Hinduism (in the Series: Religions of the World)

The book opens with a series foreword by Martin E. Marty and a preface explaining the importance of religious literacy in a pluralistic world. The main text begins with “Introduction to Hinduism,” defining Hinduism as a tradition rooted in India and often understood by Hindus themselves as sanātana dharma, “the everlasting Law.” Robinson identifies several recurring features of Hinduism: reverence for the Vedas, belief in karma and reincarnation, social organization through caste and stages of life, and the centrality of ritual and family practice. The following chapters examine the foundations of Hinduism, the significance and origins of the Vedas, the Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic religion, sacred scriptures, Hindu worldview, temple worship, growing up Hindu, popular culture, holidays, historical memory, and Hinduism in the modern world. The volume also includes visual materials, including a map of the Indian subcontinent and a chart estimating membership in major branches such as Vaiṣṇavism, Śaivism, Neo-Hindu/reform Hinduism, and Veerashaivism.