Synopses & Reviews
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.
Review
· Ten essays explore the history, modern practice, and contemporary issues of Hinduism
· Maps including ancient and contemporary India and the Hindu diaspora, as well as illustrations within individual essays
· The book includes a glossary of terms and a guide to pronouncing words from Indian languages
· A comprehensive introductory essay provides a basic historical overview and addresses the development of the definition and study of Hinduism
"... this is a well-written, well-designed book that is suited for the student or casual reader interested in the modern aspects of Hinduism."American Reference Books Annual
"Rhinehart's volume is unique in that it is a group effort ... This material will be quite familiar to scholars, but should prove useful to students and educated readers who are newcomers to Hindu studies ... Recommended. Lower- and upper- division undergraduate; general readers."Choice
"All the chapters are clear, well written, and free of jargon. This would be a very helpful book to use in a class on modern Hinduism or a great supplementary text in an introduction to Hinduism course."Journal of Asian Studies
"This work can be recommended to all those who would like to have a fairly correct and comprehensive outlook in contemporary Hinduism. It will certainly be of use and help to all studens of Hinduism."Vatican City Pontifical Missionary Library
Review
"… this is a well-written, well-designed book that is suited for the student or casual reader interested in the modern aspects of Hinduism." - American Reference Books Annual
Review
"Rhinehart's volume is unique in that it is a group effort … This material will be quite familiar to scholars, but should prove useful to students and educated readers who are newcomers to Hindu studies … Recommended. Lower- and upper- division undergraduate; general readers." - Choice
Review
"All the chapters are clear, well written, and free of jargon. This would be a very helpful book to use in a class on modern Hinduism or a great supplementary text in an introduction to Hinduism course." - Journal of Asian Studies
Review
"This work can be recommended to all those who would like to have a fairly correct and comprehensive outlook in contemporary Hinduism. It will certainly be of use and help to all studens of Hinduism." - Vatican City Pontifical Missionary Library
Synopsis
An examination of the contemporary practices, beliefs, and issues of one of the world's oldest and most enduring religions, both within its Indian homeland and throughout the world.
Synopsis
• Explores questions of caste, family life, and social status and reveals how they affect the practice of Hinduism
• Emphasizes the contemporary practice and expression of Hinduism
• Discusses current debates regarding religious nationalism and fundamentalism as it pertains to Hinduism
Synopsis
• Ten essays explore the history, modern practice, and contemporary issues of Hinduism
• Maps including ancient and contemporary India and the Hindu diaspora, as well as illustrations within individual essays
• The book includes a glossary of terms and a guide to pronouncing words from Indian languages
• A comprehensive introductory essay provides a basic historical overview and addresses the development of the definition and study of Hinduism
Synopsis
The world's third-largest religion, after Christianity and Islam, Hinduism comprises more than 750 million worshippers. While the vast majority live in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Hinduism has spread to Europe, Australia, the United States, and even Jamaica and Guyana. How does this resilient religion impact the lives of 13 percent of the world's population?