Significance of Magic
Synonyms: Sorcery, Enchantment, Illusion, Witchcraft, Conjuring, Necromancy, Mysticism, Supernaturalism, Spell, Alchemy
In Swedish: Magi; In Malay: Sihir; In Spanish: Magia; In Dutch: Magie; In German: Magie; In French: Magie; In Finnish: Taika
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Magic'
Magic in Buddhism encompasses practices that manipulate natural laws, as seen in the teachings of the Great Teacher's daughter, and the extraordinary abilities of Buddhas to navigate multiple realms, reflecting spiritual and supernatural dimensions.
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Practices associated with manipulation of natural laws, which were explored by the daughter of the Great Teacher.[1]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The phenomena by which Buddhas can traverse different realms or heavens with extraordinary capability, often understood in a spiritual or supernatural context.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Magic'
In Hinduism, Magic encompasses Maya as an illusionary force, the Vetala’s supernatural abilities, a metaphor for misconceptions about effortless spiritual attainment, and the use of powers in Tantras and Vedic rituals to influence events.
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) An illusionary force, represented here as Maya, that causes appearances of reality without being so.[3]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) A metaphor for the misconception that spiritual attainment can be achieved effortlessly, highlighting the need for genuine effort and dedication.[4]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The supernatural ability of the Vetala that allows him to return to his place after leaving King Trivikramasena.[5]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) The practice of using supernatural powers to influence events or outcomes, present in both the Tantras and early Vedic rituals.[6]
The concept of Magic in local and regional sources
Magic in the text encompasses supernatural elements driving wealth and misfortune, the Jogi's transformative abilities, crucial alchemical and astrological factors in creating precious pills, and its use by the Rakshasi to harm the Princesses.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A supernatural element used by the Rakshasi to pluck out the eyes of the seven Princesses.[7] (2) The supernatural elements present in the story that lead to both the man's rise to wealth and his eventual misfortunes.[8]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The supernatural ability attributed to the Jogi, evidenced by the transformation of the brothers and the boy's interactions with magical creatures.[9]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This word is used to refer to the alchemical and astrological conditions considered important in the complex manufacturing of precious pills.[10]