Hinduism

by Vasudha Narayanan

Dating back some five thousand years, Hinduism is the dominant faith of India and an increasingly powerful spiritual force in the West. But it is an unusually diverse religion--one divided by caste, community, language, and region--and is thus quite difficult for outsiders to grasp. Now, in
Hinduism , Vasudha Narayanan offers an illuminating, compact introduction to this highly complex and ancient religion.
Attractively illustrated with many full-color photographs, this informative guide takes readers through the most important aspects of Hinduism--its divinities, sacred places, ethical teachings, and sacred texts, as well as aspects of Hindu culture such as yoga. Readers learn that, though
Hindus are monotheistic, there are the many manifestations of divinity, from Vishnu ("All-Pervasive"), Shiva ("Auspicious One"), and Shakti ("Energy"), to Shri-Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth and good fortune, whose picture graces millions of homes, shops, and businesses) and the elephant-headed
Ganesha. Narayanan explores the sacred texts, from the earliest writings known collectively as Veda, which emphasized the role of sacrifice, to later works such as the Upanishads, which sought liberation from the cycle of life and death and introduced the notion of immortality. She examines the
concept of "dharma" (a word with multiple layers of meaning, including "righteous behavior," "truth," "duty," and "law") and "karma" (the result of good or bad deeds, which can determine the quality of life both now and in later births) and she also includes brief but insightful discussion of
Sikhism, Jainism, and Buddhism, all of which have their roots in Hinduism.
Engaging, informative, and richly illustrated, this book offers a balanced approach to Hinduism that illuminates one of the great world religions.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Hinduism, India

112 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Salma Elmo · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book does not do justice to a religion that is as complicated as Hinduism. I was hoping to go through a kind of progressive process, explaining the logic behind so many aspects that never made sense to me, but the author made them even more complicated to me now. Also, in many parts of the book, the author slams you down hard by the face with very religious Hindu terms that, normally, require a thorough introduction! I gave an extra star to this book only because it piqued my curiosity even more about Huiduism and its different principles. Cant wait to read more about it now.

[Dakota · Rating 5 out of 5]

About halfway through reading this book, I realized that it is included in the book Eastern Religions published by Oxford. I finished reading the section in the Oxford book because on comparison it included more detail (I think the separate copy I had was for high schools).

The book is a good overview of the Hindu tradition and very readable. I'd recommend it as a good place to start a study of the Hindu tradition or for getting acquainted with the tradition. It doesn't go very in depth on any of the topics, though.

It includes a nice balance of history/development and contemporary practice, taking time to emphasize the nascent monotheism in the Hindu tradition that shows most clearly in the Advaita Vedanta tradition. It also highlights the regional variations within the Hindu tradition, including local names for deities and differences in rituals and holidays.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came to this book to learn about Hinduism, but I think I am more confused because of all the different varieties of worship. The author tries to touch on everything which makes it hard to follow anything. But I am interested in learning more and wish it had a suggestion list of books for more in depth discussion of specific topics within Hinduism.

[Letizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chiaro ma decisamente breve. Ideale per farsi una veloce idea generale.

[Josie Strokes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hermosas fotografìas y calidad del papel, aunque a su vez, esto lo hace lucir màs como revista, pues el grosor de las hojas ;y el tamaño de las letras y màrgenes, es risible. Sin embargo, la informaciòn no cuenta con una conclusiòn adecuada en los temas que presenta. Quedan muchas preguntas en el aire, y el autor no logra responderlas.

[Lauren Rev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely done introductory text to the religion & philosophy of Hinduism. Subtitle lists origin, beliefs, practices, holy texts & sacred places. These are included and more. Each chapter begins with a full page color photograph & ends with a portion of sacred scripture translated into English & commentary about the scripture quoted.

[A.B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very very basic introduction to Hinduism. It touches on all major ideas but does not go too far in depth. But for the average layman it is enough to get by with a passing knowledge of a religion that is not their own.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

fine. Good info. Short & succinct

[Aruna Devi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple way of getting know about Hinduism.

[Lilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice review after our World Cultures unit.

[Chris Paluszek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful, brief overview of many aspects of Hinduism. A superb starting point.

[Stefano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ottima introduzione alla realtà filosofica induista!