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

Swami Bhaskarananda

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1884852041 ISBN 13: 9781884852046

Publisher: Viveka Press, 2002

Synopsis

This book gives clearly written explanations of the basic ideas and practices of Hinduism and its culture. It answers so many questions Do the Hindus worship many gods? Are the Hindus idol worshippers? What is the purpose of life? What are Hinduism's spiritual practices? and so on, covering the most mundane to the most profound ideas and questions of Hinduism.

About this title

About the Author

Swami Bhaskarananda, a monk of the Ramakrishna Order of India since 1958, studied for many years under the scholarly monks of the Order before he was sent to the United States to head the Vedanta Society of Western Washington in 1974. He is also the spiritual head of the Vedanta Societies in Hawaii and Vancouver, Canada. On invitation, the Swami has traveled extensively throughout the world giving talks on Hinduism and other spiritual topics. 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 author of the book "Meditation, Mind, and Patanjali's Yoga" and is the founder and editor-in-chief of the quarterly journal "Global Vedanta."

Reviews

Swami Bhaskarananda, a monk of the Ramakrishna order, here offers a brief catechism aimed at Westerners unacquainted with Hindu religious traditions. Perforce covering those traditions in broad terms without going into doctrinal complexities, his book has a straightforward style that should appeal to casual readers and students at a basic level but will not interest advanced students and scholars. Bhaskarananda, who has founded and led several Vedanta societies, has also been involved in interfaith relations. His tone is frequently apologetic, and he corrects American stereotypes about India and Hindus. In general, he points out, Hinduism emphasizes family and personal devotion over communal celebration and values variety in viewpoint and observance. While this book is not broad enough to be a reference work and is somewhat biased toward the Vedanta philosophical school of thought, it could fill a gap in collections on Hindu philosophy and practice, especially in those collections dominated by the works of individual gurus. Recommended for public libraries. James F. DeRoche, Alexandria,
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Viveka Press
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1884852041
• ISBN 13: 9781884852046
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 247