Classical Hindu Thought: An IntroductionHinduism is not only a religious belief, it is also a philosophy, based upon certain key concepts. Most of these originated, or were most fully articulated, during the "classical" period from the fourth to the tenth century BCE. In this concise and lucid book, Arvind Sharma introducescontemporary readers to the texts and ideas crystallized during this period and explains their contemporary relevance.The book is divided into sections, dealing with key concepts - such as karma, dharma, maya, moksa and varna - the main gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon - Devi, Siva, Brahma, Visnu - and texts such as the Purusarthas and Vedas. He also deals with different systems of yoga: Jnana-yoga,Bhakti-yoga and Karma-yoga.In one volume, the book offers readers an excellent grounding in the rich and diverse traditions of Hindu thought, and is an excellent introduction to the topic for anyone interested in Hinduism, yoga, Indian philosophy and religion. |
Contents
A Conceptual Introduction | 1 |
A Historical Survey | 35 |
Nirguna and Saguna | 43 |
Ïśvara | 62 |
Devi | 68 |
The Hindu Trinity Trimurti | 72 |
Brahmā | 76 |
Visņu | 82 |
Māyā | 109 |
Mokṣa | 113 |
Jñānayoga | 119 |
Bhaktiyoga | 123 |
Karmayoga | 127 |
Varna | 132 |
Asrama Āśrama | 181 |
Purusārthas | 186 |
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Common terms and phrases
A.L. Basham According action Allen & Unwin Ancient India Arjuna Aryan aspect asramas Bhagavadgītā bhakti Bharata birth Brāhmaṇa called caste system chapter classical Hinduism concept context Delhi dharma distinction divine doctrine duties Essentials of Indian eternal four George Allen Gītā Goddess gods Hindu Hindu Religious Tradition Hinduism Hiriyanna History of Indian human hymn Ibid incarnation Indian Literature Indian Philosophy Indian Philosophy London infinity Isvara jāti jīva jñāna karma Karma-yoga knowledge Kṛṣṇa kṣatriya Mahābhārata Manu Matanga Max Müller māyā means mokṣa monotheism Motilal Banarsidass nirguna Brahman niṣāda one's Outlines of Hinduism P.V. Kane path person R.S. Sharma Radhakrishnan Rāma Rāmānuja religion represents Ṛg Rg Veda saguna saguna Brahman Śakti Sanskrit scriptures sense Śiva soul spiritual śūdra Sūdras supreme T.M.P. Mahadevan Taittiriya theistic trimurti truth ultimate reality University Press Upanisads vaiśya varna varņas Vedanta Vedic verse Visnu Winternitz word worship yoga