Author: Axel Michaels
Translator(s): Barbara Harshav
Publisher: Orient Longman
Year: 2005
Language: English
Pages: 429
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8125027769
Description
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 examines the traditions, beliefs, and rituals Hindus hold in common through the lens of what he deems its indenificatory habitus, a cohesive force that binds Hindu religions together and fortifies them against foreign influences. Thus, in his analysis, Michaels not only locates Hinduism's profoundly differentiating qualities, but also provides the framework for an analysis of its social and religious coherence.
Michaels blends his insightful arguments and probing questions with introductions to major historical epochs and ample textual sources, as well as detailed analyses of major life-cycle rituals, the caste system, forms of spiritualism, devotionalism, ritualism, and heroism. Along the way he points out that Hinduism has endured and repeatedly resisted the missionary zeal and universalist claims of Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists. He also contrasts traditional Hinduism with the religions of the west. Engaging and accessible, this book will appeal to laypersons and scholars alike as the most comprehensive introduction to Hinduism yet published.
REVIEWS
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 Michael’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 Sate University
Michael’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
Contents
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
LIST OF TABLES
PREFACE
PRONUNCIATON OF INDIAN WORDS
THEORETICAL AND HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS
Theoretical Foundations
Historical Foundations
RELIGION AND SOCIETY
Stages of Life and Rites of Passage
The Social System
Religiosity
FROM DESCENT TO TRANSCENDENCE
Religious Ideas of Space and Time
Immortality in Life
NOTES
GLOSSARY
REFERENCES
INDEX