The Essentials of Hinduism: A Comprehensive Overview of the World 's Oldest Religion - Softcover

Bhaskarananda, Swami

3.96

300 ratings by Goodreads

9781884852022: The Essentials of Hinduism: A Comprehensive Overview of the World 's Oldest Religion

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1884852025 ISBN 13: 9781884852022

Publisher: Viveka Pr, 1995

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This book has been chosen by a great number of Hindus and Western students of Hinduism themselves, as the book that best explains the profound ideas of Hinduism in a clear, precise and easily understandable way, with many excellent analogies. The book covers the basis and goal of Hinduism, concepts of God; worship of God; guru and disciple relationship; mantras; the four yogas; creation and the three Gunas; different spiritual paths; moksha (liberation), the holy books, the doctrines of karma, predestination, and reincarnation; Hindu ethics; Indo-Aryans and their society; Hinduism as a way of life; role of food; and more. There are many illustrations.

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About the Author:

Swami Bhaskarananda was born in India and joined the Ramakrishna Order as a monk in 1958 after earning several university degrees. Before coming to Seattle in 1974, he was attached to the headquarters of the Order for 12 years. He has been President of the Vedanta Society of Western Washington in Seattle, an accredited branch of the Ramakrishna Order, since 1980. He is also the spiritual head of the Vedanta Societies in Hawaii and Vancouver, Canada. On invitation, the Swami has traveled extensively giving talks on Hinduism and other spiritual topics in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, England, France, Japan, Iceland and the Netherlands. He is a founding member and past President of the Interfaith Council of Washington State, as well as an Interfaith Partner in the Church Council of Greater Seattle. The Swami is the founder and editor-in-chief of the quarterly journal "Global Vedanta."

Review:

...fills a great need of Hinduism worldwide...perfect for Hindus who need to know more about their own religion. -- Hinduism Today

...gone straight to the heart and mind in defining all the categories—beautifully and clearly—leaving one a real satisfaction. -- Joan Fox, Calgary, Alberta

...mine of interpretative material on the essentials of Hinduism presented in concise and ready form consonant with modern aptitudes. -- The Vedanta Kesari

...remarkable for its directness and lucidity, fresh and devoid of cliches to an extent that is truly rare nowadays. -- Walter H. Maurer, Ph.D.,Professor of Sanskrit, University of Hawai'i, at Manoa

...valuable...introduction into the richly diverse traditions of one of the world's oldest religions, and... a succinct reference tool. -- India West

..well-written... compact, yet covering every aspect of Hinduism....combining an easy style with deep philosophical insights. -- Vedanta

I have taught Asian Religions courses for twenty years; I have never been able to find such a helpful work. -- Rev. James R. Roberts, Catholic Priest, Professor, Religious Studies, Vancouver

Community College, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

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