Author: Annie Besant
Bhagavan Das/
Publisher: Theosophical Publishing
Year: 2000
Language: English
Pages: 268
ISBN/UPC (if available): 81-7059-374-3
Description
This text book of Hindu Religion and Ethics, first published in 1914-15, was intended to provide systematic instruction in those principles of Hinduism which may be regarded as common to all its many sects. Sanatana-Dharma means the Eternal Religion, the ancient Law, and it is based on the Veda's, sacred books given to men many long ages ago. This religion has also been called the Aryan Religion, because it is the religion that was given to the first nation of the Aryan race. Aryan means noble, and the name was given to a great race, much finer in character and appearance than the races which went before it in the world's history. The first families of these people settled in the northern part of the land now called India, and that part - from the eastern ocean to the western ocean, between the two mountains Hima-vat and Vindhya - in which they first settled was named Aryavarta. In later days, the religion was called the Hindu Religion, and this is the name by which it is now usually known. It is the oldest of living Religions.
Contents
Foreword
List of Abbreviations used
Introduction
PART I : BASIC HINDU RELIGIOUS IDEAS
1. The One Existence
2. The Many
3. Rebirth
4. Karma
5. Sacrifice
6. The World: Visible and Invisible
PART II : GENERAL HINDU RELIGIOUS CUSTOMS AND RITES
1. The Samskaras
2. Sraddha
3. Sauca
4. The Five Daily Sacrifices
5. Worship
6. The four Asramas
7. The Four Castes
8. The Four Purusarthas
PART III : ETHICAL TEACHINGS
1. Ethical Science, What It Is
2. The foundation of Ethics, as given by Religion
3. Right and Wrong
4. The Standard of Ethics
5. Virtues and their Foundation
6. Bliss and Emotions
7. ‘Self-Regarding’ Virtues
8. Virtues and Vices vis-à-vis Superiors
9. Virtues and Vices vis-à-vis Equals
10. Virtues and Vices vis-à-vis Inferiors
11. The Reaction of Virtues and Vices on Each Other
Subject Index
Book Quoted and Mentioned