Windows into the Infinite: A Guide to the Hindu Scriptures - Hardcover

Powell, Barbara

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 087573071X ISBN 13: 9780875730714

Publisher: Jain Pub Co, 1996

Synopsis

A timely book to understand and put into perspective the vast corpus of the Hindu religious literature which a typical Western reader otherwise finds so daunting that he/she gets discouraged and simply gives up. Besides being of enormous value to the spiritural seekers, the book is ideally suited for study in a classroom environment.

"...valuable primer on Hinduism...gives general readers access to the broad and varied scope of Hindu tradition..."--Publishers Weekly

"...marvelous book... a useful introduction to the Hindu scriptures... highly recommended for any library..." --Library Journal

"...good introductory text... excellent starting point for further study. The book includes an extensive glossary, a good introductory bibliography, and a detailed index, all of which enhance its value as a reference guide..." --ALA Booklist END

About this title

From Library Journal

These two marvelous books complement each other well. Goodall has significantly revised R.C. Zaehner's book on Hindu scriptures (Everyman, 1966) by deleting some parts and adding the Yajnavalkya-Smrti (a work on conduct, legal proceedings, and penitential rites), the first seven chapters of the Kirana-Tantra (a work on initiation into the Saiva Siddhanta cult), and the Bhagavat-Purana (a work expressing popular devotionalism). Goodall's brief introduction is helpful, but mainly the book provides fresh translations of portions of the Rig and Athavara Vedas, some Upanishads, and the Bhagavad-Gita. Powell's work is a useful introduction to the Hindu scriptures. It gives information on their composition, summaries of their content, and demonstrations of their significance for Hinduism. The first chapter provides solid guidance on how to read a sacred text and offers an overview of the immense and complex Hindu canon. Powell also includes a glossary of Hindu terms and even diagrams such as the one showing the Mahabharata family tree. While Goodall's work provides an excellent place to begin becoming familiar with the most significant Hindu scriptures, Powell's work offers a more extensive introduction to many of the same basic Hindu texts. Both books are highly recommended for any library seeking to provide patrons with seminal and introductory material on Hindu scripture.?David Bourquin, California State Univ., San Bernadino
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

In this good introductory text for students who wish to become acquainted with the principal sacred texts of Hinduism in English translation, Powell provides a detailed summary of and commentary on the mainstream of Hindu scripture--the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Puranas, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Itithascas. Readers will find in this accessible guidebook a framework within which to organize a bewilderingly diverse body of literature and an excellent starting point for further study. The book includes an extensive glossary, a good introductory bibliography, and a detailed index, all of which enhance its value as a reference guide inside the classroom or out. Steve Schroeder

Edition details

• Publisher: Jain Pub Co
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 087573071X
• ISBN 13: 9780875730714
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 458