Hindu Culture An Introduction

by Tejomayananda

The topics in this books The symbology of idols, the cultural role of the temple, the symbolic meaning of Hindu deities, Hindu festivals, Dharma, Vegetarianism, the four castes, the Mahabharata, the Puranas.

Genres: Hinduism, Nonfiction

199 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 1993

Reviews

[Sriram Ravichandran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swami Tejomayananda's book on The Hindu Culture is an excellent read on Hinduism, introducing the reader to and expanding on the various facets of the religion. The book is put together from a series of talks delivered in 1990s in Los Altos by Swami. The talks are edited and brought under 4 parts:
1. Introduction to The Vedas
2. The Language of Symbolism
3. The Essence of Dharma
4. The Epics

The book answers many of 'Why?'s of the Hindu Dharma practices - my favourite being the wonderful explanation given by Swamiji on the significance of celebrating Navaratri and how closely the festival is related to the spirit of the Vedic teachings.

Swamiji brings his usual clarity of thought and wit in this book and leaves behind a nudge to further proceed to deeper study of various texts on Santana Dharma to interested aspirants.

[Anoop Nayak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read to get an overview of the title. In such topics, I feel, to understand author's choice words intention is very important rather to impart our judgement and opinions and make inferences.

[mish · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very brief and accessible introduction into Hinduism, presented by someone who has actually studied it, that also debunks a lot of ‘controversial’ aspects that have been misinterpreted in mainstream media (e.g polytheism, the caste system, dharma and karma). There is obviously bias in the way Hinduism had been presented, but it is a fantastic primer to situate yourself before attempting some of the more complex texts.

Would have appreciated a little more discussion on women and more specifically women in positions of power and leadership that I felt could have been developed a little more. Additionally, further more clarity surrounding the distinction between rituals being more symbolic rather than literal, which is explored in earlier chapters, would have been useful to be reinforced in later chapters concerning specific rituals and their importance.

[Lunatica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5/5
Mode: Physical Paperback

One of the best books I have read on Hindu Culture, which is not some weird fictional sci-fi or a mixture of personal thoughts to be called non-fiction.
This book is your gateway to Hinduism.
All the basic questions of why do you offer water to the sun, why do you worship cow (we don't essentially worship just cow), why do you follow idol worship, are answered.
This is also for the Hindu brother/sister who feel ashamed to be Hindu and would have no knowledge about Hinduism.

I am such a fan!!! Would recommend this to everyone.

Definitely re-reading and making notes.

Recommend/Reject: Recommended

[Surya Mohan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a great introduction to the Hindu culture in a simple language with a lot of interesting and humorous anecdotes. Must read for anyone who want to to decipher the intricacies of Hinduism.