On the subject of Abhiṣeka

Orzech, C. (2011) On the subject of Abhiṣeka. Pacific World: Journal of the Institute of Buddhist Studies, 3(13), pp. 113-128.

Abstract

This article represents a new approach to the study of Buddhist, and especial Esoteric or Tantric Buddhism. Western studies of Buddhism have typically focused on doctrine and have largely ignored ritual and liturgy, despite the preponderance of liturgical texts present in various Buddhist canons. Building on recent work on the liturgical or ritual construction of publicly shared forms of subjectivity in Christianity, I demonstrate that the core rituals of East Asian Esoteric Buddhism are designed to produce a form of publicly shared subjectivity. Initiation rituals in Esoteric Buddhism (abhiá¹£eka) are structured around the public performance of possession designed to install a deity in a person and transform that person into a living icon. By focusing on a publicly shared subject produced in the performance of ritual I critique the modern notion of the individual and inaccessible subject articulated by William James and widely used to understand religious experience.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Actually appeared Fall 2012 (Journal is now one year behind).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Orzech, Dr Charles
• Authors: Orzech, C.
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion; D History General and Old World > DS Asia
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Critical Studies > Theology and Religious Studies
• Journal Name: Pacific World: Journal of the Institute of Buddhist Studies
• Publisher: Institute of Buddhist Studies
• ISSN: 0897-3644