Hinduism: A Beginner’s Guide

The book begins with a preface explaining that it is part of a trilogy on Hinduism and is intended as an accessible guide rather than an exhaustive academic survey. A note on pronunciation introduces the use of diacritics for Indian words and names, followed by maps of India showing present state boundaries, ancient and holy places, and major modern urban centres. The introduction describes Hinduism through diverse examples: pilgrimage to Tirupati, political programmes, philosophy, ascetic life, Bhagavadgītā sermons, temple festivals, bathing in the Ganges, and domestic devotional singing. The work is organized into four major parts: “The Vedic Tradition,” “The Hindu Religions,” “The Hindu Philosophical Quest,” and “Hinduism Encounters Other Religions.” The chapters discuss the origins of Hinduism, the Veda, Vedic ordering of life, ritual, Viṣṇu, Śiva, the Goddess, the Upaniṣads, yoga, Advaita Vedānta, Vaiṣṇava Vedānta, modern reform, resistance to Western modernity, new forms of Hinduism, and contemporary challenges.