Hinduism: A Cultural Perspective

Book Summary

This book has two aims: to present an overview of the Hindu religious tradition and to describe the essence of the Hindu vision of reality. The book deals historically and analytically with many facets of Hindu culture: philosophy, art, mythology, ritual, and social structure. Detailed descriptions of specific rituals and extended portraits of important Hindu thinkers and saints are included. These descriptions permit readers to sense the distinctive textures of Hinduism for themselves. The reference provides an overview of the Hindu religious tradition and describes the essence of the Hindu vision of reality. Provides a historical and analytical discussion of Hindu mythology, art, rituals, and social structure; gives extended portraits of important Hindu thinkers and saints; offers a fuller picture of the role of women in the Hindu religious tradition; shows how the concepts of Dharama and Moksha conflict with one another and how the Hindu tradition insists upon both concepts as essential in fulfilling human destiny. A valuable reference for courses in Asian Religion, Theology, and Asian Philosophy.

Book Details