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The Indian Culture
From back cover: Why do we... light a lamp? have a prayer room? do namaste? prostate before parents and elders? wear marks on the forhead? do not touch papers, books and people with feet? apply the holy ash? offer food to the Lord before eating it? do pradakshina? regard trees and plants as sacred? fast? ring the bell in the temple? worship the kalasha? worship tulasi? consider the lotus as special? blow the conch? sa shaanti thrice? offer a coconut? chant "Om"? do arrati?
- GenresNonfictionIndiaCultural
79 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
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135 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 9, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book. It's very small and the chapters are tiny so while travelling in the metro, sipping black coffee, before sleeping or just after waking up I read one chapter and in 2 days it was done.
This book really helped me understand the logic behind the things I've been forced to do or I've been ignoring as I wasn't aware of the ultimate logic.
This book really helped me understand the logic behind the things I've been forced to do or I've been ignoring as I wasn't aware of the ultimate logic.
October 12, 2022
I immensely loved reading this book, it's very fascinating to read about the spiritual and philosophical reasons behind the rituals we do in our daily lives and also on special occasions. Most importantly, reading the Vedic verses mentioned in the book, whether it's about a thing or a gesture or about a deity is an altogether another feeling.
April 26, 2021
8th book of 2021 (177 Books read overall)
Quote from the Book I Liked - 'Peace already exists in a place until someone makes noise. When agitation end, peace which underlies all agitation is experienced, since it was already there.' (Page no. 62)
Rating - 3.5
*Important take from the book* - Several rituals and proceedings have a deeper meaning behind them, which were eeked by sages, ages ago. Thus, if you don't know about its true meaning, rather than shunning it, try to do your own research on the subject.
Plot Summary - Why Do We
...light a lamp?
...have a prayer room?
...do namaste?
...prostrate before parents and elders?
...wear marks on the forehead?
...not touch papers, books and people with the feet?
...apply the holy ash?
...offer food to the Lord before eating it?
...do pradakshina?
...regard trees and plants as sacred?
...ring the bell in a temple?
...fast?
...worship the kalasha?
...worship Tulasi?
...consider the lotus as special?
...blow the conch?
...say Shanti thrice?
...chant Om?
...offer a coconut?
...do aarati?
My Review - I'll straight away introduce this review by deducting 1 star for terming the book as 'In Indian Culture', no this book is not about Indian Culture It's about Hindu culture and we can't simply term a nation as diverse as India under the single religion term. So this was it.
About this book and its contents, well, it tells us about several Hindu 'things' which are done by everyone, almost every day. But, the meaning of many is unknown to many commoners. Thus, this book helps readers know the meaning and make the doer more conscious of them. Like the traditional Namaskar, we all do it (Not a religion-specific thing). But what exactly does it mean. Is it just a way to greet or have a much deeper, more spiritual meaning behind it. This book helps us find and re-literate its meaning. Similarly, many proceedings like, Why do we use Kalasha in Pujas? or What is Tilak? and many more like it. It's a good short read but can be used to refer again and again. And a bonus point, many of the chapters do have Sanskrit shloka written regarding the same, which is good and keeps one connected to the roots (again, not a religion-specific language/thing.)
Conclusion - Good insights to several every day Hindu traditions.
Full Review on Blog.
Link to Blog - The Tales of Fugitive Biker
Quote from the Book I Liked - 'Peace already exists in a place until someone makes noise. When agitation end, peace which underlies all agitation is experienced, since it was already there.' (Page no. 62)
Rating - 3.5
*Important take from the book* - Several rituals and proceedings have a deeper meaning behind them, which were eeked by sages, ages ago. Thus, if you don't know about its true meaning, rather than shunning it, try to do your own research on the subject.
Plot Summary - Why Do We
...light a lamp?
...have a prayer room?
...do namaste?
...prostrate before parents and elders?
...wear marks on the forehead?
...not touch papers, books and people with the feet?
...apply the holy ash?
...offer food to the Lord before eating it?
...do pradakshina?
...regard trees and plants as sacred?
...ring the bell in a temple?
...fast?
...worship the kalasha?
...worship Tulasi?
...consider the lotus as special?
...blow the conch?
...say Shanti thrice?
...chant Om?
...offer a coconut?
...do aarati?
My Review - I'll straight away introduce this review by deducting 1 star for terming the book as 'In Indian Culture', no this book is not about Indian Culture It's about Hindu culture and we can't simply term a nation as diverse as India under the single religion term. So this was it.
