Contemporary Hinduism: Ritual, Culture, and Practice

by Robin Rinehart

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781576079058
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	07/21/2004
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	464
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.19(d)

About the Author

Robin Rinehart is associate professor of religion at Lafayette College, Easton, PA.

Editorial Reviews

[T]his is a well-written, well-designed book that is suited for the student or casual reader interested in the modern aspects of Hinduism.” —American Reference Books Annual

“Rhinehart's volume is unique in that it is a group effort . . . This material will be quite familiar to scholars, but should prove useful to students and educated readers who are newcomers to Hindu studies . . . Recommended. Lower- and upper- division undergraduate; general readers.” —Choice

“All the chapters are clear, well written, and free of jargon. This would be a very helpful book to use in a class on modern Hinduism or a great supplementary text in an introduction to Hinduism course.” —Jourbanal of Asian Studies

“This work can be recommended to all those who would like to have a fairly correct and comprehensive outlook in contemporary Hinduism. It will certainly be of use and help to all studens of Hinduism.” —Vatican City Pontifical Missionary Library

From the Publisher