Hinduism For Dummies

Discover one of the world's most popular belief systems

Hinduism is a fascinating and widespread religion with a diverse array of traditions, practices, scriptures, and deities. In Hinduism For Dummies, 2nd Edition, you'll get a clear view into this widely-practiced and ancient creed. The book contains an easy-to-follow introduction to Hinduism, including its four different sects—Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and Smartism—it's major rituals, and its most sacred teachings.

You'll understand how to recognize the different major gods and goddesses in the Hindu pantheon and the differences that give each of the four sects their distinct culture and theology. You'll also explore the history of what some consider to be the world's oldest religion that's still widely practiced today.

Inside, you'll:

• Understand core beliefs and values
• Discover Hindu wisdom and teachings (including life-cycle rites)
• Discover how to worship inside and outside of your home
• Know the Hindu concept of reality

An interesting and unbiased read, Hinduism For Dummies, 2nd Edition is the go-to guide for everyone who wants to learn more about Hinduism and its most fundamental tenets.

Introduction 1

Part 1: Introducing Hinduism 5

Chapter 1: Overviewing Hinduism 7

Chapter 2: From Past to Present: A Condensed History of Hinduism 19

Chapter 3: Exploring the Core Beliefs and Values. 37

Chapter 4: Reviewing Major Hindu Denominations 51

Chapter 5: Exploring Hindu Society Structure 67

Part 2: The Hindu Pantheon and Its Religious Leaders 83

Chapter 6: Pantheism to Polytheism: From the One to the Very Many 85

Chapter 7: Identifying Hindu Gods and Goddesses 95

Chapter 8: The Avatars of Vishnu: The Divine Descent 119

Chapter 9: Revering the Role of Religious Leadership 133

Part 3: Studying the Sacred Texts 151

Chapter 10: The Vedas: Centuries of Accumulated Treasures 153

Chapter 11: Gaining Higher Knowledge with the Upanishads 167

Chapter 12: Living with the Epics and Puranas 183

Chapter 13: The Song of the Lord: The Bhagavad Gita 209

Part 4: Practicing Hinduism 223

Chapter 14: Worshipping at Home 225

Chapter 15: Worshipping at Temples 241

Chapter 16: Observing Holydays and Festivals 257

Chapter 17: Cradle to Cremation: The Life-Cycle Rites 277

Chapter 18: Taking a Pilgrimage 293

Part 5: Delving Deeper into the Hindu Concept of Reality 311

Chapter 19: The Six Schools of Thought: The Darshanas 313

Chapter 20: Vedanta: The End of Knowledge 327

Chapter 21: Following the Yogic Path to Salvation 343

Part 6: The Part of Tens 357

Chapter 22: Ten Common Prayers 359

Chapter 23: Ten (or So) Traditional Mandates 365

Index 371

Amrutur V. Srinivasan, Ph.D., also known as Sheenu, has been active in the Hindu Community since 1971 and is the founder of the Connecticut Valley Hindu Temple Society. Dr. Srinivasan teaches the Bhagavad Gita, the Mahabharata, and Sanskrit. His book The Vedic Wedding: Origins, Tradition and Practice won the 2007 USA Book News Best Book Award in the category of Eastern Religions.

Ancient Hindu wisdom and modern practice

A blue-skinned god with four arms, a festival of colors, a cosmic tortoise carrying the world on its back…Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest—and most imaginative—religions. In Hinduism For Dummies, you discover the history, beliefs, and traditions of this popular faith. In reader-friendly style, this book describes how Hindus worship and pray, explains the major denominations, and explores the deeper questions of reality and salvation. It’s your thorough introduction to the teachings and practice of Hinduism.

Inside…

• Exploring central beliefs of Hinduism
• Appreciating the Hindu pantheon of gods
• Examining rituals and celebrations
• Inspecting the Sacred texts
• Taking a pilgrimage
• Recognizing common Hindu prayers
• Addressing Hindu culture and society