Being Hindu: Old Faith, New World and You

by Hindol Sengupta

One of the world's oldest forms of faith, Hinduism has an unbroken trajectory of beliefs and rituals that have continued for many millennia through the footsteps of pilgrims and the pedagogies of theologists; through myth, science and politics. But what does all that mean to the modern Hindu today? Why do Hindus call themselves so? Is it merely because their parents were Hindus? In what way does the faith speak to those who profess to follow it? What does Hinduism mean to the everyday-practicing or sometimes-accessing ordinary Hindu?

Away from the raucous debate around religion, this is the journey of a common Hindu, an attempt to understand why, for so many Hindus, their faith is one of the most powerful arguments for plurality, for unity in diversity, and even more than the omnipresent power of God, the sublime courage and conviction of man. Being Hindu is an exploration of Hinduism in a way you have never seen before, almost through your own eyes.

This is the first book on Hinduism to have won the Wilbur Award given by the Religion Communicators Council of America for excellence in writing about religion.

Genres: India, Nonfiction, Hinduism, History, Religion, Philosophy, Mythology

256 pages, Paperback

Published December 2, 2021

About the author

Hindol Sengupta (born 1979) is an Indian journalist and entrepreneur, who is the award-winning author of eight books.
In 2017, he was selected as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. His three new upcoming books are a narrative non-fiction, a historical fiction and a history of the free markets in India to be published by Penguin and Simon & Schuster. Among his recent books is the bestselling Being Hindu: Old Faith, New World and You, The Modern Monk: What Vivekananda Means To Us Today, and The Sacred Sword: The Legend of Guru Gobind Singh. He is the youngest winner of the PSF prize for public service, an award won by, among others, the late Indian scientist and President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.

Reviews

[E.T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

An introduction to Hinduism and a good way to shed cobwebs.
Few thoughts :-
A) Brahminism - A word that has come into use by the Leftists for Hinduism supposedly emphasising the hold of 'Brahmins' - the priestly class. Which religion has been free from the hold of the clergy/Imams ? Islam ? Christainity ?
B) Untouchablity - Slavery was a feature of the world till a century or so ago. Racism has been a feature of the West till a few decades ago. Great religious discrimination exists in Muslim-majority countries even today. And worse, Dalit converts to Islam/Christanity are treated as untouchables by them.
The point is that neither of the above 2 faults are of any particular religion alone.
C) Freedom of Speech - The Upanishads are filled with a questioning spirit making fun of the Vedas sometimes. Buddha and Mahavir and a Hindu religious leader used to have bitter debates. Shankara debated with Buddhists and defeated them following which they had to leave. Or take Mahabharata which is full of inquiry. This is an ancient Indian concept where nothing is 'sacred'. Lets value our heritage.

[Surender Negi · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 STAR

This book certainly attract my attention by Title "Being Hindu" and I was expecting new ideas rather than atrocities statements based on British colonization.

Few Points which I found writer should need to study more.

1) Idea of Brahmanism :This idea is not based of Hindu Scripture but based on Aryan Invasion theory (already debunked by Many genetics) and writer seems not interested to debunk this myth [Aryan Invasion theory] but carry out as per his secular agenda.

2) Idea of caste system: Writer again seems to be doubtful that weather caste system is originally carved from Hinduism or something else. More Over, It is seems like that writer is not able to throw his secularism in context of Hinduism. In Many places of Book, writer seems to defend Hinduism for Untouchables & Brahmins while in reality, they are not part of Sanatana Philosophy.

3) Books drags you into his own childhood where he shown nicely the conversion and impression been made by convent schools on young child. he also portrayed a very well image of a confusing child Mind who want to understand Hinduism but failed due to people in India avoid being spiritual and having knowledge of Hinduism for Secularism.

4) This books also indicate the lack of centralize Institution within Hinduism in India which can show paths to Young, Middle and Old knowledge seeking Minds.

I wish writer next time write on Brahmanism and Untouchable after extensive study of roll of British and Europe Indologist on young Indian Minds of India and abroad.

This book is good and forward move for describing Hindus and their culture.

