Beliefs > Hinduism

American Veda : from Emerson and the Beatles to yoga and meditation : how Indian spirituality changed the West, by Philip Goldberg. (2010)
"Goldberg (founder, Spiritual Wellness & Healing Assocs.) argues that American society has been greatly influenced by Indian philosophy, particularly Vedanta, over the last two centuries, whether we realize it or not. He traces the transmission of Vedanta throughout America's history from such early thinkers as Emerson and Thoreau to popular culture icons to the general public. Goldberg's writing engages the reader by weaving together the stories of the purveyors of Indian thought in America, yet at times readers may feel they are reading the same chapter over and over with only the cast of characters changing. ... VERDICT This is a good popular treatment of the topic .... (drawn from Library Journal, courtesy of Syndetics)

Krishnamacharya : his life and teachings, by A.G. Mohan with Ganesh Mohan. (2010)
Here is a personal tribute to 'the father of modern yoga' Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya (1888-1989), written by one of his longtime disciples. Krishnamacharya was a renowned Indian yoga master, Ayurvedic healer, and scholar who modernized yoga practice and whose students - including B.K.S. Iyengar, K. Pattabhi Jois, T.K.V. Desikachar, and Indra Devi - dramatically popularized yoga in the West. In this book, the author, A.G. Mohan, a well-respected yoga teacher and yoga therapist, draws on his own memories and Krishnamacharya's diaries and recorded material, to present a fascinating view of the man and his teachings, and Mohan's own warm and inspiring relationship with the master. (publisher's summary)

A dictionary of Hinduism , by W.J. Johnson. (2009)
This new authoritative dictionary covers all aspects of Hinduism,including practices, festivals, beliefs, gods, sacred sites, languages, and religious texts. Almost 2,800 entries cover everything from Tantra to temples, from bhakti to Divali. The most wide-ranging dictionary of its kind, this brand new A-Z also contains biographical entries for key thinkers, teachers, and scholars. ...With clear and concise definitions that cover everything from the origins of the religion to Hinduism in the modern world, this dictionary is essential for students and teachers of Hinduism, theology, Asian studies, or philosophy, as well as the related disciplines of history, sociology, and anthropology. It is also a valuable source of information for all practicing Hindus and for anyone with an interest in Indian religions and culture. (publisher's description)

The Penguin companion to the Ramayana, original text by Bishnupada Chakravarty ; translated from the Bengali by Debjani Banerjee. (2006)
Along with an overview of the Ramayana and a synopsis, the epic is recounted, episode by episode, with analytical comments drawing parity between the present and a bygone time. An elaborate who's who points to characters embodying values such as commitment to dharma, filial duty and loyalty, and evils like greed, lust and pride. This companion also provides the reader with new insights into the spectrum of characters in the Ramayana and gives fresh perspectives on known and little-known aspects of the epic. Readers will also appreciate this edition for its use of colloquial language. (drawn from the publisher's description)

Encyclopedia of Hinduism, edited by Denise Cush, Catherine Robinson, Michael York. (2008)
Not only does this treat "classical" Hinduism, but also many current movements and teachers, including entries on a growing number of women religious leaders and a conscious emphasis on issues relating to gender. The editors consciously avoided a common bias by giving equal weight to the Dravidian traditions of South India and the northern traditions. This work includes high-quality coverage of orthodox and nonorthodox traditions. ... Summing Up: Highly recommended. (drawn from Choice review, courtesy of Syndetics)

The Hindus : an alternative history, by Wendy Doniger. (2009)
The keyword here is "alternate" : this is not a comprehensive history of all of Hinduism or attempt to understand Hindu metaphysics and philosophy.
"Doniger's "alternative history" of Hinduism takes a closer look at how outsiders contributed to its evolution. Some have been the marginalized people within mainstream Hinduism itself, such as tribal people and Dalits (Untouchables) or women (within a strongly patriarchal society). Others have been believers in other religions - notably Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and Sikhism—or alien conquerors and rulers, such as the Greeks, Moghals, and British. ...." (drawn from Library Journal, courtesy of Syndetics)

The Gita within Walden, by Paul Friedrich. (2008)
"This book explores and interprets the myriad connections between two spiritual classics, Henry David Thoreau's Walden and the Bhagavad-Gita. Evidence shows that Thoreau took the Gita with him when he moved to Walden Pond, and the books have much in common, touching on ultimate ethical and metaphysical questions. Paul Friedrich looks at how each work speaks to fundamental problems of good and evil, self and cosmos, duty and passion, reality and illusion, political engagement and philosophical meditation, sensuous wildness and ascetic devotion.... This book should be of lively interest to those concerned with the origins of Indian and American thought, activism, and poetry."

