Understanding Hinuism

by Vasudha Narayanan

Understanding Hinduism provides a succinct, authoritative and accessible introduction to one of the world's great religious and cultural traditions. The subjects covered include it's many gods and goddesses, including Vishnu, Shiva and Lakshmi - rituals and ceremonies- sacred architecture - karma and rebirth, and the ways to liberation that influenced Buddhism - the sacred texts, notably the Vedas and Upanishads - the epics of the Ramayana and Mababbarata.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Hinduism, India

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Salma Elmo · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book does not do justice to a religion that is as complicated as Hinduism. I was hoping to go through a kind of progressive process, explaining the logic behind so many aspects that never made sense to me, but the author made them even more complicated to me now. Also, in many parts of the book, the author slams you down hard by the face with very religious Hindu terms that, normally, require a thorough introduction! I gave an extra star to this book only because it piqued my curiosity even more about Huiduism and its different principles. Cant wait to read more about it now.

[Dakota · Rating 5 out of 5]

About halfway through reading this book, I realized that it is included in the book Eastern Religions published by Oxford. I finished reading the section in the Oxford book because on comparison it included more detail (I think the separate copy I had was for high schools).

The book is a good overview of the Hindu tradition and very readable. I'd recommend it as a good place to start a study of the Hindu tradition or for getting acquainted with the tradition. It doesn't go very in depth on any of the topics, though.

It includes a nice balance of history/development and contemporary practice, taking time to emphasize the nascent monotheism in the Hindu tradition that shows most clearly in the Advaita Vedanta tradition. It also highlights the regional variations within the Hindu tradition, including local names for deities and differences in rituals and holidays.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came to this book to learn about Hinduism, but I think I am more confused because of all the different varieties of worship. The author tries to touch on everything which makes it hard to follow anything. But I am interested in learning more and wish it had a suggestion list of books for more in depth discussion of specific topics within Hinduism.

[Letizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chiaro ma decisamente breve. Ideale per farsi una veloce idea generale.

[Josie Strokes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hermosas fotografìas y calidad del papel, aunque a su vez, esto lo hace lucir màs como revista, pues el grosor de las hojas ;y el tamaño de las letras y màrgenes, es risible. Sin embargo, la informaciòn no cuenta con una conclusiòn adecuada en los temas que presenta. Quedan muchas preguntas en el aire, y el autor no logra responderlas.

[Lauren Rev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely done introductory text to the religion & philosophy of Hinduism. Subtitle lists origin, beliefs, practices, holy texts & sacred places. These are included and more. Each chapter begins with a full page color photograph & ends with a portion of sacred scripture translated into English & commentary about the scripture quoted.

[A.B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very very basic introduction to Hinduism. It touches on all major ideas but does not go too far in depth. But for the average layman it is enough to get by with a passing knowledge of a religion that is not their own.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

fine. Good info. Short & succinct

[Aruna Devi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple way of getting know about Hinduism.

[Lilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice review after our World Cultures unit.

[Chris Paluszek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful, brief overview of many aspects of Hinduism. A superb starting point.

[Stefano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ottima introduzione alla realtà filosofica induista!