Book Description
There is no other book on the market today that explains both the philosophies and religions of India in their full historical development. The Indian Way is accessible to readers new to this subject, and does justice to the Indian tradition’s richness of religious and philosophical thought.
Clear and powerful explanations of yajna and dharma, and appealing, intimate descriptions of Krishna, Kali, and Shiva allow you to read some of the great Indian texts for themselves.
For anyone interested in learning more about India and its great tradition of answering the âbigâ philosophical and religious questions that we all have: âWho am I?â âWhat is knowledge?â âWhat is it to be a good person?â
Book Description
This is an attempt to understand the meaning of Shiva worship in our time exploring various pictorial images of Shiva iconography, taking us to Shaivite philosophy, beliefs, history, folklore, and myth.
Customer Reviews:
Delightful Introduction to Shiva.......2006-01-04
The book is delightfully written and as much fun as it is informative to read. The book radiates with the author's love and care to present nuggets of information from the scriptures related to many different aspects of Shiva and to support the stories with lots of beautiful black and white and color prints from different parts of India. The book is a genuine treasure.
Excellent introduction to Shiva in all His forms.......1999-10-26
Shiva, an Introduction, is truly a product of divine inspiration. Dr. Pattanaik writes lucidly and simply. He takes us through all the layers of Hinduism - the Puranic stories, the philosophy, the symbolism, the worship rituals, famous devotees and pilgrimage centers. His narration is complemented by a wonderful variety of illustrations. Pictures of South Indian bronzes, Pahari paintings, modern calendar prints, and much more, all attest to the enduring love with which Hindus have protrayed Shiva over the centuries. Dr. Pattanaik ends his narrative with the 108 names of Lord Shiva. To find out the meanings of the names, the stories behind them and enjoy Shiva in all his aspects, read this book!
Book Description
For more than 1500 years, from the Indian subcontinent to the islands of the Indonesian archipelago, the temple has embodied and symbolized the Hindu worldview at its deepest level and inspired the greatest architectural and artistic achievements in Hindu Asia. In The Hindu Temple, considered the standard introduction to the subject, George Michell explains the cultural, religious, and architectural significance of the temple. He illustrates his points with a profusion of photographs, building plans, and drawings of architectural details, making the book a useful guide for travelers to Asia as well as an illuminating text for students of architecture, religion, and Asian civilizations.
Michell's discussion of the meaning and forms of the temple in Hindu society encompasses the awe-inspiring rock-cut temples at Ellora and Elephanta, the soaring superstructures and extraordinary sexual exhibitionism of the sculptures at Khajuraho, and the colossal mortuary temple of Angkor Vat, as well as the tiny iconic shrines that many Hindus wear around their necks and the simple shrines found under trees or near ponds.
Customer Reviews:
The classic text on the subject.......2005-10-17
Michell is an extremely careful and conscientious chronicler of this difficult, dense subject. He writes unusually well - absolutely clear English - and makes his way through a wide array of topics. Invaluable to the student of the subject.
Great for the philosophy student.......2001-10-11
This book is great for those who want an in depth look at Hindu philosophy and the place of temples within it. It's a bit scanty on cultural practices and rituals - that is not the book's aim. It does a wonderful job of explaining things so that a Westerner (like me) can understand. It is, however, a very heavy book. It is certainly not light bed time reading like a National Geographic would be. :)
Book Description
Hinduism is practised by eighty per cent of India's population, and by thirty million people outside India. In this Very Short Introduction, Kim Knott combines a succinct and authoritative overview of a major religion with an analysis of the challenges facing it in the twentieth century. She discusses key preoccupations of Hinduism such as the centrality of the Veda as religious texts, the role of brahmins, gurus, and storytellers in the transmission of divine truths, and the importance of epics such as the Ramayana. Issues such as the place of women and dalits (untouchables) in contemporary society are also addressed, making this book stimulating reading for Hindus and non-Hindus alike.
