This introductory text points to some of the diverse tapestries of Hindu worldviews where scriptural revelation, logical argumentation, embodied affectivity, moral reasoning, and aesthetic cultivation constitute densely interwoven conceptual threads. It begins with an exploration of some classical iterations of the quest for a fundamental ontology amidst the diversities of the everyday world. This quest is often embedded in both a diagnosis of the human condition as structured by suffering and a therapy for recovery from worldly fragmentation. A crucial aspect of this therapeutic structure is the analysis of the means of knowledge and the categories of reality, since in order to know the nature of the world one must proceed along truth-tracking routes. Such dynamic mind-world encounters are mediated through language, and Hindu philosophical texts extensively discuss the motif of whether or not deep reality can be comprehended through linguistic structures. These philosophical exercises also shape reflections on themes such as aesthetics, social organization, the meaning of life, and so on. As Hinduism increasingly migrates to western locations through practices of yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, and along with sensibilities relating to vegetarianism, ecology, and pacifism, we encounter multiple translations of these classical motifs relating to the self, language, and consciousness.

Dive into the ancient and vibrant world of Hinduism, one of the oldest and most diverse spiritual traditions on Earth. "Exploring Hinduism: A Journey Through Faith and Philosophy" offers an insightful and comprehensive guide to understanding the rich tapestry of beliefs, practices, and philosophical schools that define this major world religion. From the mystical chants of the Vedas to the profound wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, from the colorful celebration of Diwali to the sacred rituals of daily worship, this book unravels the complexities and beauty of Hindu thought and culture. Each chapter delves deeply into key aspects of Hinduism, including its pantheon of gods and goddesses, its sacred texts, and the significance of rituals and festivals. Whether you are a student of religion, a practitioner of Hinduism, or a curious explorer, this book provides a thorough understanding of the foundational principles and contemporary practices of Hinduism. It examines the religion's influence on art, politics, and society, and addresses the challenges and transformations it faces in the modern world. Join us on this enlightening journey through the heart of Hindu philosophy and faith, as we explore how ancient teachings continue to enrich the lives of millions around the globe today. "Exploring Hinduism" is your essential guide to grasping the enduring allure and profound depths of this fascinating religion.

Some postcolonial theorists argue that the idea of a single system of belief known as "Hinduism" is a creation of nineteenth-century British imperialists. Andrew J. Nicholson introduces another perspective: although a unified Hindu identity is not as ancient as some Hindus claim, it has its roots in innovations within South Asian philosophy from the fourteenth to seventeenth centuries. During this time, thinkers treated the philosophies of Vedanta, Samkhya, and Yoga, along with the worshippers of Visnu, Siva, and Sakti, as belonging to a single system of belief and practice. Instead of seeing such groups as separate and contradictory, they re-envisioned them as separate rivers leading to the ocean of Brahman, the ultimate reality. Drawing on the writings of philosophers from late medieval and early modern traditions, including Vijnanabhiksu, Madhava, and Madhusudana Sarasvati, Nicholson shows how influential thinkers portrayed Vedanta philosophy as the ultimate unifier of diverse belief systems. This project paved the way for the work of later Hindu reformers, such as Vivekananda, Radhakrishnan, and Gandhi, whose teachings promoted the notion that all world religions belong to a single spiritual unity. In his study, Nicholson also critiques the way in which Eurocentric concepts—like monism and dualism, idealism and realism, theism and atheism, and orthodoxy and heterodoxy—have come to dominate modern discourses on Indian philosophy.

Offering techniques for gaining a peaceful mind, this book helps Westerners explore the philosophical underpinnings of Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, and Tantra, and reveals ways to implement these mystical teachings into one's life. Illustrations.

This book studies the diverse and often competitive strands of Hindu traditions, Hindu festivals and life-cycle rituals and examines them in the context of globalized religions.

Designed to help readers deepen their understanding of Hinduism, and reflecting themes central to the study of religion and culture, Jessica Frazier explores classical Hindu theories of self, the body, the cosmos, and human action. Case studies from Hindu texts provide readers with direct access to primary sources in translation, ranging from ancient cosmology to philosophical teachings and modern ritual practices. Hinduism is often depicted as being so diverse that it is the most difficult of all of the world religions to understand or explain. Hindu Worldviews explains core ideas about the human mind and body, showing how they fit into concepts of the Self, and practices of embodiment in Hinduism. It draws on western theoretical concepts as a point of entry, connecting contemporary Hindu culture directly with both western and classical Hindu theories. Through the theme of the Self in classical Hindu sources, the chapters provide an interpretative framework for understanding classical approaches to ethics, liberation, and views of the body and the mind. These provide a key to the rationale behind many forms of modern practice such as divinisation rituals, worship of deities, and theological reflection. Reflecting central themes in courses on Hinduism and Indian Philosophy, Hindu Worldviews provides an accessible new perspective on both Hinduism and modern theory in the study of religion.