An Illustrated History Of Hinduism

A concise authoritative history of Hinduism, from its origins over 4000 years ago to the impact of its belief system across the world today.

Hinduism is perhaps the world's oldest major religion. This comprehensive book explores its rich historical and cultural development, from its Indian roots to its vibrant application in the present, global context. The first section examines the origins of Hinduism, exploring the holy texts and their teachings about the self, the law of karma, and the cycle of birth and death. The second part focuses on spiritual practices - the four main paths and the many Hindu deities. The final section analyses Hindu society, culture and arts. This accessible book provides the perfect reference for anyone wishing to explore the compelling faith and culture that is Hinduism.

Hinduism is perhaps the oldest of the world's major religions and makes for fascinating study. This lavishly illustrated book explores the rich historical and cultural development of its diverse traditions, from its distant Indian roots to its vibrant application in the present, global context. The first section examines the origins of Hinduism, and asks the intriguing question: who founded the tradition? It explores in depth the diverse holy texts and their profound teachings about the self, the law of karma, and the perpetual cycle of birth and death. The second section focuses on spiritual practices - those activities that nurture faith, wisdom and communion with the Supreme. These chapters explain the four main paths of action, knowledge, meditation and devotion, the colourful array of Hindu deities, and practices that celebrate sacred time and place. The final section analyses ways in which Hindus engage with this world, and how their spirituality has been expressed and organised. It investigates Hindu society, its culture and arts, and the ways in which various leaders and movements have sought to perpetuate its teachings, right up to the present day. Stunningly illustrated with over 470 beautiful images, this comprehensive book provides a highly readable introduction. Detailed yet easily accessible, it provides the perfect reference for anyone wishing to further explore the compelling faith and culture that is Hinduism.

Provides over 1,000 accessible, informative and authoritative entries that answer any major question about Hinduism, it's mythology, practices, customs and laws India is so vast that each of its regions is a land in its own right, with diverse languages, customs, and cultural traditions. Yet shared social systems, firmly grounded in religious beliefs, provide the cohesive force that unites over a billion people of different backgrounds. Hinduism is the main religion of India, and this new dictionary provides an unrivaled insight to all aspects of Hindu life, past and present. Some thousand illustrated entries elucidate the history of Hinduism, its mythology, art, architecture, religion, laws, and folklore. The development of Hinduism is presented from its ancient manifestations in local cults and epic poems to modern-day festivals and customs worldwide. The complex relationship between the multitude of gods, goddesses, and semi-divine beings is brought to light in the articles on religion and mythology, while its rich imagery is revealed in the entries on architecture, sculpture, painting, dance, and theater, including works of art illustrated here for the first time. Food and etiquette, the caste system, Ayurvedic medicine, love and marriage, and contemporary practices are just a few of the topics explored. Maps and entries on the major cities and places of pilgrimage in India, as well as a concise chronology and a list of principal dynasties, provide a clear overview of the geography, history, languages, and vibrant religious and cultural traditions of Hinduism. This volume will serve as a lively and indispensable guide for those preparing a visit to India, for Indians living in the West, for students, or for anyone interested in the subcontinent. 275 b/w illustrations.

An engrossing and definitive narrative account of history and myth that offers a new way of understanding one of the world's oldest major religions, The Hindus elucidates the relationship between recorded history and imaginary worlds. The Hindus brings a fascinating multiplicity of actors and stories to the stage to show how brilliant and creative thinkers have kept Hinduism alive in ways that other scholars have not fully explored. In this unique and authoritative account, debates about Hindu traditions become platforms to consider history as a whole.

Provides information on the origins, history, and practice of Hinduism, including facts on the various festivals and celebrations.

"Since 1979 the international magazine Hinduism Today has been producing a treasury of educational features on all aspects of Sanatana Dharma. Guided by the founder, Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, the magazine's editors, who are initiated monks of Kauai's Hindu Monastery, collaborated with holy men and women and experts around the world in creating graphically rich guides to virtually every important aspect of Hinduism. The best of those works are assembled in "What Is Hinduism?" for Hindus and non-Hindus alike to discover the culture, beliefs, worship and mysticism that is India's greatest gift to humanity." --Back cover.

Entries cover topics related to the understanding of Hinduism. Includes entries in the following categories: art, architecture, and iconography; astrology and cosmology; biographical entries; calendar and time; ceremonies, practices, and rituals; communities, groups, and organizations; dance; dynasties; geography; literature, language, and drama; medicine, physiology, and alchemy; music, hymns, and prayers; mythology and beliefs; philosophy and logic; and Yoga and Tantra.