Hinduism For Dummies

Want to know what Hinduism is all about? This friendly guidegives you the lowdown on the core beliefs and values shared by Hindus and the diverse deities and practices that represent them. From ancient rituals prescribed by sacred texts to modern worship, Hinduism For Dummies leads you on a fascinating journey toward comprehending the vast diversity that exists within the world's oldest religion.

• Dharma, karma, and moksha — grasp the importance of moral order, action, and the quest for liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth

• Gods, goddesses, and avatars — get acquainted with the Hindu Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva), their companions, and the forms they have taken when descending to earth

• Om sweet om — delve into six philosophies that have guided Hindus in their search for Truth and Reality

• The power of ten — get answers to ten common questions about Hindus, learn ten common prayers, and get ten traditional pieces of advice

Open the book and find:

• How the search for Truth defines the Hindu worldview

• Explanations of dharma and karma

• The scriptural basis for the caste system

• What polytheism is

• Major sects and subsects and the gods and goddesses they worship

• An introduction to the Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, and Upanishads

• Key teachings of Hinduism's spiritual leaders

• An overview of major Hindu festivals and pilgrimage sites

Learn to:

• Appreciate the Hindu belief that everything is sacred

• Grasp the diversity of practices that fall under the umbrella of Hinduism

• Recognize the major gods and goddesses worshipped by Hindus