Essential Hinduism

by Steven Rosen

Overview

As a world religion, Hinduism remains one of the most elusive for many. Its teachings, beliefs, practices, and history are reviewed here by an expert hoping to introduce readers to the world of Hinduism. While there are many forms of Hinduism, and offshoots as well, the complex nature of this faith makes it elusive to many. This straightforward overview, focusing on Vaishnavism-the most common form of Hinduism—is ideal for those who wish to learn more about this ancient tradition..

Beginning with chapters about the foundations of Hinduism, Rosen clearly lays out what is otherwise a complicated history. Providing Hindu terms alongside English translations, he is able to bring the faith alive for readers unacquainted with its varieties and its tenets. Moving on to chapters about practices, including festivals, teachings, chanting, eating habits and more, Rosen brings Hinduism to life in vivid detail.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780275990060
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	10/30/2006
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	296
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.69(d)

About the Author

Steven J. Rosen is editor-in-chief of the Jourbanal of Vaishnava Studies, an academic quarterly esteemed by scholars around the world. He is also Associate Editor of Back to Godhead, the magazine of the Hare Krishna movement. His recent books include The Hidden Glory of India (2001) and Holy War: Violence and the Bhagavad Gita (2002). In addition, Greenwood Press has recently released his reference book on Hinduism as part of their Introduction to the Major World Religions series.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Graham M. Schweig
Introduction
Chapter 1. The Antecedents: Everything Comes from Something
Chapter 2. Hinduism: The One and the Many
Chapter 3. Dharma and the Hindu Social System
Chapter 4. What Are the Vedas?
Chapter 5. Epic Hinduism
Chapter 6. The Bhagavad-Gita and the Life of Lord Krishna
Chapter 7. The Puranas and the Bhagavata
Chapter 8. Vaishnavism and the Practice of Hinduism
Chapter 9. Underlying Metaphysics
Chapter 10. The Yoga of Eating
Chapter 11. Idols, Deities, Worship, and Temples
Chapter 12. Festivals and Holidays
Chapter 13. Sonic Theology
Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Hinduism, the world's oldest "living" religion, is also the third-largest faith, boasting one billion adherents. Rosen (Introduction to the World's Major Religions) is the ideal author to unravel the mystery of this diverse and complex faith. As editor of the Journal of Vaishnava Studies, he is especially qualified in his highlighting of Vaishnavism, the most popular form of Hinduism, throughout. The book is made up of 13 chapters and is divided into two conceptual parts: "The Basis," which focuses on Hinduism's history and holy texts, and "The Practice," which discusses philosophical ideas and specific practices such as vegetarianism, meditation, and worship. Hindu terms appear alongside English translations. There is a solid bibliography and notes, but a glossary would have been helpful. What's more, illustrations or photographs would have enhanced the text's richness. The content, however, is of a high caliber. This book will appeal to scholars as well as general readers. Recommended for both academic and public libraries.
—C. Brian Smith Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information

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