Like: Explanation about why Hindus do idol worship and spiritual knowledge.

Unlike: A hidden fear of writer to call him more secular than Hindu.

Come on Men, calling himself "Hindu" will not ended secularism in India and around the world. It is not crime to being different but biggest crime is ignoring it.

[Pradeep T · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice attempt by the author. It is highly difficult to explain Hinduism in just 160 odd pages, however, this book doesn't fails to impress the readers. The author had done some good research on the topics that he believed as good enough for this book. The book has touched upon the details right from our ancient scriptures like the vedas, vedantas, followed by the Mahabharata, Ramayana, Ayurveda, Vedic Mathematics, Science, etc... The book also explores a little comparative study on the Islam, Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism. Overall a nice attempt. This book is for those who want to know about Hinduism and quite reluctant to study hell lot of books. It covers the main aspects and ideas.

[Nidhi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would say the book is too factual. Its more like a collection of white papers or research than a book. It was not a journey for me. The book is great for CAT aspirants as it has a heavy vocabulary. Wouldn't recommend the book for anything else.

[Eaon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - I grabbed this on a whim at work, and really read it all at work too (shhh) but quite insightful at times on deeper questions into Hinduism. Rambled on at times, but I got some good info nonetheless :)

[Jashan Singhal · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I had to recommend just one book to any non-Hindu or Hindu alike to make them "conscious" about Hinduism, it has to be this seminal work by Hindol Sengupta.

The author is a savant of modern Hinduism, and is so deeply connected to the faith that his serene relationship with Hinduism makes the reader almost jealous. It is evident from his writing that the author is unfettered by any regressive ideas about Hinduism and is bereft of any political inclinations associated with Hinduism. Almost every modern book on this Vedantic religion has some mention of "Hindutva" philosophy but thankfully, this book left that domain untouched.

The author connects so well with an average Indian Hindu, for instance Hindu children, from a very young age are taught idol-worship and mantra chanting but nobody is ever taught the philosophy or rai·son d'ê·tre behind such a belief system. He quotes

‘For Hindus, therefore, the image (idol) is not an object at which one’s vision halts, but rather a lens through which one’s vision is directed.'

He doesn't condemn idol worship but says that the caricatures had hardened into prejudices that blurred the core philosophies. Similar is his relationship with mantras. He reverberated my own thoughts as a child when he said:

How could God, at once so vast and all encompassing, also at the same time be so utterly petulant as to sulk at one infinitesimally small me not chanting some mantras? That made no sense.

He asks "How many Hindus really know why they pray? What do the mantras mean, and why do they mouth them? " and then replies with an avuncular dominance that No one taught us to understand that the act of prayer is really inward, not outward, and that in the act of seeking all you can ever hope to receive is the understanding of that which lies within you.

The author strips apart all notions of ancient, stringent and indoctrinated Hindu worship while being proud of our primordial Vedanta knowledge at the same time. He demonstrates that Hinduism is a religion that is quite different from other religions of the world. His progressive take on issues such as vegetarianism and atheism is amusing to read. Frequently quoting Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi throughout the book, he makes sure his facts are well researched.

I reduced one star rating from the book, because there is a section in the book where the author tries to interplay between quantum physics and Hinduism. He tries to portray that both of them are essentially the same ideas and as a physics student, it made me squirm a little bit. I wish people keep such ideas of "meta-physics" and "psuedo-science" to themselves.

At last, I would like to end this review with a simple yet profound line from the book :

Think about this: for thousands of years, we have been worshipping the sun, and yet we have been one of the least enthusiastic countries, till now, to use solar energy to replace fossil fuels, even though we have been blessed with enormous solar capacities.

[Swetha Chodavarpu · Rating 4 out of 5]

'If you understand the atomic, you can understand the cosmic'

To describe this book in a few words is difficult. One of the aspects of the book that spoke to me, is how the author scientifically explained theology. It's not an easy task, but Hindol Sengupta did it with brilliance.

Think of this book as a scientist's guide to Hinduism. The author has done his research! With mentions of more than 10 reference books in each chapter and various scientists, professors, authors, theologists, monks, researchers and historians, this book has something for everyone.

