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HINDUISM – An Introduction
in 2 Parts)
Author : Sadhu Vivekjivandas
A Review : N. M. Kansara
The objective of this book is to explain Hinduism in a progressive series of basic concepts, with each chapter building upon the previous one. The first chapter deals with the meaning and history of Sanātana Dharma. This is followed by a description of the core Hindu beliefs and Hindu sacred texts that contian these beliefs. Then follows the exploration and explanation of the expression of these core beliefs in the various philosophies, teachings and traditions of Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism and Smārtism. Since all the four branches of Hinduism have their mandirs, shastras and gurus, these three pillars of faith. In all, this publication comprises of two parts, with a total of thirty chapters that include a description of holy places, festivals, rituals, sacred symbols, sādhanā, āhāra-vihāra, devotees, rishi-scientists, Hindu concepts and the way of life, Hindu reformers, varnāshrama dharma, impressions of India and Hinduism abroad, creation, Swāminārāyan Sampradāya, India, FAQs (i.e., frequently asked questions) and selected prayers. Parts one and two have sixteen and fourteen chapters, respectively. To complement the text volumes one and two contain 397 and 351 photographs, paintings, graphic compositions and maps, respectively.
For the outsiders who know very little about the Swāminārāyan Sampradāya, the author has included chapter, in part two, to satisfy their curiosities, in an attempt to inform rather than impose. This book is the product
ection and consideration of a wide range of published and unpublished materials. The author is a practicing Hindu and a BAPS sadhu, and so this book is to a great extent an effort to share his appreciation of the many traditions that constitute Hinduism.
The intended readers of this book are Hidnu youths and all others
