To avoid thinking about religion from a culturally biased point of view, sociologists first define what religion is not first, religion is not necessarily monotheistic, which is the belief in monotheism, or a single deity. In this very short introduction, kim knott provides clear insight into the beliefs and authority of hindus and hinduism, and considers the ways in which it has been affected by colonialism and modernity. Oprah winfrey network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Hinduism is practiced by about 80 percent of indias population, and by ab. In this very short introduction, kim knott combines a succinct and authoritative overview of a major religion with an analysis of the challenges facing it in the twentieth century. After reading this book you can take it to the next level and explore further hinduism or,if you choose not, you can rest assured that the basic knowledge you. Find out more see the full list of titles currently available. This book is written by a westerner who is a practicing hindu, to give non. Hindus as well as hindus who are living in the west, an introduction to the faith.
These pocketsized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. In this very short introduction, kim knott provides clear insight into the beliefs and authority of hindus and hinduism, and considers the ways in which it has. Klostermaier, 9781851681631, available at book depository with free delivery worldwide. Hinduism is the worlds oldest extant religion, and with more than a billion followers, it is also the worlds third largest religion. Pdf hinduism a very short introduction download full. Hinduism is the oldest living religions of the world.
Hinduism book san francisco public library bibliocommons. In this second edition she considers new issues facing hindus such as the politicization of hinduism in india, the increasing impact of hindu nationalism, and the rise and fall of sectarian hindu movements. Most hindus believe all humans and living creatures possess a soul, which is a reflection of god, and that the soul is reincarnated over many lifetimes. Feb 29, 2016 hinduism is practised by nearly eighty per cent of indias population, and by some seventy million people outside india.
Introduction to hindusim belief oprah winfrey network. Free ebooks an introduction to hinduism introduction to. A very short introduction kim knott oxford university. This introduction to hinduism brings us as close as any book can to an appreciation of that variety. She discusses key preoccupations of hinduism such as the centrality of the veda as religious.
Provides a clear, wellorganized, concise overview of the history, religious practices, gods, philosophical schools, and of various other aspects of hinduism. A very short introduction combines an overview of a major religion with analysis of the challenges facing it in the twentieth century. Kim knott is professor of religious and secular studies. Discover a new topic or subject with these intelligent and serious introductions written by authors who are experts in their field. A brief introduction to hinduism augsburg fortress. A very short introduction admirably attempts to do just that in one pocket sized edition. Very short introductions discover vsis from oxford now. This book is a very good introduction for someone who knows little about the subject and would like to learn more, however for someone who does know a something about hinduism and would like to learn more it is a little unsatisfying. In this very short introduction, kim knott provides clear insight into the beliefs and authority of hindus and hinduism, and considers the ways in which it has been affected by colonialism and mod hinduism is practiced by about 80 percent of indias population, and by about 30 million people outside india.
Hinduism is practised by eighty per cent of indias population, and by thirty million people outside india. Enter your mobile number or email address below and well send you a link to download the free kindle app. Oct 25, 2015 oprah winfrey network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Hinduism is a religion that originated in the indian subcontinent. So immense in variety is the hindu tradition and so. Its purpose is to give an over view with as few technical terms as possible and without too much detail. Still other religions, such as confucianism, recognize no gods at all. Oprah winfreys heart and creative instincts inform the brand and the magnetism of the.
A very short introduction admirably attempts to do. A very short introduction and millions of other books are available for amazon kindle. This book by jayaram v presents a thorough and scholarly understanding of the basic and essential aspects of hinduism from both historical and theological perspectives. Klaus k klostermaier this book is a clear, accessible and comprehensive presentation of hinduism as a living faith, a religion that boasts over 800 million adherents. A very short introduction by kim knott 9780192853875. Hinduism is a compilation of many traditions and philosophies and is considered by many scholars to be the worlds oldest religion, dating back more than 4,000 years. A very short introduction 2e very short introductions 2 by knott, kim isbn. But how is hinduism defined, and what basis does the religion have. May, 2019 hinduism is the worlds oldest extant religion, and with more than a billion followers, it is also the worlds third largest religion. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and. This book, though small in size, addresses many themes that are. Rent hinduism a very short introduction 1st edition 9780192853875 and save up to 80% on textbook rentals and 90% on used textbooks. The books are concise introductions to particular subjects, intended for a general audience but written by experts.