About this book and its contents, well, it tells us about several Hindu 'things' which are done by everyone, almost every day. But, the meaning of many is unknown to many commoners. Thus, this book helps readers know the meaning and make the doer more conscious of them. Like the traditional Namaskar, we all do it (Not a religion-specific thing). But what exactly does it mean. Is it just a way to greet or have a much deeper, more spiritual meaning behind it. This book helps us find and re-literate its meaning. Similarly, many proceedings like, Why do we use Kalasha in Pujas? or What is Tilak? and many more like it. It's a good short read but can be used to refer again and again. And a bonus point, many of the chapters do have Sanskrit shloka written regarding the same, which is good and keeps one connected to the roots (again, not a religion-specific language/thing.)
Conclusion - Good insights to several every day Hindu traditions.
Full Review on Blog.
Link to Blog - The Tales of Fugitive Biker
March 12, 2019
Genre - non-fiction, religion & spirituality
# of pages - 79
This is a small pocket book which can act as a good guide to people keen on understanding some key rituals observed by religious Hindus. Each chapter focuses on one specific ritual, talking about its significance, and what it represents metaphorically. Each chapter ends with a shloka written in Hindi, and translated in simple English. The book is useful reference guide, both for Hindus and non-Hindus, religious as well as (not so) religious.
At the cost of making the book thicker, the depth of book would've significantly enhanced if varying perspectives on significance as well as diverse metaphors were captured. Hinduism is one of the oldest religions on the planet. Also, it is fairly widespread. So it is only natural that various rituals and symbols have more than one explanations. Presenting only one points to very narrow, closed way of viewing things.
Also, at many places, English translations of the shlokas didn't seem to do full justice to the beauty and meaning of shlokas.
Major peeve with the book, which made me drop a star in its overall rating - equating "Hindu" with "Indian" in the very title.
Will I recommend this book to others: Yes
# of pages - 79
This is a small pocket book which can act as a good guide to people keen on understanding some key rituals observed by religious Hindus. Each chapter focuses on one specific ritual, talking about its significance, and what it represents metaphorically. Each chapter ends with a shloka written in Hindi, and translated in simple English. The book is useful reference guide, both for Hindus and non-Hindus, religious as well as (not so) religious.
At the cost of making the book thicker, the depth of book would've significantly enhanced if varying perspectives on significance as well as diverse metaphors were captured. Hinduism is one of the oldest religions on the planet. Also, it is fairly widespread. So it is only natural that various rituals and symbols have more than one explanations. Presenting only one points to very narrow, closed way of viewing things.
Also, at many places, English translations of the shlokas didn't seem to do full justice to the beauty and meaning of shlokas.
Major peeve with the book, which made me drop a star in its overall rating - equating "Hindu" with "Indian" in the very title.
Will I recommend this book to others: Yes
April 28, 2024
This is that one book which every one should read, the reason i mention is that we have been trained to follow certain rituals blindly. We never questioned whats the reason behind many rituals and got used to it in life, later we forget most of the rituals or share our own version or wrong version while passing it to next generation. This is happening in today's world and even in my home. I have always been a firm believer of GOD but never understood the reason behind any rituals, when questioned ? i have always been silenced and just told to follow. I noticed the heading of this book and was curious to know whats in it and when i saw the table of contents, i sure was ready to read it because this was something that i was looking out for. Another reason for reading this was that i unfollowed many rituals as i never knew the significance behind it. Now post reading i can understand every reason behind it and i try my best to follow good rituals. In today's world when we say elders are our source of knowledge, i like to deny it because majority of the elders i met never knew the meaning behind any ritual and were keen to belittle me when i wanted to a have a conversation but i feel this was my savior and now i look forward to reading it again.
Just my thoughts, when you are ever told to follow something please ask about it and if you cant please think why i am being told to do? what am i being told to do? is it right ? you get some answer, reading books like this is an added advantage.
Just my thoughts, when you are ever told to follow something please ask about it and if you cant please think why i am being told to do? what am i being told to do? is it right ? you get some answer, reading books like this is an added advantage.
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September 9, 2020This book is for those who wish to pursue the truth and essence of the common practices in a Hindu home. It can help you kick-start your journey towards your spiritual quest. It opens your perspective to understand some fundamental practices we follow everyday that have become ritualistic. Most of the points discussed do not have a strong scientific backing but there are convincing spiritual justifications to the practices and the insistence on following the same with due diligence. A few examples focussed in the book includes why we light a lamp, burn a camphor, offer a coconut, perform aarti, etc.
June 12, 2022
I think that this book presents a concise explanation of why many Indian traditions, rooted in Hinduism and intertwined with Indian culture more broadly, are done. As an Indian-American, it's unfortunate to think how much of our culture beyond the food and clothing may not get passed to the next generation. This book does its due diligence in taking a lot of the basic customs and explaining the significance in a way that does not require much scriptural knowledge. It's such a quick read that those who aren't Indian can derive some meaning from it and maybe apply aspects of it to their own lives even if the accompanying prayers require more understanding.