A must read for a budding scientist who wishes to understand the philosophy behind Hinduism.

[Shreshth Varshney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Does a good job with keeping the balance between the good and the bads of this.
It doesn't want to convert you. Doesn't ask you to believe in any of the nonsensical piety that a billion folks follow.
Goes into the main reason why it came to be and explains things about the religion.
Talks about the fanatics as well.

Though don't expect the bhakts to turn non savage after reading it.

[Anand Patel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book is written beautifully, at parts it has compared different religion and their ideology, a nice way to to know about hindu religion from broader perspective . Anyone who love religion should read this book.

[Dinker Charak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gift it

A good book to gift someone who wants to know what it means to be a Hindu and wants to know it outside the context of politics of Hinduphobia. Also gift it to at least one more family member who will benefit from the articulation and respond to such questions.

[Vedvrat Shikarpur · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple precursor to help one understand the depth of Hinduism. A lovely short read!

[Shilpa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, witty, pun intended, sarcastic and to the point. Few chapters, page that I would love to re-read

[Venky · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest zeitgeist into whose throes both the unsuspecting and the intellectual seem to have been equally sucked into involves casting aspersions over a religion. The word “Hindutva” has been taken to an extreme degree of reductionism that condenses a concept into a neologism. One that is alleged to be firmly at odds over secularism, in itself a term that has been misinterpreted, misapplied and misquoted. The Raison d'etre for some left leaning publications seems to be Hindutva bashing. A natural corollary of such polemical pieces is appropriation. Appropriation of Hinduism as the métier of hardline right-wing proponents. Influenced by such atrocious tropes, one might be forgiven for indulging in some “Gedankenexperiment[1]” involving an unfortunate aircraft that is left teetering up above the clouds, courtesy two wings depicting diametrically opposing behaviour. While the left wing obediently pays homage to the Principle advocated by Bernoulli, the right wing is an obstinate piece of machinery imperiling the motion of the aircraft and the future of its passengers within, by playing truant.

Hindol Sengupta, Editor-at-Large at Fortune India, and the youngest and first Indian writer to be nominated for the Hayek Prize[2], attempts to dispel the misperceptions borne towards a religion, that is pluralistic, mutually respecting of all other religions (in stark contradistinction to the perfunctory “tolerance” which is paying mere lip service to the concept of reciprocal respect), and which has been the bulwark, ballast and bastion of the very cradle of a civilization. “Being Hindu” is by no means an apologia for Hinduism. This incandescent practice requires neither endorsement nor proselytization. As Mr. Sengupta himself explains, to be a Hindu is to “shun bigotry, to accept diversity, embrace differences, respect gender rights and actively adopt new technologies and sciences.”

Drawing heavily upon the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, two spiritual giants whose teachings exerted a considerable influence upon the author’s family, Mr. Sengupta begins his book with a refreshing personal account of his early experiences in attending a Christian missionary school in Calcutta (now Kolkata). In between regularly attending services at the Chapel, and being informed that man is born a sinner, a piquing of curiosity sets him on the way to assimilating and absorbing Hindu and Vedanta Philosophy. Hence, more than a veritable treatise into the nuances and intricacies of Hinduism, this book is a personal narrative into the inquisitive forays of an intrepid explorer.

