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The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Hinduism
-- Learn the significance of Hinduism's many gods and deities quickly and concisely.-- This guide provides accurate information from a recognized scholar of Hinduism -- no prior knowledge required.
-- A great supplement for students, travelers or those with a healthy curiosity about the roots and practices of a faith different from their own.
Nearly 80 percent of India's population practice Hinduism. Large Hindu communities also practice outside of India -- Indonesia, Southeast Asia and notably Nepal where Hinduism is the official state religion. Hindu followers have also greatly increased in the U.S. since many immigrants from India have come to live in this country -- estimates currently range to well over a million. The Pocket Idiot's Guide "RM" to Hinduism clearly explains for its reader the complex myth and tenants inherent in Hinduism's rich pantheon (Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu and Brahma) and literature (Vedas). Diverse Hindu holidays and festivals marking the six seasons of the Hindu calendar (spring, summer, monsoons, autumn, winter, frosty) are categorically presented along with important concepts in its aims and practice like dharma, karma and three rituals (nitya, naimittika, kamya). Closing chapters will discuss Hinduism as a national movement and its role as global faith in the 21st century.
-- A great supplement for students, travelers or those with a healthy curiosity about the roots and practices of a faith different from their own.
Nearly 80 percent of India's population practice Hinduism. Large Hindu communities also practice outside of India -- Indonesia, Southeast Asia and notably Nepal where Hinduism is the official state religion. Hindu followers have also greatly increased in the U.S. since many immigrants from India have come to live in this country -- estimates currently range to well over a million. The Pocket Idiot's Guide "RM" to Hinduism clearly explains for its reader the complex myth and tenants inherent in Hinduism's rich pantheon (Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu and Brahma) and literature (Vedas). Diverse Hindu holidays and festivals marking the six seasons of the Hindu calendar (spring, summer, monsoons, autumn, winter, frosty) are categorically presented along with important concepts in its aims and practice like dharma, karma and three rituals (nitya, naimittika, kamya). Closing chapters will discuss Hinduism as a national movement and its role as global faith in the 21st century.
192 pages, Paperback
First published November 25, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 17, 2018
nice overview.
May 6, 2024
To be honest I’d recommend this more to people who already have somewhat of an understanding of Hinduism as, although the book does give a general overview, some concepts are too wordy making it confusing or the order of how it’s written makes it hard to follow (for example not explaining the differences between Brahma, Brahmin, Brahman etc before speaking about them). I also found that more could have been said about the whole Brahman Atman concept, the different views people have on Hinduism, and making a distinct gap between the Vedic Devas and the Hindu Deities in some parts, BUT it wasn’t awful and was a good refresher for a lot of topics!
September 20, 2020
Very informative and concise. A good primer on Hindus and their culture.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews