Hinduism is discussed as both a global religion and a form of nationalism. A very short introduction is indeed very short, perhaps too short to do more than scratch to surface of a topic as complex and varied as the religion of hinduism. Introduction to hinduism varun soni, dean of religious life at the university of southern california, discusses the goals and beliefs of hinduism, the third largest religion in the world. May 25, 2009 a very short introduction to the religion of hinduism.
This book provides a muchneeded thematic and historical introduction to hinduism, the religion of the majority of people in india. In short, hinduism is a religion based on universality. In this very short introduction, kim knott combines a succinct and authoritative overview of a major religion with an analysis of the challenges facing it in the twentieth century. She discusses key preoccupations of hinduism such as the centrality of the veda as religious texts, the. This book fulfills its promise as a very short introduction to hinduism.
Hinduism is the oldest living religions of the world. Hinduism is practised by nearly 80 per cent of indias population, and around 70 million people outside india. In this very short introduction, kim knott offers a succinct and authoritative overview of this major religion, and analyses the challenges facing it in the twentyfirst. Preface hindu gods and goddesses are everywhere in india, hidden within gorgeous temples and small wayside shrines, depicted in intricate stone carvings, looking out benevolently from advertisements, calendar prints, and film posters, and captured on market stalls and in shop windows in jewellery and small sculptures. It is perhaps the best book for someone who has no prior knowledge of the religion, a stable stepping stone for the student of religious studies, and an eyeopener for the practicing hindu. If any single text can be compared to the new testament, it is thisone. Oct 25, 2015 oprah winfrey network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. The primary sacred texts, known as the vedas, were composed around 1500 b. Written and assembled from sources by stephen knapp. Discover a new topic or subject with these intelligent and serious introductions written by authors who are experts in their field. Of all the basic books on hinduism, this rather thin volume of 160 pages is the most balanced introduction to the religion. This book is a very good introduction for someone who knows little about the subject and would like to learn more, however for someone who does know a something about. Norman solomons succinct audiobook is an ideal introduction to judaism as a religion and way of life.
May, 2019 hinduism is the worlds oldest extant religion, and with more than a billion followers, it is also the worlds third largest religion. This book by jayaram v presents a thorough and scholarly understanding of the basic and essential aspects of hinduism from. Oct 18, 2015 introduction to hinduism varun soni, dean of religious life at the university of southern california, discusses the goals and beliefs of hinduism, the third largest religion in the world. Klaus k klostermaier this book is a clear, accessible and comprehensive presentation of hinduism as a living faith, a religion that boasts over 800 million adherents. In addition to surveying the nature and development of judaism, this very short introduction outlines the basics of practical judaism its festivals, prayers, customs, and various sects. So immense in variety is the hindu tradition and so. This is a short description of the basics of vedic culture and its philosophy.
Hinduism is a conglomeration of religious, philosophical, and cultural ideals and practices that originated in india thousands of years before the birth of christ. Hinduism is practised by nearly eighty per cent of indias population, and by some seventy million people outside india. In this very short introduction, kim knott offers a succinct and authoritative overview of this major religion, and analyses the challenges facing it in the. Feb 29, 2016 hinduism is practised by nearly eighty per cent of indias population, and by some seventy million people outside india. In this very short introduction, kim knott provides clear insight into the beliefs and authority of hindus and hinduism, and considers the ways in which it has been. Modern concerns and debates of the jewish people are also addressed, such as the impact of the holocaust. In this very short introduction, kim knott offers a succinct and authoritative overview of this major religion, and analyses the challenges facing it in the twentyfirst century. Unlike islam or christianity, hinduisms origins cannot be traced to any one individual.
Hinduism as both a global religion and a form of nationalism are discussed. Scholars regard hinduism as a combination of different indian cultures and traditions, with diverse roots. It gives less importance to the image of god in your. Hinduism is practised by eighty per cent of indias population, and by thirty million people outside india. She discusses key preoccupations of hinduism such as the centrality of the veda as religious. Find out more see the full list of titles currently available. But how is hinduism defined, and what basis does the. Purists refer to it more as sanatana dharma the eternal pathlaw rather than a religion, as it is believed to be a virtuous way of life. Klostermaier, 9781851681631, available at book depository with free delivery worldwide.
