Author: Julius Lipner
Publisher: Psychology Press
ISBN: 0415051827
Category : Hinduism
Languages : en
Pages : 332

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Book Description
Hinduism has been a major religious faith for well over 3000 years, and Hindus today account for over 600 million people. Lipner's book is a highly readable study of its evolution, its multidimensional nature, and influence.

Author: Jeaneane D. Fowler
Publisher: Sussex Library of Religious Beliefs & Practice
ISBN: 9781845196233
Category : Hindu philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Originally published in 1997 -- "A wonderful balance of detail and clarity with excellent introductory essays on the Indus Valley civilization, the Vedic Period, the Upanishads, and devotional Hinduism," Religious Studies Review; Choice Outstanding Academic Book - selling over 10,000 copies, and now revised and expanded to two volumes (Volume I: Major Deities and Social Structures) Herewith an outstanding introduction to the development of the religion of Hinduism from earliest times. While historical tradition is explored from as far back as pre-Aryan times in the fascinating ancient civilization that existed in India a few thousand years BCE, later expressions of religion and philosophy that informed early Hindu tradition are gleaned from its sacred texts. The author examines how present beliefs and practices have been informed by past traditions, and the resulting accommodation in Hinduism today. The book serves as an introduction to the two strands of theism and philosophical thought that emerged from early scriptures as they are expressed independently in Hinduism as well as in those traditions where they are woven together to create new religious movements. No prior knowledge of Hinduism is required. Contents include: The Indus Valley Civilization; The Vedic Period; Vedanta; The Advaita Vedanta of Sankara; Influential Theories (Samkhya and Yoga); Devotional Hinduism; The Bhagavad Gita; Songs of the Poets; The theistic philosophy of Ramanuja; The devotional theism of Caitanya; Unity and diversity.

Author: Jeaneane D. Fowler
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Hinduism
Languages : en
Pages : 188

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Book Description
This book sets out major beliefs and practices which form Hinduism today. It is about living religion - what it is to be Hindu in today's world. It depicts the rich colour and diversity of the many dimensions of Hinduism and deals with the fundamental beliefs which underpin the religion. Contents include the Hindu concept of God; samsara, the cycle of reincarnation; karma, the law of course and effect; dharma, what is right; moksa, the final goal of enlightenment. Hindu scriptures include sruti and smrti literature, the Mahabharat, The Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana. There is a chapter on Gods and Goddesses: Vishnu the Preserver, Krishna, Siva, the auspicious Ganesh, and the Mother Goddess. Other chapters explain worship in the home and temple, Hindu sysbols, food and caste, festivals and pilgrimages, and life cycles in the Hindu family - particularly, birth, marriages and death. The history and tradition of Hinduism is dealt with in relation to the Indus valley civilization, the Vedic period, the Vedanta, and devotional Hinduism. The book contains a glossary of Hindu terms.

Author: Amrutur V. Srinivasan
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118110773
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 397

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Book Description
Your hands-on guide to one of the world's major religions The dominant religion of India, "Hinduism" refers to a wide variety of religious traditions and philosophies that have developed over thousands of years. Today, the United States is home to approximately one million Hindus. If you've heard of this ancient religion and are looking for a reference that explains the intricacies of the customs, practices, and teachings of this ancient spiritual system, Hinduism For Dummies is for you! Provides a thorough introduction to this earliest and popular world belief system Information on the rites, rituals, deities, and teachings associated with the practice of Hinduism Explores the history and teachings of the Vedas, Brahmans, and Upanishads Offers insight into the modern daily practice of Hinduism around the world Continuing the Dummies tradition of making the world's religions engaging and accessible to everyone, Hinduism For Dummies is your hands-on, friendly guide to this fascinating religion.

Author: Mahatma Gandhi
Publisher:
ISBN: 9788123709277
Category : Hinduism
Languages : en
Pages : 119

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Book Description
A selection of Gandhiji s articles drawn mainly from his contributions to young india, the Harijan and the Navjivan on Hinduism. Written on different occassions, these articles present a picture of hindu dharma I all its richness, comprehensiveness and sensitivity to the existential delimmas of human existence.

Author: Rachel Dwyer
Publisher: Granta Books
ISBN: 1847089402
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
Hinduism is a much contested term used to describe the religious beliefs and practices of more than 800 million people, most of whom live in India. Yet Hinduism is a religion that lacks a set of core beliefs (there is no founder, no single scripture nor any central organization). The sheer diversity of beliefs (Hindus may be atheists, polytheists and monotheists) and practices that vary across social groups and regions has led some to claim that the term 'Hindu' is almost meaningless. What Do Hindus Believe? argues, however, that there are central threads in this diversity which can be traced through more than three thousand years, from the prehistoric depictions of Hindu deities in the Indus Valley civilization, through classical, medieval and colonial periods. The book's examination of Hinduism in the twenty-first century discusses the rise of Hindutva (or Hindu-nationalism) in India and examines beliefs and practices in the Hindu diaspora, with particular emphasis on Britain. The book also examines the depictions in the media of Hindu beliefs and practices ('religious soap operas', such as the Mahabharata and the Ramayana; religious ceremonies and miracles in popular cinema) and looks at the significance of media (the Internet, satellite and cable television) in connecting the Hindu diaspora to India. The concluding chapter also discusses some of the cults which have become popular in the west, notably those based around spiritual teachers or gurus.