Hinduism : a beginner's guide, by Klaus K. Klostermaier. (2007)
"The Hindu tradition is complex and esoteric, with scriptures dating back thousands of years and a rich collection of gods and rituals that can appear impenetrable to those unfamiliar with its practices. Capturing the diversity at the heart of Hinduism, Klaus K. Klostermaier keeps the tone both engaging and informative as he explains the origins, beliefs, scriptures, and philosophies of this ancient religion. Covering contemporary issues such as the relationship between Hinduism and modern Western ideas, and the imminent challenges the religion faces, this sweeping exploration of a fascinating and long-lasting belief system will be invaluable for students, followers, and interested readers alike.... (drawn from Syndetics book annotation)

Light on life : the yoga journey to wholeness, inner peace, and ultimate freedom, B.K.S. Iyengar, with John J. Evans and Douglas Abrams. (2005)
Light on Life conveys the discoveries from a lifetime of intensive yoga practice, study, and teaching. Mr. Iyengar invites both those new to yoga and those who are experienced practitioners on an Inward Journey designed to increase their physical stability, emotional vitality, mental clarity, intellectual wisdom, and spiritual bliss. As Mr. Iyengar says, the potential for enlightenment lies in the heart of every person, and the yogic journey will illuminate the path." (Book jacket).

Hinduism, by K. M. Sen ; with a new foreword by Amartya Sen.
"A product of many cultures and traditions, Hinduism has generated and assimilated the religious movements of India over 5,000 years. This book provides an invaluable introduction to its diverse schools of thought and practice." (Reprinted classic).

The essentials of Hinduism : a comprehensive overview of the world's oldest religion, by Swami Bhaskarananda. (2002)
The basic concepts of the Hindu view of life and its rituals.

The Ramayana, Valmiki; new rendition by novelist Ramesh Menon.
"India's most beloved and enduring legend, The Ramayana is widely acknowledged to be one of the world's literary masterpieces. It recounts the story of the great prince Rama: his banishment to the forest; the abduction of his wife, Sita, by the powerful demon Ravana; and Rama's rescue of her." (Book jacket).

The wisdom of Patanjali's yoga sutras : a new translation and guide, by Ravi Ravindra. (2009)
A new translation of: The yoga sutras of Patanjali, the ancient Indian text which sets forth the practical and philosophical foundations of yoga, presented here with extensive commentary and spiritual exercises to assist in the practice and understanding of one's own spiritual search." drawn from the publisher.

Chakra meditation : discover energy, creativity, focus, love, communication, wisdom and spirit, by Swami Saradananda. (2007)
The enlightening introduction to Chakra Meditation reveals how chakras and energy pathways work. Each chapter then focuses on one main chakra, offering a variety of meditations and visualizations to calm or stimulate that energy centre, as well as self-help tools, including yoga postures and healing foods, crystals and oils, to support it. Full of transforming practices, and illustrated with evocative artwork and instructive photography, this is the ultimate guide to balance and well-being" -www.dbponline.co.uk"

Talks with Ramana Maharshi : on realizing abiding peace and happiness, by Ramana Maharshi. (2004)
"This spiritually significant work is a profound series of dialogues between one of the great sages of our time and his inquirers. These 'talks' offer a genuinely universal approach to Truth by directly pointing to the certainty of our essential nature."

What do Hindus believe?, by Rachel Dwyer. (2008)
Hinduism describes the religious beliefs and practices of up to a billion people, most of whom live in India. Yet Hinduism is a religion which lacks a set of core beliefs. It has no founder, no single scripture nor any central organization, and Hindus may be atheists, polytheists and monotheists. The sheer diversity of practices and beliefs across social groups and regions have led some to claim that the term 'Hindu' is almost meaningless." "What do Hindus Believe? argues that there are central themes in this diversity, which can be traced back thousands of years and yet are subpart of today's beliefs and practices...."--BOOK JACKET.

The Hindu world, edited by Sushil Mittal and Gene Thursby. (2004)
"The Hindu World" is the most authoritative and up-to-date single volume on Hinduism available today. In twenty-four chapters, written by leading international scholars, it provides a comprehensive and critical guide to the various literatures, traditions, and practices of Hinduism. Ideally tailored as an introduction to key topics in Hinduism and for use as a definitive reference source, the book offers fresh insights into many aspects of Hindu life. It reflects upon the impact of recent poststructuralist approaches while emphasizing Hinduism's classical heritage and everyday customs in ways that will be familiar to Hindus themselves." (Library Catalogue)

Commentaries on the Vedas, the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita : the three branches of India's life-tree, by Sri Chinmoy. (1996)
Introduction to the three ancient Indian scriptures which are the foundations of Hindu spiritual tradition.

An introduction to Hinduism, by Gavin Flood. (1996)

A popular dictionary of Hinduism, by Karel Werner. (1994)