Exorcism
Exorcism (from Late Latin exorcismus, from Greek ἐξορκισμός, exorkismos - binding by oath) is the religious practice of evicting demons or other spiritual entities from a person or place which they are believed to have possessed by causing the entity to swear an oath. The term became prominent in early Christianity from the early second century onward as the casting out of demons.Nevertheless, the practice is quite ancient and part of the belief system of many cultures and religions.
Judaism
In the time of Moses, non-New Testament Jewish sources report of exorcisms done by administering drugs with poisonous root extracts or others by making sacrifices.They mention that exorcisms were done by the Essene branch of Judaism (Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran).
In the time of Moses, non-New Testament Jewish sources report of exorcisms done by administering drugs with poisonous root extracts or others by making sacrifices.They mention that exorcisms were done by the Essene branch of Judaism (Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran).
Christianity
In Christianity, exorcisms are ostensibly performed using the power of Christ in the Name of Jesus or through prayer.
In Christian practice the person performing the exorcism, known as an exorcist, is often a member of the church, or an individual thought to be graced with special powers or skills. The exorcist may use prayers, and religious material, such as set formulas, gestures, symbols, icons, amulets, etc. The exorcist often invokes God, Jesus and/or several different angels and archangels to intervene with the exorcism.
In general, possessed persons are not regarded as evil in themselves, nor wholly responsible for their actions. Therefore, practitioners regard exorcism as more of a cure than a punishment. The mainstream rituals usually take this into account, making sure that there is no violence to the possessed, only that they be tied down if there is potential for violence
In Christianity, exorcisms are ostensibly performed using the power of Christ in the Name of Jesus or through prayer.
In Christian practice the person performing the exorcism, known as an exorcist, is often a member of the church, or an individual thought to be graced with special powers or skills. The exorcist may use prayers, and religious material, such as set formulas, gestures, symbols, icons, amulets, etc. The exorcist often invokes God, Jesus and/or several different angels and archangels to intervene with the exorcism.
In general, possessed persons are not regarded as evil in themselves, nor wholly responsible for their actions. Therefore, practitioners regard exorcism as more of a cure than a punishment. The mainstream rituals usually take this into account, making sure that there is no violence to the possessed, only that they be tied down if there is potential for violence
Islam
In Islam, exorcism is called ruqya chariya .It is used to repair the damage caused by sihr.It simply consists in reading some specific verses from the Quran which glorify God (e.g The Throne Verse (Arabic: آية الكرسي ʾāyatu-l-kursī), and invoke God's help. In some cases, the Azan (the call for daily prayers) is also read, as this has the effect of repelling non-angelic 'unseen beings'. In Islam, The prophet Muhammad taught his followers to read these three Surah from Quran , Surah Al-Ikhlas (The Purity of faith),Surah Al-Falaq (The Dawn),and Surah Al-Nas (Mankind)
In Islam, exorcism is called ruqya chariya .It is used to repair the damage caused by sihr.It simply consists in reading some specific verses from the Quran which glorify God (e.g The Throne Verse (Arabic: آية الكرسي ʾāyatu-l-kursī), and invoke God's help. In some cases, the Azan (the call for daily prayers) is also read, as this has the effect of repelling non-angelic 'unseen beings'. In Islam, The prophet Muhammad taught his followers to read these three Surah from Quran , Surah Al-Ikhlas (The Purity of faith),Surah Al-Falaq (The Dawn),and Surah Al-Nas (Mankind)
Hinduism
Beliefs and/or practices pertaining to the practice of exorcism are prominently connected with Hindus. Of the four Vedas (holy books of the Hindus), the Atharva Veda is said to contain the secrets related to magic and alchemy. Possession is one the siddhis (laghima) or psychic power acquired with austerity, chastity or yogic sadhana in tantric tradition. Milarepa entered the body of his disciple Gampoba with this siddhi. These beliefs are particularly strong and practiced in West Bengal, Orissa and southern states like Kerala.
The basic means of exorcism are the mantra and the yajna used in both Vedic and Tantric traditions.
Vaishnava traditions also employ a recitation of names of Narasimha and reading scriptures (notably Bhagavata Purana) aloud. According to Gita Mahatmya of Padma Purana, reading the 3rd, 7th and 8th chapter of Bhagavad Gita and mentally offering the result to departed persons helps them to get released from their ghostly situation. Kirtan, continuous playing of mantras, keeping scriptures and holy pictures of the deities (Shiva,Vishnu,Brahma,Shakti e.t.c) (esp. of Narasimha) in the house, burning incense offered during a puja, sprinkling water from holy rivers, and blowing conches used in puja are other effective practices.
Main Puranic resource on ghost- and death-related information is Garuda Purana.
It is said that ardent believer and follower of Lord Sri Hanuman are isolated from ghostly attacks and possessions
Beliefs and/or practices pertaining to the practice of exorcism are prominently connected with Hindus. Of the four Vedas (holy books of the Hindus), the Atharva Veda is said to contain the secrets related to magic and alchemy. Possession is one the siddhis (laghima) or psychic power acquired with austerity, chastity or yogic sadhana in tantric tradition. Milarepa entered the body of his disciple Gampoba with this siddhi. These beliefs are particularly strong and practiced in West Bengal, Orissa and southern states like Kerala.
The basic means of exorcism are the mantra and the yajna used in both Vedic and Tantric traditions.
Vaishnava traditions also employ a recitation of names of Narasimha and reading scriptures (notably Bhagavata Purana) aloud. According to Gita Mahatmya of Padma Purana, reading the 3rd, 7th and 8th chapter of Bhagavad Gita and mentally offering the result to departed persons helps them to get released from their ghostly situation. Kirtan, continuous playing of mantras, keeping scriptures and holy pictures of the deities (Shiva,Vishnu,Brahma,Shakti e.t.c) (esp. of Narasimha) in the house, burning incense offered during a puja, sprinkling water from holy rivers, and blowing conches used in puja are other effective practices.
Main Puranic resource on ghost- and death-related information is Garuda Purana.
It is said that ardent believer and follower of Lord Sri Hanuman are isolated from ghostly attacks and possessions
Buddhism
In Buddhism, exorcism exists depending on the Buddhist sect. Each differs from the others: some view it as metaphorical, some esoteric, and some even literal. Some Tibetan Buddhists view exorcism as being nothing more than a metaphor for expelling negative thoughts and transforming them into enlightened mind.
Certain Buddhists believe in blessings rather than exorcisms to rid themselves or property of negative thoughts and/or negative spirits.
In Buddhism, exorcism exists depending on the Buddhist sect. Each differs from the others: some view it as metaphorical, some esoteric, and some even literal. Some Tibetan Buddhists view exorcism as being nothing more than a metaphor for expelling negative thoughts and transforming them into enlightened mind.
Certain Buddhists believe in blessings rather than exorcisms to rid themselves or property of negative thoughts and/or negative spirits.