Customer Reviews:
A perfect introduction to Hinduism.......2005-10-31
Hinduism has a special place among the world's major religions, being of great antiquity and being, until recent times, an ethnic or racial religion, like Judaism, Sikhism or Shinto. In the last century it has spread its teachings to the West and in doing so has fragmented and branched into an even more complex variety, so that, as the author of this book says, we must now talk of 'Hinduisms', in the plural. So the writing of a very short introduction that will do justice to this subject is a tall order. Kim Knott succeeds splendidly.
She does not shirk problematic topics, such as the evils of the caste system or the burning of widows. In fact, she devotes a fair amount of space to the particular difficulties faced by Hindu women.
Knott being a British academic, and a Quaker, this is an outsider's view, a learned, sympathetic and interested outsider's view. It is none the worse for that. Including a map, a timeline, a glossary, excellent illustrations and suggestions for further reading, it is packed with a surprising amount of information in such a small space.
If you have only a passing interest in Hinduism, this book may tell you all you want to know. If you wish to pursue the study, this is the perfect introduction. A good next step would be an annotated edition of the Bhagavad Gita.
A Good Introduction into Hinduism.......2001-05-14
This was a well-written book about Hinduism and serves to help orient people who know nothing about it. It not only discussed some of the basic beliefs of Hindus, but it also addressed some of the problems that they face in modern society.
Product Description
Stories of the goddess, illustrations and over 200 images, symbols, discussion of rituals, temples, text of religious documents. much color, very attractive overview.
Customer Reviews:
Joyous Introduction to a Multifaceted Diety.......2006-02-25
I found this book a very loving and joyous celebration of Lakshmi. The scholarship was definitely top rate, but just as important to me, the author had a real relationship to Lakshmi. The illustrations are beautiful and really help explain the different dimensions of the goddess's activity and importance.
Book Description
No one has ever talked about tantra with such clarity, coherence and simplicity. Religious Studies Review
Customer Reviews:
Incredibly insightful book.......2007-04-08
I've read two and a half chapters in this book and it's given me so much vital information.
I highly suggest it to anyone looking into buddhism.
Lives up to its title.......2007-03-27
This is a very good book for learning what Tantra is and what tantric practices and visualizations are, but it should be understood - and probably is by many or most - that this is not a substitute for real study under a qualified teacher. Lama Yeshe makes this clear from chapter to chapter. My only caution is that readers should not expect to read this book and feel as though they are completing some kind of introductory-level "training" in Tantra, or that they will accomplish "Transformation of Desire." It is an introduction and overview for outsiders looking in (taught by a highly qualified and respected insider), not a "manual" for beginning practitioners to achieve readiness for intermediate or advanced tantric instruction. Insofar as this is understood, Lama Yeshe does a very good job describing and explaining Tantra and its practices, and I learned quite a lot about it.
Great Tantra Introduction book.......2007-01-09
I recently started to learn Tantra and my teacher recommended me to buy this book and start reading and learning from it. I'm about 1/2 way thru the book and it is well written and has a great wisdom in it. I would recommend this book to get inner look on what is Tantra about!
An amazing book and probably the best introduction to tantra available!.......2006-05-25
Tibetan Buddhism is a very complex and difficult topic to explain to anyone, especially people from the West. Lama Yeshe had a rare gift to take difficult concepts, present them logically and concisely, in a way that brings the essence of tantra to life.
What this book is not about, is "tantric sexual practices" as they are so often presented out of contex in the West. Rather, it is about the tantrayana (resultant) path of harnessing all of your energies and realizing your true nature in the present moment, which is love, compassion and wisdom. This is in contrast to the sutrayana (causal) path, which is the more gradual path of cleansing the mind and replacing conditioned responses in a slow and systematic way with more beneficial responses characterized by love and wisdom.
In a nutshell, tantrayana is the fast path. This book explains this complicated system very well in approximately 168 pages. For people looking for more in-depth explanations and lots of history, try "Secret of the Vajra World" by Reginald Ray. However, I would still get Lama Yeshe's book as a roadmap or excellent short summary presented in a different style.
