Explores the basic facts of the Hindu faith including its origins, celebrations, the role of its leaders, and manner of worship.

"Each title in the Religions of the World series explores the main beliefs, practices, and places of worship of a major world religion. Learn more about the history, religious symbols, and special events of the Judaic religion in Judaism"--Back cover.

"Each of the major Hindu holidays and festivals includes unique traditions and customs. At the beginning of spring, many Hindus celebrate Holi by lighting bonfires and throwing colorful powders. During Raksha Bandhan, siblings show their love for each other. Sisters give their brothers a special bracelet, and brothers give their sisters a gift such as chocolate, jewelry, or money in return. Diwali is celebrated by lighting clay lamps and exchanging...

Fully revised with forty thousand new words that take the reader up to present-day India, John Keay's India: A History spans five millennia in a sweeping narrative that tells the story of the peoples of the subcontinent, from their ancient beginnings in the valley of the Indus to the events in the region today. In charting the evolution of the rich tapestry of cultures, religions, and peoples that comprise the modern nations of Pakistan, India, and...

It is estimated that the origins of the "Bhagavad Gita", a 700 verse Hindu scripture which is part of the larger "Mahabharata" was originally composed as early as the 9th century BC. Ascribed to the Sage Vyasa, the "Bhagavad Gita" is a classic work of Hindu scripture which relates the story of Prince Arjuna who is faced with a decision with serious moral consequence, whether or not to go to war. With the armies arrayed on the battlefield, Arjuna in...

Chakra is a Sanskrit word that literally means a wheel or a disc. In practice, they are the points of the spiritual body that serve as the entry and exit points of our aura. These centers of activity are responsible in controlling our temperament, mood and overall body health. They do so by receiving, assimilating and expressing life's force energy. According to the chakra theory, therefore, controlling these chakras could directly influence your...

As one surveys India's political parlance, the first feature one notices is that while certain people and parties are described as Leftist, certain others are designated as Rightist. The second feature which invites attention is that these contra-distinctive labels - Leftist and Rightist - have never been apportioned among people and parties concerned by an impartial tribunal like, say, the Election Commission. What has happened is that certain people...

Throughout the history of mankind, people have been occupied with the pursuit of understanding their environment, themselves, and the nature of whatever reality may exist beyond. The answer to these questions has evolved into two great philosophies, which are usually, designated by the geographical division of East and West. Western philosophy looks outward to external data, while Eastern philosophy turns inward to internal experience; one method...

Honen Shonin (1133-1212 A.D.) founded the largest Buddhist sect in Japan (Pure Land, or Shin). This edited biography contains an Introduction by renowned Buddhist scholar, Alfred Bloom.