Product Description
For millennia seekers of truth have found God in a handful of sacred texts. Now God's Breath gathers together selections from seven of the world's major wisdom traditions. The title comes from a Zen saying, "To understand God is to listen. Listen to Jesus and Muhammad and Buddha, but don't get caught up in the names. Listen beyond them; listen to God's breath." Elegantly presented with detailed woodcuts and enlightening introductions by noted scholars, leading thinkers, writers and spiritual teachers including Huston Smith, Karen Armstrong, Reynolds Price, Stephen Mitchell, Marcus Borg, Joseph Campbell, Carl Jung, the Dalai Lama, and others, the selections include excerpts from the Book of Genesis, the Tao Te Ching, the Book of Rumi, the Gospel of John, the Bhagavad Gita, the Qur'an, and the Tibetan Book of the Dead. "A valuable compendium of sacred texts. . . . This is an essential companion for students of world religions." - Publishers Weekly ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Knowledge Growth
I often have found that religion, instead of talking about how much we have in common with each other, serves to divide us (or at least that is what I feel is preached to too many).That said, this book was very interesting in that it helped me understand some of the central texts revered by others.I only read about 60% - 75% of it though.I stopped reading when one of the chapters in the book made it glowingly clear to me where the hatred of those who are not "us" stems from in one religion.I hoped this book would help me see our unions, life already shows us too much of our differences.The book itself, outside of what I got out of it, is very educational.

new thoughts
Being not from a very religious background I purchased this book, I guess looking for something. Believing that no one religion is the "right" choice I chose this sampling if you will, of each. Reading this book slowley so as to connect with each phrase and idea, to understand the meaning of all the words of all the religious concepts and their origins. Is to see that they are so similar, almost identical in so, so many ways. I have a very demanding and at times very violent job, I have seen more senceless death and pain, than I will ever forget. Basically I am not, nor I have been considered a saint. This book changed the way I look at people and think about people, all people, in such a refreshing manner. Although violence is an every day part of my life, I have no enemy, I hold no grudge. After a "battle" I am humbled, and pray for the fallen, not because of what I'll do, but because they don't know. I have such peace of mind although dailey life is filled with drama. Read this book, read it slow, you will feel these words reach down and open your eyes. ... Read more

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In The Study of Hinduism, leading scholars from around the world take stock of two centuries of international intellectual investment in Hinduism. Since the early nineteenth century, when the scholarly investigation of Hinduism began to take shape as a modern academic discipline, Hindu studies has evolved from its concentration on description and analysis to an emphasis on understanding Hindu traditions in the context of the religion's own values, concepts, and history. Offering a needed assessment of the current state of Hindu studies, the contributors to this volume identify past achievements and chart the course for what remains to be accomplished in the field.

Casting a tripartite net, the contributors collaborate to achieve an analytical, historical, and topical perspective upon Hindu studies. Among other topics, they evaluate the continuing debates surrounding the meaning of the word Hinduism and the different methods that have been employed in studying the religion. Arvind Sharma, as editor, lays the groundwork for the volume by defining both Hinduism and the role of methods--including historical, anthropological, sociological, and psychological--in its study. Eric J. Sharpe adds to the opening analysis with his consideration of the importance of setting in Hindu studies.

Other contributors review the ways in which Hinduism has been studied. S. W. Jamison and Michael Witzel examine the scholarship about pre-Vedic and Vedic Hinduism and the rituals, mythology, and religious life associated with it; Alf Hiltebeitel, Greg Bailey, and Milton Elder consider scholarly attention to the writing, orality, and divinity of India’s epics--the Puranas and the Bhadagvita, respectively--in classical Hinduism; Philip Lutgendorf surveys the recent study of medieval Hinduism, especially its devotional traditions; and Robert D. Baird addresses the work of disciplines such as anthropology, history, and the history of religions as they bear on the investigation of modern Hinduism. Within this broad framework, the contributors also address academic responses to the regional forms of Hinduism and the position of women within the religion. ... Read more

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A deeper insight into the values of Judaism, values which have become essential in today's world of quest for a meaningful life. It also explores the realities and myths of eastern cultures and addresses those who have sought "deeper meaning" in those cultures. ... Read more

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John Renard's book is a concise, user-friendly introduction to major historical, spiritual and theological points of interest in the complex of faith traditions known collectively as Hinduism. In 101 probing questions he packs a great deal of information about one of the most important families of faith communities about which Westerners may know very little.

The questions and responses are arranged along thematic lines so that the material is available to readers either in sequence or "buffet style." Topics include origins and early sources of Hinduism; spread and development; doctrines and practices; law and ethics; spirituality; Hinduism and the Humanities; Hinduism in relation to other traditions; women and family; and Hinduism here and now.

Ideal for use by secondary school and college students in world religions courses, as well as by adult continuing education groups and discussion circles, this book distinguishes itself by its accessibility and genuine nature of its questions. General readers interested in learning about faiths other than their own will not find a more approachable work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great resource!
A great resource for those looking to obtaina general overview of Hinduism.This book covers the fundamental essence of the faith and community. ... Read more

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This examination of Hinduism in the context of modernity will be of interest to all students of Hinduism, as well as to those interested in the sociology and history of religion.

