"“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 "
This is a very easy to read book that examines the history of Hinduism with three different approaches to the way various sacred texts are followed. The three practices are compared by looking at three modern sages: Ramana Maharshi, Mohandas Gandhi, and A.C. Bhaktivedanta. There are also lots of charts, a section on how to pronounce Sanskrit terms, and an excellent glossary of terms at the back of the book.
I had the honor of taking a course on Eastern Philosophy from the author during his time at UWSP. This was one of the required textbooks for the course. Herman is a very knowledgeable, engaging, and enlightening teacher. A very approachable intro to the subject.
An excellent breakdown and very approachable text to perhaps one of the most vast religions out there. This book has an excellent philosophic style that draws great parallels to other theologies as philosophies to help the reader. I feel as though I understand a little more about humanity, and this is just an intro!
This read like a philosophy paper, which it is. Herman was a philosophy prof at UW SP so that explains it. It was an i teresting read, it had too many opinions and uses of "I" for my taste.
A great introduction to Hinduism using three modern Hindu Yogis that embody three different strands within Hinduism which are based on three periods of its development. Read for a research paper. A page turner for sure.