Drawing from extensive empirical evidence, Mr. Sengupta painstakingly demonstrates that at the very edifice of Hinduism lies a bent of inquiry. Unlike the three major monotheistic religions that derive their means and ends from a book, there is no one surefire path to attain a Union with the Divine. The journey is to be made by each practitioner adopting his own techniques and employing his own methodologies. These methodologies represent a syncretic coalescence of both spirituality and science. This singularly unique amalgam finds monument in the endeavours of a mathematician, Manjul Bhargava, who won the Fields Medal in 2014[3]. Bhargava won this much acclaimed honour for solving a two-hundred-year-old mathematical problem by reading old Sanskrit manuscripts that had been preserved by his grandfather, Purshottam Lal Bhargava, as head of the Sanskrit Department at the University of Rajasthan. “In the library reserves he found the work of seventh-century Indian mathematician Brahmagupta and he realized, using Brahmagupta’s work, that he could crack a problem unresolved for two centuries. Essentially, when two numbers which are both the sum of two perfect squares are multiplied together, the result is also the sum of two perfect squares.” However, as Mr. Sengupta bemoans, these lambent achievements are relegated to the confines of a fading, albeit illustrious history and in its place abound laughable stereotypes. Portraying Hinduism as an archaic, medieval and rustic practice, Hindu Gods as bloody thirsty, lusty Bohemians and their devotees as cow worshippers, urine drinkers and superstitious barbarians. This stereotyping spurs Mr. Sengupta to take inspiration from African writer Binyavanga Wainaina, whose, “How to Write about Africa” created quite a stir. Mr. Sengupta comes up with his own variant of “How to Write about a Hindu”. Redolent of rage and exasperation, this is a satirical piece, which, honestly reads a bit overboard with liberal and overdone references to genitalia.

Personally, the most riveting aspect of the book is the reference to Karma Yoga. Karma Yoga in its fundamental essence as propounded by Lord Krishna, in the immortal epic, Bhagavad Gita, means, Doing one’s duty at one’s best without any involvement of ego or attachment[4]. Prima facie, this poses a logical dilemma and an understandable conundrum. How can one strive to attain her best sans an element of ego? What then, is the incentive for the person to perform her work with a dedication that is unstinting? The conundrum is resolved by taking recourse to a stunningly elementary scientific explanation. Whilst performing tasks that represents one’s calling, one becomes oblivious to both the actions as well as the outcome. This finds direct and empirical representation in one of greatest studies conducted by the Hungarian-American scientist, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Csikszentmihalyi, and his team of researchers at the University of Chicago interviewed thousands of individuals from myriad walks of life. Women from Korea, adults in Thailand and India, teenagers in Tokyo, shepherds in Navajo, assembly line workers in Chicago and farmers in the Italian Alps constituted some of the subjects of this extraordinary study. What the researchers found was astounding. All those who were interviewed reiterated that they experienced a theory of ‘optimal experience’ based on the concept of “flow” – “the state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter; the experience itself is so enjoyable that people will do it even at a great cost, for the sheer sake of doing it.[5]” True Karma Yogis of the likes articulated by Lord Krishna!

In addition to the precepts of Swami Vivekananda and his mentor, Mr. Sengupta also liberally draws inspiration from author Diana Eck's book India: A Sacred Geography[6]. "Diana Eck clearly says that the footprints of pilgrims measure the civilisational boundaries of India." Shades of Dian Eck’s geographical emphasis are also found in Mr. Sengupta’s own articulations. “For me, anybody is a Hindu who believes in the core philosophies of Hinduism. These core philosophies are: one, every soul is potentially divine, which stands in sharp contrast to the Abrahamic way of thinking where the man is a sinner and must be saved by God. Two, for a Hindu, every path leads to God. And the third idea that defines a Hindu is the idea of geography wherein places - and not one single place - are sacred."

However, it’s not all smooth sailing for Hinduism. Mr. Sengupta comes down upon it like a ton of bricks on inconsistencies and lacunae that constitute double standards if not hypocrisy. The civilization that constructed superb sewerage infrastructure thousands of years ago, as envisaged by the excavations at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro turns an absolute blind eye as many of its river are polluted beyond imagination. Copious amounts of untreated wastewaters are released into the Ganges every passing day. Another source of pollution comes from water used by manufacturers of cloth and leather products[7]. Similarly, the draconian and ante diluvian provision in Indian legislation that criminalized homosexuality was an authentic blotch on the democratic firmament upon whose very foundations Hinduism reveled. The fact that a country took an agonizingly long period to decriminalize an outdated notion, whilst at the same time regaling the world with a cornucopia of erotic esoterica in the form of the Kamasutra, made for some stunning paradox[8]. Instances of gender bending have permeated Indian history from times immemorial. Mr. Sengupta also is non plussed with the squalor, cacophony and the assorted concoction of confusion that is the hallmark of almost every reputed public place of worship in India. His experience in visiting the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple in the holy city of Benares, is recounted in some interesting detail. Accompanying a surging and teeming mass of humanity, the author is repeatedly warned by blaring loudspeakers to be mindful of his wallet, lest the same be confiscated by an opportunistic pick pocketer. When he finally reaches the sanctum sanctorum, there is hardly a few seconds available within which he can glimpse the Shiva Linga. Maybe it is exactly within this incomprehensible clutter, that the clear message of realization is parlayed.

