An Introduction to HinduismThis book provides a much-needed thematic and historical introduction to Hinduism, the religion of the majority of people in India. Dr Flood traces the development of Hindu traditions from their ancient origins, through the major deities of Visnu, Siva and the Goddess, to the modern world. Hinduism is discussed as both a global religion and a form of nationalism. Emphasis is given to the tantric traditions, which have been so influential; to Hindu ritual, which is more fundamental to the life of the religion than are specific beliefs or doctrines; and to Dravidian influences from south India. An Introduction to Hinduism examines the ideas of dharma, particularly in relation to the ideology of kingship, caste and world renunciation. Dr Flood also introduces some debates within contemporary scholarship about the nature of Hinduism. It is suitable both for the student and for the general reader. |
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this book should be abolished from internet. It hearts to Indian as well as Hinduism.
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All 6 reviews »This book has a lot of misconceptions, wrong dates, and biases which lead to an incorrect comprehensive of Hinduismm
Contents
Points of departure | 5 |
Ancient origins | 23 |
Dharma | 51 |
Yoga and renunciation | 75 |
Narrative traditions and early Vaisnavism | 103 |
The love of Visnu | 128 |
Saiva and tantric religion | 148 |
The Goddess and Sakta traditions | 174 |
Hindu ritual | 198 |
Hindu theology and philosophy | 224 |
Hinduism and the modern world | 250 |
Notes | 274 |
| 305 | |
| 329 | |
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Common terms and phrases
according action Aryan ascetic associated became become bhakti body Brahman Buddhism called caste central centre century classes composed concerned consciousness continuity cosmos cult culture death deities described developed devotion dharma distinct divine early established example experience expressed fire Goddess gods groups Hindu Hinduism householder human icon idea ideal identified identity ideology important India Indus valley influence initiation king knowledge language later liberation literature living Lord maintains manifestation means namely nature offerings origins particularly perform period person philosophy political popular practice Purāņas refers regarded regional religion religious renouncer renunciation revelation rites ritual rules sacred Saiva Sanskrit seen sense Śiva social society Śrī structure Sūtra symbolic Tamil Tamilnadu Tantras tantric teachings temple term texts theology tion traditions transcendent University University Press Upanişads Vaisnava Veda Vedānta vedic Vişnu western women worship yoga
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Bibliographic information
| Title | An Introduction to Hinduism An Introduction to Hinduism, Gavin D. Flood Introduction to Religion |
| Authors | Gavin D. Flood, Flood, Gavin D. Flood |
| Edition | illustrated, reprint |
| Publisher | Cambridge University Press, 1996 |
| ISBN | 0521438780, 9780521438780 |
| Length | 341 pages |
| Subjects | › › Religion / Buddhism / General Religion / Eastern Religion / Hinduism / General |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |