HINDUISM: Hinduism for Beginners: Guide to Understanding Hinduism and the Hindu Religion, Beliefs, Customs, Rituals, Gods, Mantras and Converting to Hinduism

by Shalu Sharma

Do you want to learn about Hinduism without getting confused? If you are considering reading up on Hinduism or even planning on converting to Hinduism then this book is for you. This book has everything you want to learn about the Hindu religion! Hinduism is a fascinating religion to learn about. Even if you are not Hindu and have no interest in being a Hindu, you can still take it upon yourself to learn about the faith and understand why it is important to so many people around the world. Perhaps you will find that you share many of the beliefs that come out of the religion, or perhaps you won’t. But at least you will have a new outlook on Hinduism by advancing your knowledge in its teachings and the way it guides so many people’s lives in this world. To have that kind of knowledge can be a very powerful thing. This book will help you gain that knowledge by exploring the most important aspects of Hinduism and the main goals Hindus have in their lives. You will find out what they are much more when you read this fact filled book about the Hindu religion. After you are done reading, you will walk away with a better understanding about a religion that most of the Western hemisphere knows little about. What you will learn from this book Introduction to Hinduism Important Beliefs in Hinduism Important Hindu Customs and Rituals Introduction to Gods and Goddesses in Hinduism Bhagavad Gita Hindu Festivals Hinduism and Buddhism – Differences and Similarities Conversion to Hinduism What to do in a Hindu Temple Pilgrimage to Varanasi Hindu Mantras

Genres: Hinduism, Religion

58 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 14, 2016

Reviews

[Rama Rao · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seeking the power of God for salvation: A Hindu way of life

In this book on Hinduism, author Shalu Sharma interprets the beliefs, traditions and teachings sacred scriptures of Hindu faith. The apparent polytheistic nature of Hinduism and the unique style of deity worship are inherent in Indian traditions since Vedic times. The sacred scriptures of Vedas, the Upanishads, the Gita, the Epics and the Puranas, with six schools of Hindu philosophy offers a solid foundation for a belief system that is significantly different, and more ancient than the Abrahamic religions. An understanding of ancient Indian history and the birth and evolution of Hindu belief systems are necessary to comprehend an Indian faith. In this regard, the author’s efforts to explain the deity worship and apparent polytheistic nature is commendable. Hinduism is the worship of One God in many forms, and the monotheistic nature of the faith is found in the concept of "Brahman," in the holy scriptures of Gita and Upanishads. This idea is enumerated extensively in the Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy. The gods of Hinduism are eternal, they are described in Vedas and the Epics and Puranas. The Vedic god represent a force of nature, Agni for fire; Varuna for water (ocean); Vayu for wind; Soma for plants; and Indra for thunder, power, and strength. The prayers (hymns) offer the highest attributes to Vedic gods; but there is One Supreme Godhead. Lord Krishna in BhagavadGita 4:11 and 7:21, says that He, the Supreme Lord, will respond to the devotees in whichever form they worship Him and in whichever way they approach Him. In Rigveda 1.164.46, we find, "ekam sat viprah bhaudha vadanti," translation; The Truth is One; Sages call it by different names. This sets the tone for very early metaphysical ideas that were later developed in Upanishads. The scribe of this hymn suggests that deities appear in different forms but there is only One God. The ancient traditions of Vedic beliefs and the monotheistic system of Upanishads and the six philosophical systems for the core of Hindu belief system.

The scared text of BhagavadGita, the holy book of Hinduism teaches the institution of dharma, and to practice the principles of bhakti and the yogic ideals for attaining moksha. Atman finding unification with Brahman is the goal of mortal sinners. We can free ourselves from the bondage of cycle of birth and death through the unification with Supreme Soul. The setting of the Gita in a battlefield has been interpreted as an allegory for the ethical and moral struggles of material life that is dominated by three human qualities, sattva, rajas or tamas. These gunas are part of Prakriti that cause our ignorance, delusion, bondage and suffering in a material world.