The spiritual side of hinduism has appealed to nonhindus too, raising the question of whether hinduism remains a religion solely for those born into indian families and hindu castes, or whether it is now a missionary religion. May 25, 2009 a very short introduction to the religion of hinduism. A short introduction to hinduism paperback august 1, 1998 by klaus k. The diversity of hinduism is such that it is difficult to do justice to its variety. Hinduism is practiced by about 80 percent of indias population, and by about 30 million people outside india. Feb 24, 2000 hinduism is practised by eighty per cent of indias population, and by thirty million people outside india.
These and other questions about the identity of hinduism are discussed in chapter 9. A very short introduction to the religion of hinduism. This book is a very good introduction for someone who knows little about the subject and would like to learn more, however for someone who does know a something about. A very short introduction very short introductions new ed by knott, kim isbn. Written and assembled from sources by stephen knapp. Purists refer to it more as sanatana dharma the eternal pathlaw rather than a religion, as it is believed to be a virtuous way of life. If any single text can be compared to the new testament, it is thisone. Having read a number of introductory works on hinduism in my studies i have found this one unsurpassed in. Excellent introduction to hinduism indeed a very short, but still excellent introduction to hinduism. Hinduism is practised by nearly 80 per cent of indias population, and around 70 million people outside india. In this very short introduction, kim knott provides clear insight into the beliefs and authority of hindus and hinduism, and considers the ways in which it has been.
The book introduces the main topics about hinduism and is dense in content. Within this 160page volume, primarily focused on contemporary hinduism, knott considers the questions of definition that intrigue many scholars of hinduism, namely, how to define it. A very short introduction offers an overview of this major religion, discussing key topics such as the centrality of the veda as religious texts, the role of brahmins, gurus, and storytellers in the transmission of divine truths, and the cultural and moral importance of. A very short introduction very short introductions. Very short introductions discover vsis from oxford now online. In this very short introduction, kim knott offers a succinct and authoritative overview of this major religion, and analyses the challenges facing it in the. A very short introduction is indeed very short, perhaps too short to do more than scratch to surface of a topic as complex and varied as the religion of hinduism. Hinduism a very short introduction 1st edition rent. Introduction to hinduism varun soni, dean of religious life at the university of southern california, discusses the goals and beliefs of hinduism, the third largest religion in the world. This is a short description of the basics of vedic culture and its philosophy. Klostermaiers a short introduction to hinduism after reading kim knotts hinduism a very short introduction.
In this very short introduction, kim knott offers a succinct and authoritative overview of this major religion, and analyses the challenges facing it in the twentyfirst century. In this very short introduction, kim knott offers a succinct and authoritative overview of this major religion, and analyses the challenges facing it in the twentyfirst. Hinduism is practised by nearly eighty per cent of indias population, and by some seventy million people outside india. Many people do not know quite what it is, and it is often described incorrectly by many who are not a part of it. Well written, relatively short, and reasonably objective in its overview. Klaus k klostermaier presenting hinduism as a living religion and explaining the variety of practices, scriptures and philosophies that make up what is known as hinduism, this study describes the history and development. This book by jayaram v presents a thorough and scholarly understanding of the basic and essential aspects of hinduism from. The earliest of the hindu scriptures, the rig veda, was composed well before 6500 b. But how is hinduism defined, and what basis does the. Then you can start reading kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer no kindle device required. Previously at the university of leeds but now at lancaster university, she teaches the study of religions. It is also the most complex in its philosophy and practices and difficult to understand. She discusses key preoccupations of hinduism such as the centrality of the veda as religious texts, the role of brahmin. Very short introductions vsi are a book series published by the oxford university press oup.