Hinduism: Past and Present
Hinduism is currently followed by one-fifth of humankind. Far from a monolithic theistic tradition, the religion comprises thousands of gods, a complex caste system, and hundreds of languages and dialects. Such internal plurality inspires vastly ranging rites and practices amongst Hinduism's hundreds of millions of adherents. It is therefore not surprising that scholars have been hesitant to define universal Hindu beliefs and practices. In this book, Axel Michaels breaks this trend. He...
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"A powerful, thoughtful, thorough presentation of Hindu traditions. The book's main purpose is to provide an overview of Hinduism and the book does this uniquely well. The work is encyclopedic in scope, but it is also analytical, and Michaels attempts throughout the book to introduce the reader not only to Hindu traditions but to major concepts in the study of religion more generally. I would recommend Michaels's book strongly to colleagues and other adult readers who need to teach something about, or who otherwise want to understand Hindu traditions."--Anne Feldhaus, Arizona State University"Michaels's book distinguishes itself by combining in exemplary fashion a thorough knowledge of ancient and contemporary Hindu texts with a deep insight into the religion 'at ground level.' It will serve as an excellent introduction to Hinduism for college and graduate students--and may help scholars in religious studies begin to understand Hinduism in an altogether new way."--Michael Witzel, Harvard University Choice [An] encyclopedic survey of Hinduism that is amazing in its comprehensive charts, theoretical sophistication, and illustrative detail. . . . Michaels wants to present living Hinduism in contrast to text-dominated descriptions.
List of IllustrationsList of TablesPrefacePronunciation of Indian Words1Theoretical Foundations32Historical Foundations313Stages of Life and Rites of Passage714The Social System1595Religiosity2016Religious Ideas of Space and Time2837Immortality in Life315Notes345Glossary375References381Index419
\ Religious Studies Review - Frederick M. Smith\ Despite several recent, and very good, introductions [to Hinduism] in the last fifteen years, this is the one that will likely find its way into the classroom most often—and for good reasons. Highly recommended not only for students, but for mature scholars as well, who will learn a great deal from this excellent volume.\ \ \ \ \ Choice[An] encyclopedic survey of Hinduism that is amazing in its comprehensive charts, theoretical sophistication, and illustrative detail. . . . Michaels wants to present living Hinduism in contrast to text-dominated descriptions.\ \ \ Religious Studies ReviewDespite several recent, and very good, introductions [to Hinduism] in the last fifteen years, this is the one that will likely find its way into the classroom most often—and for good reasons. Highly recommended not only for students, but for mature scholars as well, who will learn a great deal from this excellent volume.\ — Frederick M. Smith\ \