[Savita Ramsumair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Understandable

A beautiful book that helps anyone who doesn't know much about Hinduism to understand this unique way of life. I will also recommend to those who know a lot about Hinduism.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is amazing to me how much information is put into the pages of this book. I would need pages to describe all that I learned from this inspirational book. First off India is the country with the highest amount of followers of Hinduism. The religion is a belief in doing good for others to enrich ones own life and perhaps accumulate the good karma needed to reincarnate into a better person, or to achieve Moksha, the absolute spiritual knowledge.One of the ways to follow he path to spiritual enlightenment is by reading The Gita, which is basically 700 verses that are songs of the Lord. I find Hinduism, closely related to Buddhism, in teaching to love yourself and to love, respect and help your fellow human beings. The author did an incredible job with relaying information on this religion and making it one I would love to see more people have an interest in. Our world needs much more love, understanding and enlightenment. Thanks to this author for opening eyes and hearts to the possibilities.

[Nicole Woolaston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific book for anyone who has ever been interested in learning more about Hinduism. Sharma provides background information about the Hindu Gods and Goddesses, such as Ganesha and Shiva, and the history of Hinduism itself and what Hindus believe. There is also information about the benefits of Yoga, and how to increase your good Karma (which I strongly believe in). Sharma also provides advice for those who are considering conversion, and what to do when you’re inside a Hindu temple. Whether you’re interested in learning about the religion, or thinking about converting, there is a lot of truly helpful information in the book, and it’s definitely worth reading.

[Margot Borden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very basic introduction to some of the principles of Hinduism. It is written from an Indian perspective, in terms of structure and use of language. There is a historical error on the origins of Hinduism. Sharma states that it began 2000 years before Christ which would make it the oldest living religion. The Jewish calendar is in the year 5778. In fact, Hinduism began much earlier. When referring to the causal level of consciousness, Sharma consistently uses the word casual. Good introduction for super beginners in spite of the intellectual sloppiness and other issues.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my search for enlightenment this book is a wonderful start.

As the author notes, I am older. I am worn out by the hypocrisy of Christianity. I have been studying ways to find peace within my life and soul, and this book provides a great beginning to my quest.

[tahoura solimani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I read the book in one day!! Very informative and clear on the religion! And what hindu really is.... do recommend for others to read to get a basic understanding of what Hinduism is! Thank you to the author for giving such a clear view on this religion.

[Jenny A. Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet little book

This a beautiful introduction to Hinduism. The author has made it for adults or children. Even if you don't want to practice Hinduism, this is a great eye opening experience.

[Aurora1212 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for learning details about Hinduism

I loved the simplicity of this book. The size was good and I learned new chants as well as some information about India.

[Victoria Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great lowdown on Hinduism! Now onto the Gita!!

[Sonia Sein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book was good. Gave the fundamental information of Hinduism.

[Casey Heinrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative

This was quite informative, as I am doing research on different religions/beliefs/ways of life. I will be doing more research, and reading on Hinduism.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good start, gives you a good idea on the religion.

[Jennifer Greene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice overview

This is a quick guide to Hinduism and Indian culture. Down-to-earth approach, with some good recommendations for visitors-- to both the religion, and its home country.

[Kaitlin Elkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

This book gives great base to the knowledge required to start leaning the basics of Hinduism. I would recommend this book to the beginner.

[katrina french · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short

I feel it was to short. But did brief on a lot of different parts of hinduis!m. But I want to know more

[Dominic Neesam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can be read in a couple of hours, it's quite a simple book & doesn't go into depth about the Hindu religion or epics. There are also a few typos but overall it's informative and I guess it's what it says on the tin. You should use this as a signpost.

[Julia Belz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read and informative

This is a very interesting book. It's a good book to start your research on Hinduism. I would recommend this book.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Good introduction to faith and values. Clear and concise. Gods and goddesses are described and introduced. Chants are included and their meaning described.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

Very informative book for curious minds. If you are looking to become a devotee. This a great start. Helped me start my journey. Namaste