Above everything, Mr. Sengupta endeavours to convey to his reader the fascinating and fundamentally simple doctrine of the Hindu philosophy which abhors dictating any particular doctrine. This polytheistic practice boasts neither a solitary founder, nor a designated book. As there are a multitude of paths, there are multiple masters and methods to guide the seeker on his way. However, all the paths converge towards one ultimate destination – looking inwards and discovering oneself or one’s own self. Paraphrasing Shri Ramana Maharshi, the fabled and wise ascetic of South India, “The nature of Awareness is existence-consciousness-bliss. When the world which is what-is-seen has been removed, there will be realization of the Self which is the seer.[9]”

The New York Times recently attempted to engage its readers in an invigorating intellectual deliberation and discourse about the history of slavery in the United States and its continuing impact on the societal fabric. This initiative was named Project 1619, after first slave ship’s arrival in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1619. However, as Phillip W. Magness, explains in his short work, “The 1619 Project, A Critique”[10], many essayists ‘appropriated’ this opportunity to link slavery with notions such as progressive activism and many other similar ‘causes’, and in the process diluting the very purpose of the original initiative. In fact, some of the essayists, as Magness illustrates, equated slavery with capitalism and free market principles and vehemently postulating that modern capitalism embedded within its confined the taint of slavery. Similar to this distortion is the currently prevalent trope targeting Hindutva and Hinduism both within and outside India. It is in this context that Mr. Sengupta’s book comes as a refreshing and timely breath of fresh air. Myth busting, ameliorating and revealing, all in equal measure, Mr. Sengupta conflates a personal quest and a journey with facets, principles and tenets. As reiterated in the preceding paragraphs, “Being Hindu” is neither a magnificent and all-encompassing treatise nor a gold standard expounding on the various nuances of one of the oldest, if not the oldest religion on the planet. It is however a concise elucidation of a faith intermingling with fact, a malleability of science and spirituality, and a fusion of enquiry and enlightenment. Features that have ensured a perennial preservation and presence of a sacred concept that is as old as the Earth itself.

[Tannistha Ganguly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book of Hindol Sengupta that I have read and I'm impressed with his knowledge of Hinduism and religion in general. He is definitely a well read man.

This book is an absolute necessary in today's day and age for the Hindus of India. The language is simple & light and so is the messaging despite the fact that the message in itself is "heavy". Once again, the author has successfully presented difficult-to-understand ideas in shorter simpler concepts. He has touched upon a few pretty controversial topics without creating controversies himself, which I think will be the contributing factor to the book's success and popularity. Perfect pop Hindu non-fiction!

[Love Among the Bookshelves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I happened to pick up this book randomly and I was taken aback when I started reading this . It is meticulously researched and so well detailed that it demands a read .

The author Hindol Sengupta describes this book as "Old Faith , New World and You" . He attempts to rediscover the age old religion or more appropriately 'way of life' with numerous analytical , cultural , historical and social details . He redefines what it truly means to be a Hindu in the 21 st century and the way it touches upon the subject of Hindu Philosophy is subliminal yet formidable . It discusses science , politics , social strata, economics , history and so much more in this relatively short book .

His redefinition of the religion as a religion that houses plurality , courage , conviction and spirituality as opposed to the gore image of oppression , idolatry and animism is extremely well put . That's the best part about this book . I haven't seen this book around much . If you're interested to delve deep into the depths of Hindu idealogy , you can definitely pick this up!

[Ami Majmudar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book addresses the many aspects of Hinduism for a global mind. Simply brilliant!

