WHO IS A HINDU?
Are there some basic beliefs that all Hindus subscribe to? Where are they defined?
What is Dharma? What is Karma? What is Moksha?
Why do Hindus have so many Gods?
These questions mystify both Hindus and non-Hindus around the world. Many Hindus, having lived in cosmopolitan cities across the globe, have not been brought up in a traditional Hindu society and are often at a loss to comprehend and describe their own identity. Their claim to being Hindu rests solely on their birth in a Hindu household.
Western society also finds that Hinduism, with its countless gods, rituals and beliefs, does not fit its concept of an organised religion. In popular view, Hinduism may just be ‘a way of life’ and consequently the Hindu identity is perceived to be vague and non-uniform.
These questions are also natural. The Hindu identity is complex, and bears the social, philosophical and religious influences of a long past. However, it continues to be well-defined. This book explains how it is so, and shows how the Hindu identity remains relevant in contemporary times and the global context.
The varied elements that have shaped the Hindu identity are explored in the book. It demystifies ancient Hindu scriptures such as the Vedas and the Manusmriti, and provides engaging summaries of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. It tracks the influence of philosophies such as Vedanta, Tantra and Yoga, as well as the effect of exposure to Western thought. It also discusses contemporary issues such as the status of women, religious pluralism and the caste system today.
The anecdotal style of narration makes subtle and complex topics easily comprehensible to all ages. Anyone who seeks an explanation of the Hindu identity, regardless of belief or age, will enjoy reading this book and will benefit from its contents.
HOW IS THE BOOK UNIQUE?
Traditions and practises do define a society, but what if they are seen as contradictory? The book presents the cultural traditions of the Hindu society and analyses how each of them has contributed to shaping the Hindu identity. It looks into many such traditions of the Hindu society which puzzle the Western world – why does the Hindu worship many gods while talking of Advaita (non-duality)? How can erotic arts find a presence in temples?
The wide canvas of the book encompasses the Hindu view of divinity and the various streams of Hindu Philosophy. The author argues that both are seen as cultural issues by the Hindus. Lastly, the book touches upon the interface of the Hindu and Western civilizations and how it has influenced the Hindu identity; it calls this an event of major significance for both.
This book uniquely answers what identifies one as a Hindu. There are millions born of Hindu parents, living in urban centers in India and in all developed countries worldwide. And, there are others with some Hindu ancestry all over the world, whose ancestors moved outside of India in connection with job, or some other assignments like military. By and large these readers have no authentic, credible source to identify themselves as Hindu. Then, there are bright academics, students pursuing higher or technical studies in all developed countries who know something of a Hindu root, but they have no time to sort it out, and no single authoritative book to consult. Varma does a great service to these potential readers.
Neil PunditMy brother had recommended this book to me. Its an excellent book especially for Hindus who have very limited understanding of Hinduism and it’s origin. I am one of them. Though I always heard of Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads, Samahita, etc. I had no idea about what these talked about. For the first time I could find information on them comprehensively at one place. I am thankful to you for bringing out this book
Ramesh ChandraIt is a well written book – clear both in concept and language. The book is a gem and almost necessary reading for the new generation, particularly those who have had English medium education, and have genuine and impassioned faith in God and scripture. The Indian diaspora should grab it like a hot cake!
Mahendra Kumar MisraThis book is different. Unlike historians of the left and right hues, this does not attempt to “place” Ram et al in absolute space and time. On the contrary, it explores what Ramayana and Ram (and other mythological/historical characters) are about – what is there message and so on. Being an engineer, the author proceeds logically and the exposition is easy to read and appreciate. Recommended to the modern generation of adults and kids who like everything reasoned out in simple language not cluttered with many Sanskrit quotations in the main text.
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