Hinduism: A Reader

Book Summary

This new collection brings together the sacred scriptures of the Hindu tradition to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of the classical form of one of the world's oldest existing religions. Selections from the Vedas, the Upanisads, the Bhagvagad Gita and many more cover topics such as creation, sacrifice, birth, marriage and death and tell the stories of the great Hindu gods. But over the last two hundred years reformed, anti and radical versions of Hinduism have emerged which question the laws, traditions and even the category of Hinduism itself. Uniquely, this reader juxtaposes the classic scriptures with the works of reformers and radicals to illuminate the new face of contemporary Hinduism. With an introduction to each reading from editor Deepak Sarma, this reader is suitable for Hinduism courses of all levels. "Hinduism: A Reader" offers a comprehensive guide to this major world religion through a combination of passages from scriptures and excerpts from the work of leading scholars in the field. Introduces students to the main textual, regional, intellectual, philosophical, historical, and contemporary traditions of the Hindu faith Includes excerpts from both canonical ancient texts and thought-provoking contemporary texts to offer a balanced overview of the religion Features selections that are concise without sacrificing essential material Provides clearly written introductions to each section that help situate the readings within the wider context of Hindu scholarship.

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