• Shows Hinduism to be a highly dynamic world-view which challenges western notions of modernity.
  
• Considers a broad range of topics including women, the caste system, the self, divinities and gurus.
  
• Contains up-to-date discussions of modern Hindu culture and beliefs.

Customer Reviews (1)

Inadequate and Incorrect
This book was a frustrating review of both HInduism and Modernity. I had high hopes from the title of the book but it is quite an obsolete review of old literature of Hinduism and Modernity. Disappointing! ... Read more

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One of the incidental consequences of the success of British arms in eighteenth-century India was the appearance of a number of publications which reflect the intense curiosity of contemporary Europeans about strange peoples, their manners and religions. Of the three principal religions of India, Hinduism attracted the most attention. European contact with Islam was several centuries old, while few travellers could identify Buddhism with any certainty. This book reprints some of the most significant English contributions to the early European understanding of Hinduism. ... Read more

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This is a book about cultural translation andcomparison between the seemingly incomparable: Hinduism andCapitalism. Some might argue that one cannot compare Hinduism andCapitalism. Hinduism, though undoubtedly first and foremost areligion, is also the institution which organises Hindu societyand economy. And Capitalism is also a culture; a system ofbeliefs, ideas, values and practices which govern typical modernlifestyles. Both Hinduism and Capitalism can be conceived ascultural logical systems generally influencing the ways peoplethink, feel and communicate. Such a comparative exercise bringsforth seemingly opposite worlds, as conceptualised in the presentworkthrough antinomies like action/inaction,individualism/holism,the economic or the religious project, the activist versus theyogi. Yet there is a common reference point in the concept of theduality of action/Karma--structure/Dharma. It is argued that theduality of action-structure is a particularly fertile'bridgehead' for cultural translation and comparison betweenHinduism and capitalism. Both Hindu and Western traditions haveproduced sophisticated theories of action and how action relatesto agency and structure. The apperception of the duality ofaction-structure is implicit in the Karma/Dharmateachings whichportray the essence of Hinduism ... Read more

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INTRODUCTORY' OBSERYATIONS ? . Buddhism in its relation to Brahmanism. ?"CU!s s~ts in Brahmanism. Creed of the ordinary :a:indii. iso of scept.icism and infidelity. )~ialistic scho~ thought. -Origin of Buddhism and Jainiflm. -)Ianysidednc.ss of Buddhism. Its complexity. Labours of various scholars. Divisions of the subject. 'rhe Buddha, his Law, his Order of Monks. Northcrn Buddhism 1-17

Table of Contents

Preface; Postscript Oil the common error in regard to the compnrative; prevalence of Buddhism in the world XIV; List of Illustrations XXIX; nules for Pronunciation XXXl; l)ronunciation of Buddha, etc Addenda and Corrigenda XXXll

About the Publisher

Forgotten Books is a publisher of historical writings, such as: Philosophy, Classics, Science, Religion, History, Folklore and Mythology.

Forgotten Books' Classic Reprint Series utilizes the latest technology to regenerate facsimiles of historically important writings. Careful attention has been made to accurately preserve the original format of each page whilst digitally enhancing the difficult to read text. Read books online for free at http://www.forgottenbooks.org ... Read more

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This fourth volume in the series exploring religions and the environment investigates the role of the multifaceted Hindu tradition in the development of greater ecological awareness in India.

The twenty-two contributors ask how traditional concepts of nature in the classical texts might inspire or impede an eco-friendly attitude among modern Hindus, and they describe some grassroots approaches to environmental protection. They look to Gandhian principles of minimal consumption, self-reliance, simplicity, and sustainability. And they explore forests and sacred groves in text and tradition and review the political and religious controversies surrounding India's sacred river systems.

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The Hindu tradition can claim to be the world's oldest religion. It has evolved in India over the past three thousand years. It differs from monotheistic beliefs, such as Christianity, in that there is no identifiable founder, specific theological system, or single system of morality. Frank Whaling provides an overview of the history and development of the Hindu tradition. He takes account of recent scholarship and regards Hinduism as a worldview as well as a religious tradition. The book covers the core areas of Hindu religious organisation, rituals, ethics, social involvement and sacred texts as well as key concepts, aesthetics and spirituality. It illustrates these topics by personal example as well as by informed analysis. While more stress is placed upon the modern situation including the neo-Hindu and Hindutva movements, the Hindu past is not ignored. Village Hinduism as well as sophisticated and 'high' Hinduism is addressed as well as the Hindu presence in Britain and the wider world. ... Read more

