Pajaris and Bhûvās are highly respected. Both of them can be identified from each other. A silver anklet is found on the wrist of right hand of Pūjārı invariably.
Cult of Bhūva is preserved hereditary. It is handed down from one generation to other generation since time immemorial. They are selected and initiated from amongst the sons of Bhava having inherent qualities and aptitude for becoming a Bhūva. It is done with the consent of Goddess.
Bhuvās prepare themselves for their priestly role not by purification or scriptural learning but by trance or possession, thus harking back to the intoxication sought by early primitve priests from soma.
The Bhüvä distributes doras (magic threads) and anklets among the people. Such things are coveted for their efficacy in warding off the influence of evil spirits and are often sought after by people. 11
But although there may be some Bhūvās who profit by imposing upon the credulity of the Vagharies. There are many Bhūvās who do not work with the expectation of any reward, and are only actuated by benevolent motives. Many of them honestly believe that at the time when they are thrown into a state of trance, the matas or deities actually enter their bodies and speak their wishes through them as a medium. Animal Sacrifice :
Sacrifice and transcdenence are closely related to each other, regardless of its bewildering variety and many questions it raises. The purpose of sacrifice is clear. It mediates between the human being and the transcendent world.12 Vagharis of Gujarat : An Ancient Tribe
[23