May 19, 2021
On a quest of understanding religion and why I feel detached to these rituals and am not strong in my belief, I picked this book (looks like a pamphlet tbh) & read it. I wish I could say it changed my mind but only reaffirmed that my path is different from religion and spirituality.
It's a pretty book with cute illustrations and pretentious explanations that is supposed to create awe in the minds of those who read it.
It's a pretty book with cute illustrations and pretentious explanations that is supposed to create awe in the minds of those who read it.
September 2, 2017
Quite simplistic and ignores the vast and rich diversity in India, but otherwise a good introduction to a completely different multitude of cultures we call India.
December 22, 2024
Although I purchased the book that I am reviewing a score and five years ago, it is only now that I have had the opportunity to read it. I finished reading it in one short 30-minute train ride. It is, I should say, suitable for those entirely devoid of even rudimentary knowledge of Hinduism, its practices, and its rituals.
It might, therefore, be a useful primer for anyone seeking simplistic information on the ancient religion. The booklet is, no doubt, accessible, with certain explanations—evidently crafted to satiate the curiosity of those who are either intolerant of or impervious to the philosophy and belief system of Sanatana Dharma, the religion upon which the text is based—deliberately espoused in a rationalistic style.
For two cogent reasons, however, there is no compelling justification for attempting to cater to everyone, particularly those who approach religion with preconceived notions or who demand that their personal philosophies, dispositions, and beliefs be indulged. The authors could have simply conveyed to the reader the actual meanings of various rites, rituals, and practices without striving so hard to uncover symbolic, logical, or scientific explanations for all.
In point in fact, many aspects of life, nature, and even Western science may sometimes appear unreasonable and cannot be explicated scientifically. Yet often, we accept phenomena as they are until, through the unfolding of our lives, we eventually divine their deeper meanings.
Another issue I should like to raise regarding the booklet is its use of "Indian" as synonymous with "Hindu." Not all Indians are Hindus, nor are all Hindus Indian.
It might, therefore, be a useful primer for anyone seeking simplistic information on the ancient religion. The booklet is, no doubt, accessible, with certain explanations—evidently crafted to satiate the curiosity of those who are either intolerant of or impervious to the philosophy and belief system of Sanatana Dharma, the religion upon which the text is based—deliberately espoused in a rationalistic style.
For two cogent reasons, however, there is no compelling justification for attempting to cater to everyone, particularly those who approach religion with preconceived notions or who demand that their personal philosophies, dispositions, and beliefs be indulged. The authors could have simply conveyed to the reader the actual meanings of various rites, rituals, and practices without striving so hard to uncover symbolic, logical, or scientific explanations for all.
In point in fact, many aspects of life, nature, and even Western science may sometimes appear unreasonable and cannot be explicated scientifically. Yet often, we accept phenomena as they are until, through the unfolding of our lives, we eventually divine their deeper meanings.
Another issue I should like to raise regarding the booklet is its use of "Indian" as synonymous with "Hindu." Not all Indians are Hindus, nor are all Hindus Indian.
March 27, 2021
The book introduces a reader to the different Hindu religious acts or certain activities that we do regularly or during any festival and explains very briefly "Why do we dd what we do?". These ritualistic practices may come naturally to most Indians and Indian homes but seldom does one know or understand "Why do we...".
I wouldn't say that the book is very exhaustive because I know of other books that go further and explains many other practices across different regions or parts of India, however, this book provides a good introduction to "Why do we..", You get the Idea.
My Rating: A Solid 3.5/5
I wouldn't say that the book is very exhaustive because I know of other books that go further and explains many other practices across different regions or parts of India, however, this book provides a good introduction to "Why do we..", You get the Idea.
My Rating: A Solid 3.5/5
November 20, 2012
About 19 activities or rituals we do are sought to be justified based on scripture, science, common sense etc. Surprisingly, we realise that except a very few like namaskar-greeting, upavaas-fasting and respect for flora and fauna, none else have any rational basis - they are mere impositions owing to obscurantism and religion. The effort of the writers strengthens the sceptical spirited to move further....
March 29, 2021
This Is An Amazing Book Aboit Hindu Dharma, Traditions, Cultures, And Rituals Written By Swamini Vimalananda And Radhika Krishnakumar. Those Who Want To Learn More About Hindu Rituals And Customs Should Definitely Read This Book. Though This Book Is Of 70 Pages Only But It Has Got All The Key Points Needed. This Book Has Been Published By Central Chinmaya Mission Trust In 2008.
October 16, 2016
A brief, easy-to-read, summary of some of the traditions associated with the Indian culture.
January 6, 2017
A primer into Sanatana Dharma. An eye-opener for all the things our grandmas would make us do, and we'd grudgingly obey
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews