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
Height:231
Width:183
Spine:28
Weight:544.00