[Rajatha · Rating 5 out of 5]

It gives a new dimension to understand Hinduism

[SUBRATA DATTA · Rating 4 out of 5]

At a time when the cacophony of political Hindutva on the one side and the tug-of-war for the Muslim vote bank on the other is threatening to drown the serene wisdom of the Sanatan Dharma, Hindol Sengupta’s Being Hindu comes as a refreshing breeze.

Sengupta (b. 1979) is a journalist (Editor-at-Large, Fortune India) and author. His journey through Hinduism is the journey of many a Hindu in the 21st century. Monotheistic religions have their Prophets who are said to have received the message of salvation from God Himself. Their revelations are collected in holy books that the followers of the faith are required to follow. God – by whichever name He is called – is standing outside the realm of Man, observing, judging and dispensing justice.

Hinduism, on the other hand, does not have an Ultimate Prophet nor a holy book that starts with Capital B. There is no compulsion to attend the place of worship on a fixed day of the week. In fact there is no compulsion in anything.

What then makes a Hindu? And how has it survived for over five millennia in spite of being the subject of brutal invasion and subjugation?

Sengupta attempts to find answer to those and similar other questions that are the questions many 21st Century Hindus are confronted with every day. When hordes of Muslim mob come down (or, more precisely, instigated to come down) on the road to wreck havoc on public property, ostensibly to protest against the amendment of a bill, such questions assume almost surreal urgency.

But the answer does not lie in the Hindutva that the political class on the right side of the debate is out peddling.

The answer lies in re-discovering the soul of the Sanatan Dharma.

But that is easier said than done.

Sengupta does not come up with full-proof answers nor does he claim to have all the answers.

But he makes a sincere attempt to find the answer. And the result is something that we need to seriously ponder over.

Monotheistic, Abrahamic religions place God in the role of a judge and referee. Whatever a man dose, he has to keep in mind the judgement that awaits him. The Sanatan, on the other hand, claims that man himself is God and places the responsibility of finding the truth on his shoulders. It’s an incredibly difficult task, but at the same time the rewards of discovery are many times more incredible.

Sengupta has put the debate on a whole new plane.

The notes and bibliography at the end of the book will invariably propel the reader to dig deeper into the subject.

Being Hindu is an important and rewarding read.

[Nancy McQueen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting opinion from the author. I started out the book with a current of anger and some offense. The introduction was very pointed in its approach.

I was not raised in the culture or faith of India, but as an atheist. For the past 25 years I have been studying and adoring Sanatana Dharma. Graciously members of the community have welcomed me.

I pushed on further in the bo and it slowly grew on me. I agreed with Hindol on many subjects, but the whole book felt like it had an over abundance "we aren't awful or backward" apologetic undertone with a covering of "if you aren't born here, you can never understand"

That being said, this book has not been a waste of my time and Hindol has given me a lot to think about.

[Nimesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good work done. Hinduism explained from its root meanings and the philosophies behind being Hindu. Title is well justified by all the content in it is all about being Hindu rather what Hinduism is. Book is not asking anyone to follow this religion nor about Hinduism only is better than any other religion nor any teachings of life. It shows all the best part of this religion and the worst problems it has ever faced and currently facing.I would recommend this book to anyone who believes in religion but not sure what this all means and needs a guidance in the direction of finding out the meaning of all rituals and prayers.

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was interesting. I found the parallels between our childhoods very interesting because we both grew up as non-Christians in a proselytism-saturated environment. The book was also recommended and featured in library ordering systems, and it grabbed my attention. As a Western polytheist in Hellenism, we have a lot of theological overlap, but the philosophies I follow in Hellenism tend to focus more on polycentricity and many gods. I found this valuable for gaining insight into the conversations happening in Hinduism right now and for broadening my perspective.

[Shahenshah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hinduism's inchoate nature manifests itself myriad forms, realised from the individual to society writ large, and it is this oft touted 'strength' which renders even a commonplace explanation Hinduism unsatisfying.
The author strives to capture the 'ethos', the civilisational temperament, and modernity which contribute to unify such disparate ideas and philosophies into that 'organic whole'.

