The Complete Idiot's Guide to Hinduism, 2nd Edition : A New Look at the World’s Oldest Religion

The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Hinduism, 2nd Edition, contains updated and expanded information on how the religion developed from its very fragmented origins, the basic Hindu beliefs, and the multiple Hindu deities, as well as the sociological aspects of the religion including ethics, sacraments, dietary habits, the caste system, and much more. 1. Hinduism is the third-largest religion in the world, with over 765 million followers worldwide 2. Updated information on the state of Hinduism today 3. An exploration of the Hindu paths to enlightenment including Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Tantra and Laya Yoga 4. Expanded information on the Hindu Reformation Table of Contents:- Part 1: The Eternal Religion Chapter 1. Time for God Chapter 2. Hindus in History Chapter 3. The World Discovers Hinduism Chapter 4. Matrix of the Hindu Tradition Chapter 5. The People’s Religion Part 2: What Hindus Believe Chapter 6. One God with Many Names Chapter 7. Born Again! Chapter 8. Turning On Your Inner Light Chapter 9. Blind Men Describe an Elephant Part 3: Who Hindus Worship Chapter 10. “Can You Show Me God?” Chapter 11. Meet the Hindu Gods Chapter 12. Meet the Hindu Goddesses Chapter 13. Visits from God Chapter 14. The Main Denominations Part 4: How Hindus Live Chapter 15. A Classy Religion Chapter 16. Living Right Chapter 17. Sacraments and Holy Days Chapter 18. Temples and Sacred Sites Part 5: God’s House Has Many Doors Chapter 19. A Robe of Fire Chapter 20. The Rewarding Life Chapter 21. An Ever-Expanding Heart Chapter 22. The Razor’s Edge Chapter 23. The Royal Road Part 6: A Timeless Tradition Chapter 24. The Interwoven Universe Chapter 25. Spiritual Science Chapter 26. Ancient Religion in Modern Times Appendices Appendix A - Glossary Appendix B - More to Read Appendix C - Hindu Resource List Index You're no idiot, of course. You know Hinduism is a religion practiced worldwide, with philosophies that can offer enlightenment even to nonbelievers. However, its belief system is neither as simple nor as complex as many people think.The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Hinduism will show you exactly how this religion is practiced and its relationship to Hindu culture. In this Complete Idiot's Guide®, you get:The principles behind basic Hindu beliefs, including karma, reincarnation, nonviolence, vegetarianism, and multiple manifestations of God.The stories of such Hindu gods and goddesses as Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Sarasvati, and Kali.Paths to enlightenment including karma yoga, bhakti yoga, jnana yoga, raja yoga, and tantra yoga.The Hindu caste system, and the customary importance of women in its society. A new look at an ancient religion. The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Hinduism, Second Edition , contains updated and expanded information on how the religion developed from its very fragmented origins, the basic Hindu beliefs, and the multiple Hindu deities, as well as the sociological aspects of the religion including ethics, sacraments, dietary habits, the caste system, and much more. • Hinduism is the third-largest religion in the world, with over 765 million followers worldwide • Updated information on the state of Hinduism today • An exploration of the Hindu paths to enlightenment including karma yoga, bhakti yoga, jnana yoga, tantra and laya yoga • Expanded information on the Hindu Reformation Covering the long history of how the Hindu religion has developed from its fragmented origins, this is a comprehensive guide to Hindu religion and culture, from karma and reincarnation to dietary habits and the caste system