The Hindu Mind - Softcover

Bansi Pandit; Pandit, Bansi

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0963479849 ISBN 13: 9780963479846

Publisher: B & V Enterprises, Incorporated, 1998

Synopsis

This popular book presents the fundamental concepts of all aspects of the Hindu religious, spiritual, and cultural heritage, in a simple and straightforward language for the readers of all ages. Thus, the basic concepts are exhaustively discussed and illustrated with the hope that once the reader has attained an understanding of the fundamentals of the Hindu heritage, he (or she) can proceed on his own accord to gain a better understanding of the higher teachings contained in other advanced books. Accordingly, this book includes the following features:

• The book is divided in five parts (40 chapters, 448 pages). Parts I through IV discuss the fundamental concepts of all aspects of the Hindu religious, cultural and spiritual tradition.
  
• Part V includes tables, figures, appendices, works cited, suggested readings for higher studies, glossary with pronunciation guide and an alphabetical index. Each chapter is complete in itself and can be read independently of others. Cross-references to other sections of the book have been provided, as necessary, for a more comprehensive understanding of the contents.

About this title

From the Author

I wrote this books to help people, especially younger generation, to understand what it really means to be a Hindu.  Hinduism is not just another "ism."  Hindu religious tradition represents a profound philosophy of life that is based upon many noble ideals, such as total harmlessness to all creatures (ahimsa), universal brotherhood (Vasudhaiva kutumbakam), religious and cultural harmony, reverence for old age, and respect for one's parents, teachers, and elders.  Hinduism teaches that Truth is one, but paths are many.  Hindu scriptures declare that "cows are of different colors, but their milk is of the same color.  Beneath all different colors of the skins, lies the blood of the same color." Devoid of any dogma, blind faith or fanaticism, Hindus act out of love for God and not out of His fear. Hinduism is a God-loving religion and not a God-fearing one.
 
            In today's society where family values are deteriorating rapidly, elders are made to feel useless, unwanted, and burdensome, crime is on the rise and individual and social values are on the decline, it is our utmost responsibility to teach the lofty ideals of the ancient wisdom to our youth.  To help them live harmoniously with themselves and with rest of the creation, we must teach them what is good and noble in life, as taught by the sages and saints of India. 

From the Back Cover

"...a remarkable and highly rewarding book. It is rational, objective, interesting, relevant and meaningful...."   -Dr. T.K. Venkateswaran, Emeritus Professor of Hinduism, University of Detroit.
 
"The Hindu Mind provides an excellent introduction to the historical, philosophical, ritualistic, social, and ethical dimensions of Hinduism. The major contribution of the book is that it shows the interconnections among these diverse dimensions."  - Dr. Rajeshwari V. Pandharipande, Associate Professor, University of Illinois, Urbana
 
"It is well-written, informative and timely...there is no other book available at that level where Hindu Americans can get answers to different questions about their religion and heritage...."
Dr. Subhash Kak, Professor, Lousiana State University.

About this edition

• Publisher: B & V Enterprises, Incorporated
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0963479849
• ISBN 13: 9780963479846
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 448