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DR. N. M. KANSARA
SAMBODHI
As to the purpose of this encyclopaedia he clarifies that it is meant to provide basic information on many expressions of Hinduism and to explain important terms that one might encounter reading more technical literature in the field. Unless otherwise noted, the technical terms used are Sanskrit. Given the uncertainties of Indian chronology in many cases, dates attached to authors or works are tentative; other sources may have different dates.
The author claims that care was taken to establish a balance betwen people and places, scriptures and philosophical systems, art and architecture, mythology and history. However, given the vastness of the country, the bulk of population, the long history, the rich mythology, choices had to be made. One of the choices made was not to include entries on living schools of Hinduism. The names of some of them will be found as authors in the bibliography.
Since a great many entries are concerned with mythology, which though has its own truth, no historical truth claims are associated with the stories told often on a variety of versions, that cannot be harmonized. Even the stories connected with historical personalities before the modern period are often inextricably interwoven with mythical elements, and are hagiographic rather than critically biographical. He feel that Hindus have always placed greater emphasis on meanimg than on factual correctness. Likewise, given the enormous diversity of traditions within Hinduism, it goes without saying that no Hindu believes or accepts everything that is herein presented as 'Hinduism'. Using inclusive terms like 'Hindu' and 'Hinduisin' implies always and by necessity a certain blurring of real and important distinctions and generalizations that have to be taken with a grain of salt.
The auhor is honest enough to further confess that given the constraints of space and the very nature of such a work the Concise Encycopedia of Hinduism is no substitute for comprehensive monographs on either Hinduism as a whole or any of the topics mentioned. The bibliography is meant to direct the user of this work to more detailed descriptions of issues that by necessity ould only find brief mention herein.
With all these apologies by the author for which we may be tempted to absolve him from all the drawbacks mentioned by him. But, it is very difficult to ignore the fact that the author is fully capable of warping and prejudicing views of young Hindus and non-Hindus worldwide. And the author seeks to successfully do it.
