As_a_disciplinary_program Ritual

scriptorium-monk-at-work. monks described labor of transcribing manuscripts being prayer , fasting, means of correcting 1 s unruly passions.

in historical analysis of articles on ritual , rite in encyclopædia britannica, talal asad notes 1771 1852, brief articles on ritual define book directing order , manner observed in performing divine service (i.e., script). there no articles on subject thereafter until 1910, when new, lengthy article appeared redefines ritual ...a type of routine behaviour symbolizes or expresses . symbolic activity, no longer confined religion, distinguished technical action. shift in definitions script behavior, likened text, matched semantic distinction between ritual outward sign (i.e., public symbol) , inward meaning. emphasis has changed establishing meaning of public symbols , abandoning concerns inner emotional states since, evans-pritchard wrote such emotional states, if present @ all, must vary not individual individual, in same individual on different occasions , @ different points in same rite. asad, in contrast, emphasizes behavior , inner emotional states; rituals performed, , mastering these performances skill requiring disciplined action. in other words, apt performance involves not symbols interpreted abilities acquired according rules sanctioned in authority: presupposes no obscure meanings, rather formation of physical , linguistic skills. drawing on example of medieval monastic life in europe, points out ritual in case refers original meaning of ...book directing order , manner observed in performing divine service . book prescribed practices, whether had proper ways of eating, sleeping, working, , praying or proper moral dispositions , spiritual aptitudes, aimed @ developing virtues put service of god. monks, in other words, disciplined in foucauldian sense. point of monastic discipline learn skills , appropriate emotions. asad contrasts approach concluding symbols call interpretation, , interpretive criteria extended interpretations can multiplied. disciplinary practices, on other hand, cannot varied easily, because learning develop moral capabilities not same thing learning invent representations.