All About Hinduism

Contents: 1. Introductory. 2. The Vedic hymns. 3. The Brahmanas and the sacrificial system. 4. The Upanishads and Brahmanical philosophy. 5. Brahmanical law, domestic usages, and caste. 6. The Buddhistic movement, and its influence on Brahmanism. 7. Development of Hinduism, and the doctrine of triple manifestation. 8. Development of Saivism, Vaishnavism and the doctrine of incarnation. 9. Doctrine of devotion, as developed in the Puranas and Tantras. 10. Medieval and modern sects. 11. Modern castes. 12. Modern idol-worship, sacred objects, holy places and times. Appendix: 1. Distinctive features of the six schools of philosophy. 2. Eclectic school--the Bhagavad-Gita. 3. Jainism. 4. The Carvakas. Index.

"All about Hinduism is an easy-to-comprehend introduction to this ancient religion. Although it is the third largest religion in the world and boasts hundreds of millions of followers, many of us remain unfamiliar with what it means to be Hindu. Here readers will find out about the religion\'s origins, beliefs, culture and more. The book discusses the origins and central beliefs of Hinduism and explains the Hindu idea of God, rites of passage, family life, holy places and shrines, festivals, and the purpose of life." (jacket)