Lastly, Lama Yeshe has a gift for words. While the many of the concepts of tantra are presented in other reputable works, there is something about Lama Yeshe's presentation that carries a combination of depth and simplicity that sinks in deeply and touches the heart.
on death and after death.......2006-04-27
This is primarily a non-sexual exploration of Tantra. Al particularly liked the section on the subject of death and after death.
Book Description
The Power of the Dharma: An Introduction to Hinduism and Vedic Culture offers a concise and easy-to-understand overview of the essential principles and customs of the Hindu tradition. It also provides many insights into the depth and value of the timeless wisdom of Vedic spirituality and reveals why the Dharmic path has survived for thousands of years.
Author Stephen Knapp reveals why the Dharma is presently enjoying a renaissance among an increasing number of people who want to explore its teachings and see what its many techniques of self-discovery have to offer. In The Power of the Dharma, you will find:
- quotes by noteworthy people on the unique qualities of Hinduism;
- essential principles of the Vedic spiritual path;
- particular traits, customs, and explanations of Hindu worship;
- descriptions of the main yoga systems;
- significance and legends of the colorful Hindu festivals;
- benefits of Ayurveda, Vastu, Vedic astrology, and gemology;
- important insights of Dharmic life and how to begin.
The Dharmic path can provide you the means for attaining your own spiritual realizations and experiences. This is the power of Dharma's universal teachings which have something to offer everyone!
Book Description
This book provides a much-needed thematic and historical introduction to Hinduism, the religion of the majority of people in India. Dr. Flood traces the development of Hindu traditions from ancient origins and the major deities to the modern world. Hinduism as both a global religion and a form of nationalism are discussed. Emphasis is given to the tantric traditions, which have been so influential; to Hindu ritual, more fundamental than belief or doctrine; and to Dravidian influences. It introduces some debates within contemporary scholarship.
Download Description
This book provides a much-needed thematic and historical introduction to Hinduism, the religion of the majority of people in India. Dr. Flood traces the development of Hindu traditions from ancient origins and the major deities to the modern world. Hinduism as both a global religion and a form of nationalism are discussed. Emphasis is given to the tantric traditions, which have been so influential; to Hindu ritual, more fundamental than belief or doctrine; and to Dravidian influences. It introduces some debates within contemporary scholarship.
Customer Reviews:
Dry, dry, dry.......2006-07-24
I am not an expert so I cannot comment on the Prof. Flood's scholarship which may be excellent, but I can say that this was one of the most dry, boring books I have ever read. I would suggest that readers try David M. Knipe's Hinduism instead. Its somewhat shorter than Flood, but much more interesting.
Well-Written and Authorative.......2005-06-21
I recommend this book for the reader who has some knowledge of Hinduism and would like to delve a little deeper into the subject.
The book is clearly written, and every chapter is loaded with information. Flood knows this area very well, and he expertly guides the reader through the bewildering, and often contradictory world of Hindu philosophy and theology.
I feel that this book would work best if read along with a book that focused more on Hindu religious practice. As Flood concentrates more on the thematic trends and concepts within Hinduism, rather than on the practical, everyday rituals and rites of passage that make the religion so vibrant and alive. His book sets the picture, it gives the reader a framework from which to start painting one's own conceptual view.
I would suggest then also reading such books as "Darshan" by Eck, and "Samskara: Rites of a Dead Man" by Murthy, in conjunction with this in order to get a more holistic and in-depth understanding of a complex subject.
Excellent Introduction.......2003-10-08
Having read several similar titles I would say that this highly readable book is perhaps the best I have come across. Flood brings the important strands together in easily manageable chapters, and includes much imortant recent scholarship.
To link this book or its author to an 'orientalist' agenda (as an earlier reviewer appears to) is frankly ridiculous.
Not Too Shabby.......2001-10-23
Flood's writing is very dry, but he certainly knows what he is talking about. This book is not so much an introduction for people looking to learn something new, but a great reference for those hoping to learn more.
