Hinduism is practiced by about eighty percent of India's population, and by about 30 million people outside India. But how is Hinduism defined, and what basis does the religion have? In this Very Short Introduction, Kim Knott provides clear insight into the beliefs and authority of Hindus and Hinduism, and considers the ways in which it has been affected by colonialism and modernity.
Knott offers succinct explanations of Hinduism's central preoccupations, including the role of contemporary gurus and teachers in the quest for spiritual fulfillment; and the function of regular performances of the Mahabharata and Ramayana--scriptures which present the divine in personal form (avatara) and provide models of behavior for everyone, from kings and warriors to servants and children, and which focus on the dharma, the appropriate duties and moral responsibilities of the different varna or classes. The author also considers the challenges posed to Hinduism at the end of the twentieth century as it spreads far beyond India, and as concerns are raised about issues such as dowry, death, caste prejudice, and the place of women in Hindu society.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
A very concise and helpful introduction.:
I really enjoyed this nice introduction to Hinduism. I didn't know much about the religion besides common knowledge beforehand. I wanted to read the Bhagavad-Gita, and then I found this book in a box in the lobby of my apartment building. It provided the perfect appetizer that helped put the B-G into context as well as all the other texts. Without it I would have been much more lost. Thanks Dr. Knott!
A perfect introduction to Hinduism:
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.... more info
A Good Introduction into Hinduism:
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.
