Beliefs, Practices, History, Gods, Goddesses and More
You are invited to use our search engine to find books about Hinduism. Note how many there are! We have not ranked or rated any of these books. But we find it fascinating to see what's in print now. Note that you can also change the key words in the box below and look for books on any topic you are interested in exploring. You can also switch to a search for music, video, or practically any other product you can imagine. Enjoy!
This book provides a much-needed thematic and historical introduction to Hinduism, the religion of the majority of people in India. Dr. Flood traces the development of Hindu traditions from ancient origins and the major deities to the modern world. Hinduism as both a global religion and a form of nationalism are discussed. Emphasis is given to the tantric traditions, which have been so influential; to Hindu ritual, more fundamental than belief or doctrine; and to Dravidian influences. It introduces some debates within contemporary scholarship.
Hinduism : A Very Short Introduction
by: Kim Knott
publisher: Oxford University Press, USA, published: 2000-06-15
ASIN: 0192853872
sales rank: 29432
price: $5.87 (new), $3.28 (used)
Hinduism is practiced by about eighty percent of India's population, and by about 30 million people outside India. But how is Hinduism defined, and what basis does the religion have? In this Very Short Introduction, Kim Knott provides clear insight into the beliefs and authority of Hindus and Hinduism, and considers the ways in which it has been affected by colonialism and modernity.
Knott offers succinct explanations of Hinduism's central preoccupations, including the role of contemporary gurus and teachers in the quest for spiritual fulfillment; and the function of regular performances of the Mahabharata and Ramayana--scriptures which present the divine in personal form (avatara) and provide models of behavior for everyone, from kings and warriors to servants and children, and which focus on the dharma, the appropriate duties and moral responsibilities of the different varna or classes. The author also considers the challenges posed to Hinduism at the end of the twentieth century as it spreads far beyond India, and as concerns are raised about issues such as dowry, death, caste prejudice, and the place of women in Hindu society.
This book gives clearly written explanations of the basic ideas and practices of Hinduism and its culture. It answers so many questions—Do the Hindus worship many gods? Are the Hindus idol worshippers? What is the purpose of life? What are Hinduism's spiritual practices?—and so on, covering the most mundane to the most profound ideas and questions of Hinduism.
Hinduism describes the array of beliefs and practices of the majority of the people of South Asia, particularly those of India and Nepal. Hinduism is the ideal starting point for students wishing to undertake a comprehensive study of this fascinating religion. This lively introduction explores the complexities of Hinduism, including its social structures, especially its caste system, its rituals and many scriptures, its vast mythology and varieties of deities and its religious philosophies. Hillary Rodrigues, an experienced teacher of the Hindu tradition, emphasizes the importance of Hindu rituals and practice, subjects of particular interest in contemporary scholarship. Illustrated throughout, the book also includes a glossary and a list of further reading.
The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to Hinduism, Second Edition, contains updated and expanded information on how the religion developed from its very fragmented origins, the basic Hindu beliefs, and the multiple Hindu deities, as well as the sociological aspects of the religion including ethics, sacraments, dietary habits, the caste system, and much more.
• Hinduism is the third-largest religion in the world, with over 765 million followers worldwide • Updated information on the state of Hinduism today • An exploration of the Hindu paths to enlightenment including karma yoga, bhakti yoga, jnana yoga, tantra and laya yoga • Expanded information on the Hindu Reformation
Hinduism: A Cultural Perspective (2nd Edition)
by: David R. Kinsley
publisher: Prentice Hall, published: 1993-02-27
ASIN: 0133957322
sales rank: 74477
price: $51.00 (new), $31.94 (used)
The reference provides an overview of the Hindu religious tradition and describes the essence of the Hindu vision of reality. Provides a historical and analytical discussion of Hindu mythology, art, rituals, and social structure; gives extended portraits of important Hindu thinkers and saints; offers a fuller picture of the role of women in the Hindu religious tradition; shows how the concepts of Dharama and Moksha conflict with one another and how the Hindu tradition insists upon both concepts as essential in fulfilling human destiny. A valuable reference for courses in Asian Religion, Theology, and Asian Philosophy.
Hinduism and Buddhism, An Historical Sketch, Vol. 1 is presented here in a high quality paperback edition. This popular classic work by Sir Eliot is in the English language. If you enjoy the works of Sir Eliot then we highly recommend this publication for your book collection.
