Essential Hinduism

Steven Rosen

Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006 - Religion - 266 pages

As a world religion, Hinduism remains one of the most elusive for many. Its teachings, beliefs, practices, and history are reviewed here by an expert hoping to introduce readers to the world of Hinduism. While there are many forms of Hinduism, and offshoots as well, the complex nature of this faith makes it elusive to many. This straightforward overview, focusing on Vaishnavism-the most common form of Hinduism--is ideal for those who wish to learn more about this ancient tradition..

Beginning with chapters about the foundations of Hinduism, Rosen clearly lays out what is otherwise a complicated history. Providing Hindu terms alongside English translations, he is able to bring the faith alive for readers unacquainted with its varieties and its tenets. Moving on to chapters about practices, including festivals, teachings, chanting, eating habits and more, Rosen brings Hinduism to life in vivid detail.

What people are saying

LibraryThing Review

User Review  - danoomistmatiste - LibraryThing

What led me to this title was unadulterated curiosity and I must say that I am more than pleasantly surprised. The book is very well written and captures the essence of Hinduism very well. I actually ...

Essential Hinduism

User Review  - Not Available - Book Verdict

Hinduism, the world's oldest "living" religion, is also the third-largest faith, boasting one billion adherents. Rosen (Introduction to the World's Major Religions ) is the ideal author to unravel the ...

Contents

• Everything Comes from Something: 1
• The One and the Many: 17
• Chapter 3 Dharma and the Hindu Social System: 33
• Chapter 4 What Are the Vedas?: 49
• Chapter 5 Epic Hinduism: 65
• Chapter 6 The BhagavadGita and the Life of Lord Krishna: 107
• Chapter 7 The Puranas and the Bhagavata: 139
• Chapter 8 Vaishnavism and the Practice of Hinduism: 151
• Chapter 9 Underlying Metaphysics: 169
• Chapter 10 The Yoga of Eating: 181
• Chapter 11 Idols Deities Worship and Temples: 191
• Chapter 12 Festivals and Holidays: 205
• Chapter 13 Sonic Theology: 215
• Conclusion: 227
• Notes: 231
• Bibliography: 245
• Index: 251

About the author

Steven J. Rosen is editor-in-chief of the Journal of Vaishnava Studies, an academic quarterly esteemed by scholars around the world. He is also Associate Editor of Back to Godhead, the magazine of the Hare Krishna movement. His recent books include The Hidden Glory of India (2001) and Holy War: Violence and the Bhagavad Gita (2002). In addition, Greenwood Press has recently released his reference book on Hinduism as part of their Introduction to the Major World Religions series.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Essential Hinduism
• Author: Steven Rosen
• Contributor: Graham M. Schweig
• Edition: annotated
• Publisher: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006
• ISBN: 0275990060, 9780275990060
• Length: 266 pages
• Subjects: Religion / Hinduism / General