Hinduism in a UK Temple and Altered State Experience

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.