Very short introductions vsi are a book series published by the oxford university press oup. Download pdf hinduism an introduction free online new. It is also the most complex in its philosophy and practices and difficult to understand. Very short introductions discover vsis from oxford now online. The history of the hindu tradition is captured by kalus k. A very short introduction admirably attempts to do just that in one pocket sized edition. Unlike islam or christianity, hinduism s origins cannot be traced to any one individual. In this very short introduction, kim knott provides clear insight into the beliefs and authority of hindus and hinduism, and considers the ways in which it has. Klostermaiers a short introduction to hinduism after reading kim knotts hinduism a very short introduction. Hinduism book san francisco public library bibliocommons. The word hinduism is not to be found anywhere in the scriptures, and the term hindu was introduced by foreigners referring to people living across. A very short introduction offers an overview of this major religion, discussing key topics such as the centrality of the veda as religious texts, the role of brahmins, gurus, and storytellers in the transmission of divine truths, and the cultural and moral importance of. In this second edition she considers new issues facing hindus such as the politicization of hinduism in india, the increasing impact of hindu nationalism, and the rise and fall of sectarian hindu movements. I think this would be a helpful first text in a comparative religions course.
Most hindus believe all humans and living creatures possess a soul, which is a reflection of god, and that the soul is reincarnated over many lifetimes. A short introduction 10 can say that reason plays a significant role and faith is less allowed in scholarly religion. Oprah winfreys heart and creative instincts inform the brand and the magnetism of the. In this very short introduction, kim knott offers a succinct and authoritative overview of hinduism and its key beliefs. The books are concise introductions to particular subjects, intended for a general audience but written by experts. Very short introductions discover vsis from oxford now. While authors may present personal viewpoints, the books are meant to be balanced and complete as. Many people do not know quite what it is, and it is often described incorrectly by many who are not a part of it. Flood traces the development of hindu traditions from ancient origins and the major deities to the modern world. Hinduism, a very short introduction the author discusses hinduism, which is the predominant faith in continental india, particularly in india and nepal and is considered by many as the oldest religion on earth or eternal waylaw. Within this 160page volume, primarily focused on contemporary hinduism, knott considers the questions of definition that intrigue many scholars of hinduism, namely, how to define it.
Rent hinduism a very short introduction 1st edition 9780192853875 and save up to 80% on textbook rentals and 90% on used textbooks. Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world, and hindus refer to it as sanatana dharma, the eternal tradition, or the eternal way, beyond human history. A very short introduction to the religion of hinduism. This book by jayaram v presents a thorough and scholarly understanding of the basic and essential aspects of hinduism from both historical and theological perspectives. A very short introduction very short introductions. Hindus value many sacred writings as opposed to one holy book. There were sections where i thought the introduction was too short, but a book of this length must of necessity disappoint readers, and then point them to other works of greater detail. Feb 24, 2000 hinduism is practised by eighty per cent of indias population, and by thirty million people outside india. Hinduism is practiced by about 80 percent of indias population, and by about 30 million people outside india. Hinduism simple english wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. She discusses key preoccupations of hinduism such as the centrality of the veda as religious texts, the role of brahmin.
The book introduces the main topics about hinduism and is dense in content. More importantly, as found in christianity and hinduism, the scholars of religion largely utilize a thing called philosophizing to make religious beliefs of people reasonable. Klostermaier inhis new survey of a rich and ancient religionthis study moves swiftly buthoroughly through the ages, from early emergence of the vedic tradition tohe developments in contemporary hinduism. 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. The earliest of the hindu scriptures, the rig veda, was composed well before 6500 b. A very short introduction by kim knott 9780192853875.
757 1425 1508 1403 836 423 1219 909 33 982 607 1252 1313 1684 673 23 1088 1325 1426 945 593 1561 416 1122 87 144 1254 1222 283 206 506 740 29 321 339 1280 966