About the Book
This book, meant for the present generation interested in understanding Hinduism, covers its entire history of 5000 years in a capsule form. It endeavours to expose its readers to the great Indian heritage of Vedas, Upanishads, Epics and Puranas. At the same time, it touches upon critical doctrines, philosophies and other components that make Hinduism a ‘Way of Life’, different from other home grown and prophetic religions of our time.
The book raises the curtain from several popular myths surrounding our epics and the scientific advancement claims during ancient India. It also raises the veil from key issues, such as humanity/divinity of lord Rama and Krishna, Aryans and their arrival in India, the Saraswati River and its disappearance, period of the composition of Vedas, etc.
Hinduism is considerably greater than the way of worshipping associated with it. Needless to add, it is a great heritage that has made universal and timeless global contributions for enlightening and sustaining the entire humanity.
About Author
Ashok Tyagi (1960), Chartered Accountant, brings a world-view rooted in pragmatism of an immensely successful corporate Chief Executive. His hands-on understanding of religio-cultural nuances evolved out of studies for several belief systems being practiced the world over. The essential goodness of human beings versus existential need of religion helped him pursue his drive to re-visit Hinduism, the religion of his birth. His renunciation of blind-faith makes him a present day thinker of Indian roots. He dedicates this lucid insight to the children and the curious.
Mr. Tyagi, a modern hermit, pursues intellectual vocation living in Surabaya, Indonesia with his wife Esha.
Contents
Preface
Glossary
Hinduism: An Introduction
- Social Structure during Early Vedic Period
The Vedas: A Great Human Heritage
- Rig-Veda
- Other Three Vedas
- The Brahmanas
Upanishads: The Philosophical Treatises
- Contributing to the Theology of Ancient Hinduism
- Traditions of Shramana
Harappan Civilization and Vedic India: Two Sidesof the Same Coin
- Interesting Findings
- Major Break-Through
Unique Hindu Doctrines
- Reincarnation
- Karma-Samsara
- Accumulated Karma as the Cause of Reincarnation
- Life Divided in Four Stages
- Society Divided in Four Classes
- Sadachar (Critical Virtues)
- Sanskrit: The Language of Hinduism
- The Tree of Languages
- Stages of Sanskrit: Excellence Refined
- Sanskrit’s Literary Treasure: Broad Classification
- Sanskrit’s Relation with Hindi
Emergence of Buddhism
- The Basic Four Truths Doctrine by Buddha
- Noble Eight-Fold Path
- Meditation Teachings by Buddha
- Personality Described
- Selected Clauses from Dhammapada
- Concept of Nirvana in Buddhism
- Concept of Boddhisattva
- Branches of Buddhism
- Buddhism and Hinduism
- Jainism
- Teachings of Mahavira
Hinduism during Mauryan Empire
- Resurrection of Classical Hinduism
Comments on Major Shastras
- Dharma Shastra
- Artha Shastra
- Kama Shastra
The Mahabharata and Ramayana
- Historical Perspective of the Period of theirCompositions
- Mahabharata
- Ramayana
- Bhagvad Gita and Its Teachings
Emergence of Caste System in Hinduism
Golden Period of Indian Civilisation
Yoga: The Spiritual Connect of Hinduism
- The Raja Yoga
- Steps to Achieve Final Goal
- Karma Yoga (The Yoga of Action)
- Bhakti Yoga (The Yoga of Devotion)
- Gyan Yoga (The Yoga of Knowledge)
Composition of Puranas
- Historical Perspective at the Time of Writings ofPuranas
- Socio-Cultural Background
- Numbers and Classifications
- Language and Content
- Hinduism Goes Out of Hands of Brahmins
- Shiva and Vishnu Calling Shots
- Sects of Hinduism
- Shaivism
- Vaishnavism
- Shaktism
- Tantraism
- Brahamanism
Purusharthas in Hinduism
- Very First Aim of Life—Dharma
- Second Aim of Life—Artha
- Third Aim of Life—Kama
- Final Aim of Human Life—Moksha
Beginning of Murti Puja (Idol Worship)
Evolution of Temples and Allied Practices
- Forms and Types of Hindu Temples
- Major Temples of India
- North Indian Temples and Foreign Aggressors
Daily Rituals, Rites, Yajnas and Japas
- Vedic Fire Ceremonies
- Daily Rituals
- Sanskaras (Sacraments)
- Regular Jap (Chanting) of “Aum”
- Outward Symbols in Hinduism
Indian Philosophies
- Categorisation of Indian Philosophical Schools
- Sankhya Philosophy
- Yoga Philosophy
- Nyaya (Logical Reasoning) Philosophy
- Vaisheshika Philosophy
- Mimamsa (Critical Inquiry) Philosophy
- Vedanta Philosophy
- Charvaka Philosophy
- Ajivika Philosophy
- Buddhist Philosophy
- Jain Philosophy
Emergence of Islam from Arabia
- Pre-Islamic Arabia
- The Qur’an as a Piece of Fine Literature
- Islam’s Attitude Towards Other Religions
- Violence and Islam
- Condition of Women in Islam
- Sects in Islam
- Sunnah, Hadith and Shariah
Adi Shankaracharya: The Scriptor of ModernHinduism
Other Elements of Later Hinduism
- Forms of Gods
- Murti Puja (Idol Worship)
- Importance of Cow
- Triads of Hinduism
Ancient India: Advancements in Sciences
Position of Women: From Ancient India to Present
Hinduism under Delhi Sultanate
Bhakti Movement in Hinduism
Hinduism under Mughal Period
- Women under Mughals
- Religious Fusion around this Time
Social Evils Manifesting in Medieval India
Hinduism Under British Raj
- Social Significance of Britishers Arriving in India at Different Periods
- The Great Indian Rebellion of 1857
- Social Reform Movements of 19th Century
- Main Social and Religious Organisation during Raj
Hinduism and Independent India
Global Spread of Hinduism
Sanatan Dharma: The Real Hinduism
Challenges Being Faced by Hinduism
- Apathy in Education
- Lack of Public Debates about its Character
- Resurrection of Intellectual Discussions
- Focus on Whole rather at its Parts
- Need for Combining Hinduism with Ayurveda, Vedanta and Astrology
- Forcing Support from Governments
- Promote Unity among all its Practitioners
- Not to Shy Away from its Superiority
- Promote its Unity on Collective Basis
- Need for Shunning Caste and Creed differentiations
- Extend Protection to Weak and Suppressed
Future of Hinduism
Bibliography
Index
Additional Info.
