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Author: Klaus K. Klostermaier
Publisher: Oneworld, Oxford, England 1998
ISBN: 1-85168-134-5
Reviewer: Anuradha
Devi Dasi
A Short Introduction to Hinduism is the first
volume in a trilogy of short books on Hinduism by Professor Klostermaier.
The other two volumes, due to follow shortly, are A Short History
of Hinduism, chronicling the development of Hinduism from its
beginnings to the present day, and A Short Reader in Hinduism,
a collection of excerpts from classical and modern literature, which
is designed to parallel and support this introductory text.
The author does not pre-suppose the reader's prior knowledge
of the subject, looking to initiate further interest, rather than
generate an inexhaustible amount of information for the reader.
This book provides an excellent overview to the origins, practices
and philosophy of Hinduism faith. It deals succinctly with four
key areas: the Vedic tradition, the Hindu religions, the Hindu philosophical
quest and Hinduism's encounter with other religions, each sub-divided
into small, easily digestible chapters, at the end of which is a
short list of suggested reading matter on the specialised theme
of the chapter. Each section is clearly and imaginatively presentedthe
use of pictures of how the philosophy and rituals underlying Hindu
tradition are practically applied in the day to day lives of its
practitioners is especially useful in illustrating Hindu life to
the outsider. The overall content of the book is highly readable,
the author not only writing with great breadth of experience but
also with realism and humour. Because of its accessibility, it lends
itself not only to those of its audience who are merely looking
for a brief 'dip in the water' but also provides the more curious
reader with an enticing apéritif for further study.
One of the book's major strengths is that it does not
seek to confine Hinduism within the terms of 'religion' or 'faith',
whose restrictive parameters are typically associated with Western
theological concepts, but instead presents it as something more
far-reaching. The author clearly shows the dominant role Hinduism
plays in not only shaping and controlling all aspects of an individual's
life, but also how Indian society itself is structured around its
edicts. The book also demonstrates that by ultimately rejecting
Western influences, Hinduism has emerged as a multi-faceted reality
that still has its focus on sanatana dharma or 'eternal
law', an unchanging, universal force which teaches people how to
lead a life that prepares them for their encounter with the Supreme
Being or God.
This is a fascinating and expertly guided tour of Hinduism:
from its origins and traditions to its development and reform; from
its ancient saints and philosophers to present day exponents such
as Sathya Sai Baba; from its cultural and sociological framework
to its practical applications in day-to-day life; from its encounters
with other religious beliefs to its ultimate rejection of Western
values. Peppered with anecdotes and embellished with diagrams, maps
and photographs, A Short Introduction to Hinduism gives the
reader a lively introduction to the diverse and engrossing medley
of Hindu understanding and lifestyle.
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