The core of Hindu thought from the perspective of non-dual philosophy is presented in an almost comprehensive way in this handy volume "Musings on Hinduism." The word 'musings' would usually offer an unfettered freedom to the writer to offer his own comments on a subject. But on a subject like Vedanta such an approach may sometimes go against the doctrine. The present writer, however, has not taken such liberty but has carefully presented the non-dual philosophy almost in a nutshell.

A critical interpretation of the oldest living tradition by one of the greatest thinker-philosopher of the twentieth century. Hinduism has always been more than just a religion; it is a comprehensive way of life, a tradition by which people can live. In spite of its all inclusive character, it has a metaphysical core that is timeless and is intended to interpret reality to its people, to make life more meaningful, to provide them with a framework for their individual and social existence, and finally address their longing for ultimate freedom and salvation. Going beyond the accepted and the historical boundaries of Hinduism, Gandhi identifies its acceptable and unacceptable overtones and associations, and gives expression to its humane nature and beliefs — an interpretation every bit original and to be accepted on its own terms.

Since times immemorial, India has been synonymous with spiritual knowledge and people have been drawn to her sacred land. Some were philosophers, poets, writers, historians, scientists and travelers. Some came to India; others read translations about her rich and imaginative literature and felt genuine enthusiasm for her. The fourth Caliph in the 7th century is reported to have said: The land where books were first written and from where wisdom and knowledge sprang is India. Despite the wars and imperialism, ancient India s spiritual influence and wisdom has had considerable impact on the West, especially on its imagination, science, and literature: English Romantic poetry in particular, Scientists, scholars, poets, writers and philosophers all have paid the highest compliment to India s wonderful metaphysical, religious, artistic, linguistic, and cultural genius by imitating and incorporating some of these ideas and theories into their own work.

With more and more youngsters of India adapting to English for their routine activities, many lyrical gems of Indian poets of yester-years in vernacular languages have become obscure or even lost to the new generations. The present book fills in this gap. It presents English version of some of the most popular songs of Sant Purandara Dasa, originally composed in Kannada. Besides explaining devotional and philosophical aspects of these songs, it also analyzes the views of Sant Purandara Dasa on societal mores and his criticism of the social evils of the 15th century India.

Many want to know what Hinduism is. Many are astonished to hear that Hinduism has no particular creed. Indeed, Hinduism is hard to define. Hinduism is a system which comprises within its fold an infinite variety of thoughts. In this book published by Advaita Ashrama, a Publication centre of Ramakrishna Math, an attempt has been made to give a bird's-eye view of Hinduism with extracts from the speeches and writings of Swami Vivekananda who may be said to be the best exponent of Hinduism in modern India. The excerpts have been culled from the author's Complete Works.

In the Indian ethos, we encounter symbolism everywhere – in our shastras, in our celebrations and festivals, in the way we live. Symbolism has a language of its own. It is not necessarily meant to be cryptic or secretive, but it is meant to make on think, to ask questions. Why do we celebrate our festivals the way we do? Why are Hindu gods multi-armed, each one specific and distinct from the other? What is the significance of their individual vehicles and the weapons they carry? Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayananda, sometimes spoke about symbolism and sometimes wrote about it. His style was unique and always to the point. The articles in this book have been compiled by Swami Nityananda (formerly R.S. Nathan), who was driven by a desire to share Gurudev’s wisdom with all. There are articles by others too, and they have been included because each one of them touches on one or the other aspect of symbolism. And if anybody is buzzing with questions, pick up this book and read on.