The Origins and Development of Classical Hinduism
by: A.L. Basham
publisher: Oxford University Press, USA, published: 1991-12-05
ASIN: 0195073495
sales rank: 94251
price: $15.87 (new), $3.71 (used)
The late A.L. Basham was one of the world's foremost authorities on ancient Indian culture and religion. Modelled on his monumental work The Wonder That Was India, this account of the origins and development of classical Hinduism represents a lifetime of reflection on the subject, and offers an intriguing introduction to one of the richest of all Asian traditions.
Synthesizing Basham's great knowledge of the art, architecture, literature, and religion of South Asia, this concise history traces the spiritual life of India from the time of the Indus Culture (around 2700 B.C.E) through the crystallization of classical Hinduism in the first centuries of the common era. It chronicles as well the rise of other mystical and ascetic traditions, such as Buddhism and Jainism, and follows Hinduism's later incarnations in the West, making it an especially comprehensive introduction to the subject.
Unlike Christianity or Islam, Hinduism was not inspired by single great prophet but rather evolved organically. The wide range of influences and sources--along with the great number of sacred texts in ancient languages--can make the Hindu system of faith and practice seem almost impenetrable to the uninitiated. With its vivid presentation of Hinduism's sources--from the warrior Aryans to the wandering ascetics--and its clearly written explanations and analyses of the major Hindu texts--among them the Rg-veda, the Brahmanas, Upanishads, and the Mahabharata and Ramayana--The Origins of Classical Hinduism clarifies much of Hinduism's enduring mystique. With an especially helpful bibliography, numerous illustrations of Hindu art never before published, and a lucid, accessible style, this book is must reading for anyone who has ever been intrigued by this fascinating religion.
"A wider range than usual of Sanskrit texts: not only interesting Vedic, epic, and mythological texts but also a good sampling of ritual and ethical texts. . . . There are also extracts from texts usually neglected, such as medical treatises, works on practical politics, and guides to love and marriage. . . . Readings from the vernacular Hindi, Bengali, and Tamil traditions [serve to] enrich the collection and demonstrate how Hinduism flourished not just in Sanskrit but also in its many mother tongues."—Francis X. Clooney, Journal of Asian Studies
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Hinduism
by: Linda Johnsen
publisher: Alpha, published: 2001-11-01
ASIN: 0028642279
sales rank: 348957
price: $12.48 (new), $6.26 (used)
You-re no idiot, of course. You know Hinduism is a religion practiced worldwide, with philosophies that can offer enlightenment even to nonbelievers. However, its belief system is neither as simple nor as complex as many people think.The Complete Idiot-s Guide- to Hinduism will show you exactly how this religion is practiced and its relationship to Hindu culture. In this Complete Idiot-s Guide-, you get: * The principles behind basic Hindu beliefs, including karma, reincarnation, nonviolence, vegetarianism, and multiple manifestations of God. * The stories of such Hindu gods and goddesses as Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Sarasvati, and Kali. * Paths to enlightenment including karma yoga, bhakti yoga, jnana yoga, raja yoga, and tantra yoga. * The Hindu caste system, and the customary importance of women in its society.
Page:
12>1146
Time used:
- 1.00 s total
- 0.02 s cache read
- 0.91 s AWS
- 0.01 s cache write
- 0.00 s XML
- 0.04 s show
Charles Henderson
You are invited to join our Forum
and discuss any issues
pertaining to faith or the search for it.
Your comments are published here instantly.
CrossCurrents
Forum
(To see the current list of
topics your browser must allow Active Content)
CrossCurrents
Recent Discussions
Please take a moment to let us know you
were here!
Just send us an email to subscribe to our free newsletter.
If you want to talk with someone in person, please feel free to call 212-864-5436
The Rev. Charles P. Henderson is a Presbyterian minister and
Executive Director of CrossCurrents.
He is the author of God and Science (John Knox Press, 1986).
A revised and expanded version of the book is appearing here. God and Science (Hypertext Edition,
2005).
He is also editor of a new book, featuring articles by world class scientists and theologians, and illustrating the leading views on the relationship between science and religion: Faith, Science and the Future (CrossCurrents Press, 2007).
Charles also tracks the boundry between the virtual and the real at his blog: Next World Design, focusing on the mediation of art, science and spirituality in the metaverse.
