This comprehensive and easy-to-understand book uniquely unravels the complexities of this major world religion. Learn about the branches of Hinduism, the historical background, Hindu philosophy and mythology - as well as the revelence of Hinduism for the modern western world. It covers: the four essential aspects of Hiduism: the Yoga Tradition, the Vedanta of Shankara, the Devotional and Tantric Movements sacred Hindu texts and epics such as the Vedas, the Upanishads and the Gita Hindu cosmology and mythology