The Introduction to Hinduism.......2001-05-05
Previous reviews of this text have shown either a very strong like or dislike and I have to place myself with the former. As noted in other reviews, the attacks are wide of the mark. Professor Flood is one of the leading scholars within his field and has taught Hinduism for many years at various universities and both the depth of his learning and the ability to relate this in a clear but not simplistic way to students are demonstrated here. Anyone seeking an introduction to Hinduism need look no further than this book that provides an excellent account of all its major features incorporating recent scholarship and clear analysis. My only regret is that this book was not on the market when I was an undergraduate student! I hope prospective readers will not be put off by the partial reviews given herein but will recognize this book as the definitive introduction to its subject, it is sure to become a classic eclipsing the older standard works entirely.
Book Description
The esoteric Hindu traditions of Tantrism have profoundly influenced the development of Indian thought and civilization. Emerging from elements of yoga and wisdom traditions, shamanism, alchemy, eroticism, and folklore, Tantrism began to affect brahmanical Hinduism in the ninth century. Nevertheless, Tantrism and its key historical figures have been ignored by scholars. This accessible work introduces the concepts and practices of Hindu Sakta Tantrism to all those interested in Hinduism and the comparative study of religion.
Book Description
This book is written in simple narrative style, taking the reader through Shakata imagery, philosophy, beliefs, customs, history, folklore, and myth, it teaches the meaning of goddess worship in our time. Reaching to young and old alike, it brings together tales of various goddesses and heroines.
Customer Reviews:
An engaging, readable introduction to the Hindu goddess concept.......2007-04-30
The author has created a truly enjoyable overview of this topic, an "introduction" as the cover states, made especially valuable by the breadth of his inquiry. I have studied Asian history, particularly Indian philosophy, for more than 30 years. Recently, my focus has been on the portrayal of feminine forces in the Hindu universe. This accessible primer has given me new perspectives that more scholarly volumes have not.
Dr. Pattanaik writes in a simple style. There are no footnotes and few true photo credits. This is not a formal treatise built upon a foundation of multiple documented sources; indeed that is its appeal. The author gives a comprehensive view of the diversity of Hindu beliefs relating to the Mother Goddess and her myriad daughters. Note that the author's worldly view includes goddesses from Japan, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Oceania, Scandinavia, Gnosticism and Christianity. His love and respect for the subject of his investigation is clear. This book inspired me to seek knowledge in many new places, as well as recognize things that I already knew but was unsure of.
Students of feminist philosophy will be both shocked and enlightened. The evidence presented suggests a time in the distant past of our planet when female domination, not male, was the rule in society and religion. The implication is that aspects of that world are superior to the one we now inhabit.
If you are a visual person (as I am) you will enjoy the large 8 ¼ X 11 format, filled with large pictures printed on coated stock in color and black and white. Indeed, being printed in India, this book is a bargain for what it delivers.
To summarize, the real benefit here is having all of these feminine myths simplified and placed in a single small volume with well chosen visual evidence.
I discovered Devdutt Pattanaik through his website, which contains a wealth of information and free articles on the topic of "understanding sacred stories, symbols, rituals, and their relevance in modern times." There, he describes himself as "medical doctor by education, a marketing manager by profession and a mythologist by passion." I admit that I found this description irresistible and had no choice but to seek out his books. This was his first that I have read and I was not at all disappointed.
In closing I note that a reviewer of "The Goddess in India: The Five Faces of the Eternal Feminine" critiques that as a watered down version of this book. I have ordered that edition to do a side-by-side comparison but if you consider his comments and mine relevant it seems you will be well served to read "Devi" first.
Indian Mythology: Tales from the Heart of the Subcontinent
Shiva - An Introduction
Kiss of the Yogini: "Tantric Sex" in its South Asian Contexts
Tantra in Practice
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General
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Chinese Religion: An Introduction (Religious Life in History)
Lao Tzu and Taoism
On Gandhi (Wadsworth Philosophers Series)
Scriptures of the East
Sourcebook in Asian Philosophy (Sourcebooks in Philosophy)
