A Brief Introduction To Hinduism

"“I have read Arthur Herman’s Introduction to Hinduism with considerable interest and pleasure. It is bold and innovative, clearly written, well organized, and quite provocative.” —Eliot Deutsch University of Ha wail at Manoa "

Hinduism is practised by about 80% of India's population, and by about 30,000,000 people outside India. But how is Hinduism defined, and what basis does the religion have? This work gives concise insights into the central preoccupations of Hinduism.

This brief introduction to Hinduism is designed to help readers understand this important religious tradition. With both nuance and balance, this text provides broad coverage of various forms of Hinduism with an arresting layout with rich colors. It offers both historical overviews and modern perspectives on Hindu beliefs and practices. The user-friendly content is enhanced by charts of religious festivals, historic timelines, updated maps, and a useful glossary. It is ideal for courses on Hinduism and South Asian religions and will be a useful, concise reference for all readers eager to know more about this important religious tradition and its place in our contemporary world.

Kandiah Sivaloganathan's A Brief Introduction to Hinduism, is a handy tool for all those who yearn to understand the philosophy behind one of the world's oldest religions - Hinduism. Also known as Sanatana Dharma (or the eternal law), Hinduism took birth in the Indian subcontinent thousands of years ago and is still followed by more than a billion followers worldwide. However, in today's busy world, it's nearly impossible to gain an in-depth understanding of one's faith and pass it on to the next generation. That's exactly the issue Sivaloganathan tries to address in his book, with regards to Hinduism. It's a go-to book for all your queries regarding the Hindu faith. The author tries to bring together the various aspects of Hinduism - from its myriad deities, saints, sages, rituals, prayers, scriptures, to modern science and its association with the principles of this ancient religion. This Book attempts to provide answers to: What is Hinduism? Why do Hindus pray to different deities What is the power of prayer and mantras? What does Hindus mean by karma, creation and reincarnation? How is Hinduism connected to nature and science? In today's world, when everyone is too busy to read and understand their religion, this book provides a basis, a simple reference, to understand Hinduism. It is written in simple, readable language.

This book provides a much-needed thematic and historical introduction to Hinduism, the religion of the majority of people in India. Dr Flood traces the development of Hindu traditions from their ancient origins, through the major deities of Visnu, Siva and the Goddess, to the modern world. Hinduism is discussed as both a global religion and a form of nationalism. Emphasis is given to the tantric traditions, which have been so influential; to Hindu ritual, which is more fundamental to the life of the religion than are specific beliefs or doctrines; and to Dravidian influences from south India. An Introduction to Hinduism examines the ideas of dharma, particularly in relation to the ideology of kingship, caste and world renunciation. Dr Flood also introduces some debates within contemporary scholarship about the nature of Hinduism. It is suitable both for the student and for the general reader.

A fresh introduction to an ancient religion Explaining the origins, beliefs, scriptures and philosophies of this ancient religion, Klaus K. Klostermaier succeeds in capturing the rich diversity of rituals and gods that comprise Hinduism, while keeping the tone both engaging and informative. Covering contemporary issues such as the relationship between Hinduism and modern Western ideas, and imminent challenges the religion faces, this sweeping exploration of a fascinating and long-lasting belief system is essential reading for students, followers, and interested readers alike.

A selection of Gandhiji s articles drawn mainly from his contributions to young india, the Harijan and the Navjivan on Hinduism. Written on different occassions, these articles present a picture of hindu dharma I all its richness, comprehensiveness and sensitivity to the existential delimmas of human existence.

An authoritative collection on the history of Hindu religious practices. Hindu Practice considers traditions of asceticism, yoga, and devotion, including dance and music, developed in Hinduism over long periods of time.