Author: Shalu Sharma
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781495370427
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 68

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Book Description
Why don't Hindus eat beef? Why do Hindu women wear a dot on their forehead? Who is the Monkey God? Who's that God with the elephant head? Children can ask the weirdest of questions and sometimes it's difficult to tell them the answers to these questions. The reality is that even the adults don't know the answers to many of these questions. The fact is, Hinduism is a complex religion even to those who are born Hindus. This book covers a complex religion in simple questions and answers. 'Hinduism For Kids: Beliefs And Practices' is designed mainly for children of all ages of reading abilities for all nationalities and religious beliefs. The book can be used by non-Hindu parents who want to teach their children about Hinduism, its beliefs, practices and rituals. It will also be useful to children and adults alike who are considering taking a course on Hinduism or simply those who want to learn about Hinduism. Those thinking of visiting India especially those in pursuit of spirituality will find some of the answers in this book. Finally, parents of Hindu children who want to teach their children about their ancestral religion will also find the book useful. Here are the topics covered in 'Hinduism For Kids: Beliefs And Practices What is Hinduism? Who are the Hindus? Where do Hindus live? Where do Hindus worship? When was Hinduism discovered? What are the Hindu holy books? What are the Vedas? What is a bhajan? What is Aum? What is the swastika? What is Ishvara? Who is a sadhu? Meaning of aarti in Hinduism? What is ahimsa? Do Hindus eat meat? Why don't Hindus eat beef ? Do Hindus eat pork? Why is the River Ganges holy? What is the importance of the lotus in Hinduism? Why do Hindu women put a dot on their head? Why do Hindus put a dot on their forehead? Who is Lord Ganesha? How did Ganesha get the elephant head? Who is Lord Rama? Who is Lord Shiva? Who is Lord Krishna? Who is Lord Vishnu? Who is Goddess Durga? Who is Goddess Lakshmi? Who is the Monkey God? What is Holi? What is Diwali? What is Raksha Bandhan? What is the caste system? What is reincarnation? What is moksha? What is yoga? What is the Bhagavad Gita? What is the Ramayana? What is the Mahabharata? What is aatma? What is maya? What is the Gayatri Mantra? What is the Saraswati Mantra? What are the other Hindu Festivals? What is Namaste? Where do Hindus go for pilgrimage? Why are cows sacred in Hinduism? Is Buddhism the same as Hinduism? Who are the Jains? Who are the Sikhs?

Author: Pankaj Jain
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317151607
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 228

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Book Description
In Indic religious traditions, a number of rituals and myths exist in which the environment is revered. Despite this nature worship in India, its natural resources are under heavy pressure with its growing economy and exploding population. This has led several scholars to raise questions about the role religious communities can play in environmentalism. Does nature worship inspire Hindus to act in an environmentally conscious way? This book explores the above questions with three communities, the Swadhyaya movement, the Bishnoi, and the Bhil communities. Presenting the texts of Bishnois, their environmental history, and their contemporary activism; investigating the Swadhyaya movement from an ecological perspective; and exploring the Bhil communities and their Sacred Groves, this book applies a non-Western hermeneutical model to interpret the religious traditions of Indic communities. With a foreword by Roger S Gottlieb.

Author: One True Faith
Publisher: Speedy Publishing LLC
ISBN: 1541951913
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 41

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Book Description
There was a shift to India’s major beliefs and practices, and this book is a product of expert investigations. Read on how, when, and why Brahmanism grew into Hinduism. Focus on the major beliefs and practices, and form conclusions from there. Empower your child to grow his/her knowledge on the early civilizations of India. Grab a copy today.

Author: Robin Rinehart
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN: 1576079066
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 464

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Book Description
An examination of the contemporary practices, beliefs, and issues of one of the world's oldest and most enduring religions, both within its Indian homeland and throughout the world. Contemporary Hinduism: Ritual, Culture, and Practice illuminates the modern-day ritual, range, and reach of this ancient and diverse religion. A brief historical overview is followed by discussions of the oral and written origins of Hinduism that give context for the main emphasis—contemporary thought, practice, and key issues. Unique to this work is the consistent attention given to the practice of Hinduism for both men and women. What roles do caste and gender play in modern Hinduism? How are issues like ethics and the environment approached? What are the differences between urban and rural Hinduism, fundamental and secular Hinduism? To what countries has this religion spread, and how do the beliefs and practices of their people compare and contrast? Essays written by Indian and Western scholars answer these and other intriguing questions, introducing readers to the whole world of "living Hinduism" rather than the perspectives and traditions of a small elite.