[D Kamboj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read ‘Being Hindu ‘ very recently and feeling disappointed as more than 95% of the content was known to me beforehand. It is more suited for people completely ignorant of Hinduism. Also, it is far better than the drivel written by hinduphobic writers like Wendy Doniger, Sheldon Pollock, Audrey Truschke and Shashi Tharoor.

[Gauri Parab · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction of this ancient religion to everyone who wants to understand its complexities and its colorfulness, whether it is non-Hindus or even those born into this faith. Much information cramped into one short book. Highly recommended!

[Harshita Nanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have written a review for this wonderful book on my blog.
Here is the link to read it
https://undecidedindubai.wordpress.co...

[Debasis Dash · Rating 2 out of 5]

Below average. The author wrote the book based on personal experience without any scholarship. The book read as if the author intended to use it a medium of a rant.

[Priyam Banerjee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book a couple of years back but it lay on my shelf for long. It was only over the last couple of days I could lay my hands on it and read it in detail. I could relate to many things that the author highlights - coming from a middle class Kolkata/suburban family which put English medium education at Christian missionary schools at a high pedestal. Even though my school did not have the direct call for "sinners" to be "saved", but it was left on some Christian teachers to allude to it between lessons. Also, his association with Ramakrishna Mission, the silent prayers we are taught as kids are nostalgic accounts of growing up in an average middle class Bengali Hindu family of Kolkata.

Coming to the contents, I have a mixed opinion. I think it is a good starter to remove misconceptions of primarily the western world about Hinduism and in the process goes a bit overboard on the secular credentials. I loved the passages from Swami Vivekananda's works on the different Yogas to achieve the end divine as well as the misinterpretation of "tolerance" prevalent in the world today. However, the mutual respect that needs to be there cannot be a one way road with only Hindus adapting while others run amok. While alluding to Chanakya Niti, he only mentions Saam & Daam. What happens to "Bhed" and "Dand"? Again, 170 pages is probably not enough to talk about a broad subject like this. Hopefully, we'll get to read from Mr. Sengupta in future.

[Ananya Layek · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Being Hindu" by Hindol Sengupta asks some basic questions about our religion.. What is hinduism? And how one follows it? Who is the one true God? Is it believing whats written in our Shastras? Or is it a way of life where one can question whats written and follow their own set of rules?
Is there a conflict between God and science or is it inclusive? Does our religion defines what to eat or what not to? Or what to wear or what not to?? Does it ask to differentiate among human beings based or caste or sexual orientation?

OR IS IT ACTUALLY BIGGER THAN OUR MERE UNDERSTANDING OF RELIGION, WHICH INCLUDES ALL DIFFERENCES IN IT'S TRUEST SENSE AND UNITES PEOPLE?


This book discusses in great details how we have interpreted religion in our daily life and how by indulging in non relevant things,we are moving further away from the core beliefs of hinduism. It makes one think about Hinduism in a different light.. Makes one believe and question at the same time if there is one true God or 33 million Gods or if there is any at all. Makes one think about what's been taught since childhood and seek answer with their own judgment. It takes you through a journey to discover your own truth of religion.

[Susan Sharp · Rating 3 out of 5]

I checked out this book from the library in anticipation of attending a Hindu wedding ceremony, hoping it would provide me some insight as to what would be going on around me. Instead, I learned how the practice and philosophy of Hinduism informs one's identity and world view. Not exactly what I was looking for, but perhaps better. This book definitely takes an academic approach to the subject of Hinduism, and that includes its language. I had to re-read several passages, much like I had to re-read journal articles in grad school, to understand what was going on.

[Arnab · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a few questions that every modern Hindu asks himself / herself. The most important one, in my opinion, is ‘What makes you a Hindu?’. The author, however, did not give any direct answers to these questions. Instead he provided facts, references and asked some more questions. But that’s the point, ask question and find the answer in your own. Hindol tried to find it in his way, the readers will find in their ways. As Paramhansa said ‘Joto mot toto poth’.