Abstract
In this chapter I present my findings from empirical research with a group of devotees who worship in a Hindu temple in the UK. I begin with some brief notes from background reading including Hindu understanding of consciousness and major gods worshipped. I explain Bhakti devotion and its origins. This is the form of worship followed by the Hindu group I studied. I introduce participants in my fieldwork, their worship practices and some of their festivals. I review their ASC experience, beginning with sacred devotion, its content and meaning. Healing aspects are discussed and I explore individual cases. Other ASC inducers and experience are mentioned including music, TV and walking in Nature.
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Sheppard, E. (2024). Hinduism in a UK Temple and Altered State Experience. In: Mild Altered States of Consciousness. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-53452-2_7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-53452-2_7
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