Contemporary Hinduism: Ritual, Culture, and Practice (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781576079058)

An examination of the contemporary practices, beliefs, and issues of one of the world's oldest and most enduring religions, both within its Indian homeland and throughout the world.

Contemporary Hinduism: Ritual, Culture, and Practice illuminates the modern-day ritual, range, and reach of this ancient and diverse religion. A brief historical overview is followed by discussions of the oral and written origins of Hinduism that give context for the main emphasis--contemporary thought, practice, and key issues. Unique to this work is the consistent attention given to the practice of Hinduism for both men and women.

What roles do caste and gender play in modern Hinduism? How are issues like ethics and the environment approached? What are the differences between urban and rural Hinduism, fundamental and secular Hinduism? To what countries has this religion spread, and how do the beliefs and practices of their people compare and contrast? Essays written by Indian and Western scholars answer these and other intriguing questions, introducing readers to the whole world of "living Hinduism" rather than the perspectives and traditions of a small elite.

Author: Robin Rinehart
ISBN-10: 1576079058
ISBN-13: 9781576079058
Publisher: ABC-CLIO
Language: English
Published: 07/21/2004
Pages: 464
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.66lbs
Size: 9.32h x 6.00w x 1.17d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 05/01/2005 pg. 1605
American Reference Bks Annual 01/01/2005 pg. 599
Multicultural Review 03/01/2005 pg. 82