Introducing Hinduism

Introducing Hinduism is the ideal starting point for students wishing to undertake a comprehensive study of this fascinating religion. This lively introduction explores the complexities of Hinduism, including its social structures, especially its caste system, its rituals and many scriptures, its vast mythology and varieties of deities, and its religious philosophies. Hillary Rodrigues, an experienced teacher of the Hindu tradition, emphasises the importance of Hindu rituals and practice, subjects of particular interest in contemporary scholarship. Illustrated throughout, the book also includes text boxes, summary charts, a glossary and a list of further reading to aid students' understanding and revision. The accompanying webstie to this book can be found at http://www.routledge.com/textbooks/0415392691.

Hillary Rodrigues was born in India and has spent many years living, traveling, and studying Eastern religions in South and South-east Asia. He has over a dozen years' experience teaching the Hindu religion to undergraduate students at the University of Lethbridge, where he has been honored with the Distinguished Teaching Award.

Preface 1. Introduction 2 . Vedic Religion 3. Karma and Cosmology 4. Hindu Social Organization and Values 5. Dharma and the Individual 6. The Sanskrit Language 7. Indian Philosophical Schools 8. The Epics (Ithasa) 9. The Bhagavad Gita and the Rise of the Bhakti 10. Major Hindu Sects 11. Hindu Deities and Puranic Mythology 12. Hindu Art and Worship Rituals 13. Vedanta 14. Trantra 15. Reform and Revitalizations 16. Hinduism Beyond India 17. Hinduism and the West 18. Select Themes in Hinduism. Appendix 1. Appendix 2