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A Spiritual Bloomsbury is an exploration of how three English writers_Edward Carpenter, E.M. Forster, and Christopher Isherwood_sought to come to terms with their homosexuality by engagement with Hinduism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Enlightenment
Having been born a Hindu, my exposure to Hinduism was one that I erroneously believed to be idol-worship. Consequently that became my total understanding of this religion - which led to non-acceptance. This religion(if one can indeed call it that) is clearly explained in this book. Ittakes one through an account of selected scriptures of the Vedas andexpounds on the high philosophy of Hinduism. Sublimely simple and elegantanalogies of the scriptures explain the metaphysical knots that impedeunderstanding of the religion. The study includes excerpts from theRamayana and the Bhagavad Gita - India's most beloved verses and anilluminating account of their relevance in the Hindu way of life. This isthe first book I have read on Hinduism and have certainly come away farmore enlightened about a religion I have called my own sincebirth.Recommended for all who want further understanding of Hinduism. ... Read more

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The demolition of the Babri Mosque at Ayodhya on December 6, 1992 was an event as significant as it was unexpected. In this book, nine scholars (Theodore P. Wright, Jr., John J. Carroll, Matthew A. Cook, Dhirendra K. Vajpeyi, Subhas C. Kashyap, Steven A. Hoffman, Srinivas Tilak, Koenraad Elst, and Vasudha Narayanan) explore the myriad significances of this event for the Hindu and Muslim communities, and for the relations between them, in India. ... Read more

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It has been long taken for granted in the study of Hinduism over the past two centuries that the Hindus lacked a sense of history. This book marshalls evidence to render this assumption, which has had far-reaching consequences, implausible. ... Read more

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The present volume is a series of reflections, as well as questions and answers, on Sanatana Dharma, the universal tradition behind Hinduism and the yogic spirituality that derives from it.

It is not about Hinduism as a religious belief as opposed to others (which exists more in the minds of non-Hindus than in the minds of those we would consider themselves to be Hindus). Yet it does recognize the value and importance of the Hindu tradition and its special corpus of knowledge. It is meant to present Hinduism in its true light, which is a spiritual art and science designed to connect us to our original nature as Pure Consciousness. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent overview of the Sanatana Dharma
Hinduism is more properly called the Sanatana Dharma, the eternal tradition. David Frawley is a student of Hinduism in many of its aspects. One of the few westerners who is highly respected by Hindu scholars. In this book he goes into every aspect of The Sanatana Dharma, and relates it to other religions and to other civilizations. Not a devotional type book, but, I believe, a lucid and accurate overview in sufficient detail. Many of your questions will be answered. ... Read more

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Contemporary Hinduism: Ritual, Culture, and Practice illuminates the modern-day ritual, range, and reach of this ancient and diverse religion. A brief historical overview is followed by discussions of the oral and written origins of Hinduism that give context for the main emphasis—contemporary thought, practice, and key issues. Unique to this work is the consistent attention given to the practice of Hinduism for both men and women.

What roles do caste and gender play in modern Hinduism? How are issues like ethics and the environment approached? What are the differences between urban and rural Hinduism, fundamental and secular Hinduism? To what countries has this religion spread, and how do the beliefs and practices of their people compare and contrast? Essays written by Indian and Western scholars answer these and other intriguing questions, introducing readers to the whole world of "living Hinduism" rather than the perspectives and traditions of a small elite.

Customer Reviews (2)

How contemporary Hindus actually practice Hinduism
This book is just what I hoped it would be.

I teach a course on world religions to ninth-graders at a Catholic prep school, and of the five religions covered in the course, Hinduism is the one I know the least about. I know the basics as found in a high school or college textbook, and I've read and taught the Bhagavad Gita, but when my students ask questions that go much beyond that--as they do with great frequency--I'm often at a loss. So I wanted to learn more.

In particular, I wanted to learn more about how contemporary Hindus actually practice Hinduism. For instance, although I can give the Hinduism 101 lecture on the four main castes, I didn't know how the caste system actually functions in contemporary India. Now I do; that's the subject of chapter 8. Similarly, my students are interested in religious holidays, especially if their neighbors are celebrating them, but the only holidays I knew much about were Divali and Holi. Chapter 4, about the ritual calendar, includes explanations of eighteen holidays in a paragraph to a page and a half each.

Other chapter topics include oral and written texts, devotionalism, ethics, Hindu thought, gurus and the groups they founded, changing views on gender, fundamentalism and secularism, environmental movements, and Hinduism outside India.

Breadth without depth
This book covers a lot of ground on Hinduism. But it does not make the right connections among the concepts. It provides an outside-in view, rather than an inside-out view. So a reader who is serious about learning Hinduism may perhaps get the breadth, but not the depth of Hinduism, through this book.The four purushardhas of life, for example, is the distilled essence of the wisdom of the Hindu sages. The sages distilled theirunderstanding of human aspirations into the four broad categories called purushardhas. The deeper understanding of these words can only come from its relationship to the interaction between prakriti and purusha, from which the purushardha concept emerges. The book gives simple dictionary meanings of these words purushardha (as aim),kama (as desire), ardha (as wealth) and dharma (as morality).Making connections among the concepts is essential for the understanding of Hindu Philosophy. This is just one example. This is good book for getting a overview of Hindu terms, vocabulary and concepts, but not the intricate connectionsamong the concepts. ... Read more