Understanding Hinduism

Book Summary

The Hindu tradition can claim to be the world's oldest religion. It has evolved in India over the past three thousand years. It differs from monotheistic beliefs, such as Christianity, in that there is no identifiable founder, no specific theological system, nor a single system of morality. Author Frank Whaling provides an overview of the history and development of the Hindu tradition. He takes into account recent scholarship and regards Hinduism as a world-view, as well as a religious tradition. The book covers the core areas of Hindu religious organization, rituals, ethics, social involvement, and sacred texts, as well as key concepts, aesthetics, and spirituality. It illustrates these topics by personal example, as well as by informed analysis. While more stress is placed upon the modern situation including the neo-Hindu and Hindutva movements, the Hindu past is not ignored. Village Hinduism, as well as sophisticated and 'high' Hinduism, is addressed. The Hindu presence in Britain a

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