Hinduism Help?

Question

I am looking for some advise on the best book to get to learn about Hinduism. I want something that explains the mythology behind the religion, as well as it's core values and beliefs. I do not want to read the original texts. Is there a sort of cliff notes version for people like me? I have been to a lot of websites and have a general idea, but would like more in depth info.

Gobi- I didn't say I wanted to BECOME a hindu...I realize it is a way of life and a collection of mythology, oral and written...I get all that, I love stories and all different kinds. I thought it would be fun reading to explore the stories of the different dieties; however, I thought it would also be useful to understand the core beliefs b4 reading the stories, as they would make more sense in light of the beliefs and values.

Answer 1

There are two really good books that I recommend that are great at explaining Hinduism, and then a third book that gives the symbolism, meanings, etc to the sacred texts and this helps further explain the philosophies and theologies of Hinduism.

"The Complete Idiot's Guide To Hinduism" & "Am I A Hindu?" are both really great books that explain Hinduism really well. The first book goes through and gives facts, information, etc....but it keeps the new words to a minimum. It has great examples to try to explain concepts, and definately goes over all the basics of Hinduism. The second one is written in question and answer format. It gets a little deeper in some areas that the first one left off on, but then the first one goes into deeper details on some areas that the second one doesn't, too. So that is why I recommend them both. Both are written in easy formats and use language that is easy to understand, but still introduce some Sanskrit terms...but they define the terms really well.

The third book is called "The Infinite Window: A Guide To Hindu Sacred Texts." This book isn't the sacred texts and rarely gives exact quotes from them. Instead it goes through the texts and takes the symbolism, etc and explains it. The author uses many Hindu swamis to explain the various interpretations of the texts. So here is a great way to learn the teachings of the texts (as though you were being taught by a Hindu guru or swami) without actually having to read through the texts themselves. This book will take you even deeper than the first two on the philosophies and theologies of Hinduism. The first two do a great job of explaining these and other things, the third book just takes the philosophies and theologies even deeper than they were. Thus the first two are basically the Cliff Notes version of Hinduism and the third one is basically the Cliff Notes version on all the sacred texts (thus you'll not only understand the philosophies and theologies, but you'll understand the symbolism and teachings within the sacred texts themselves).

Hope those books help. You can get them on Amazon.com for a good price or at your local book store like Barnes & Noble and Borders. Some bookstores are more than willing to order them for you as well if they don't carry them and they do not usually charge extra for having to order them. I usually recommend Amazon.com just because they also sell used versions.

Peace be with you.

Answer 2

Hinduism in not a religion. It is way of life. Nobody is becoming Hindu from a particular day unless he embrassed it (It is for those who used to belief other religion)
Since you can not go through the original text or mythology, please go through the Bhagvat Gita. Which is gist of four Vedas, and that is the version from God. He explains how to lead a life. But unlike other religion in this Bhagvat Gita, the word HINDU is never appearing.

Answer 3

Mr.Dravidian Researcher, If you're a real researcher, you must discover out the solutions. How are you able to say that Hindu evidences do not exist while there's no archelogical paintings performed like they did in Israel and Egypt to discover out the historical past of Christianity. Indus valley civilization is only one discovering.There are a number of different areas wherein excavations must be performed like Dwaraka,Rama Sethu,Madhura,Kurukshetra,Kandhahar, most of these areas are recounted within the epics.The concern is loss of price range or curiosity. You appear to be a Brahmin basher alternatively than a researcher. True study demands independent brain and inquisitive instincts. You appear to be missing each.Don't use this discussion board to unfold hatred.I agree Dravidians are high-quality persons and totally highbrow.The humorous factor is ardent supporters of Hindu traditions and purchasers of very historical artwork,dance,sculpting come from Tamilnadu and Kerala and with out the participation of Taminadu sculptures(I feel so much of them don't seem to be Brahmins) you are not able to construct a Hindu temple at present and you're pronouncing Dravidian Gods don't seem to be Hindu gods. Do you desire to begin a separate faith and desire to be a brand new prophet or what? Cool down my pal.

Answer 4

the bhagvat gita...above all meditation the real source of every knowledge where all the scriptures orignated,the real truth lies within ,better be there and explore it,for that u need to empty down yr mind and have to live with the company of yr very heart,deep meditation will lead u to the real knowledge u r looking for.

Answer 5

You may go through sai baba literature available in 'sssbpt.org'. You can get all insights about your query.