Customer Reviews

Am I A Hindu? The Hinduism Primer

5 star:		(44)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Reading Hindu philosophical books is my hobby and I never ever read a book like this. This may be the only book in the market discussing about Hinduism as the culture of India not as an organized religion. This book is very very simple without too many Sanskrit words and it can be even read by a 12 year old. It deals with almost all aspects of Hinduism. It is in a Question and Answer fomat between a father and son and as such it is spelbounding. Book is filled with very descriptive flow charts on "end of the world"; "caste system", "world religions"; "Hindu scriptures"; etc and I for one will highly recommend this book for every one on earth. I did not see any kind of bias in this book like the "reader from Calcutta" is talking about.. In the chapter Untochables [page-250], author describes caste system as a "curse on Hinduism" and quotes a great Indian Untouchable leader Ambedkar who said: "To the untouchables, Hinduism is a veritable chamber of horrors" . There is no cover up of animal sacrifice in Hinduism in this book. On the contarary, this book discusses about animal sacrifice in the chapter "The Cow & Hindus". I am amazed to see this book even subjects such as Tantra, Kama Sutra and erotic sex, which Hindu authors normally do not discuss in their books. Surprisingly, book repeatedly states that "Hinduism has no monopoly on Truth & God" and at the end ask the reader even to read books such as Holy Bible & Holy Koran in their search after truth. So I highly recommend this book for anyone out there who is in search of truth.

I have been a voracious reader of books on Hinduism since child hood and I never ever saw a book like this. This is the most lively, compelling and informative book on hinduism that I have ever read. This book is filled with many great flow charts simplify different aspects of Hinduism such as WORLD RELIGIONS, HINDU SECTS, HINDU GODS, HINDU SCRIPTURES, END OF THE WORLD

I have no idea what the 'reader from calcutta" is talking about, unless his idea is to put down a great book like this so that nobody will read and understand the ancient, intriguing & thought provoking Hindu culture. The author of this book has taken extreme measures to discuss every minute detail of the complex culture of India in very simple language. There is absolutely no mix up of metaphysics and mythology in this book. Nor is there any dogma or demagoguery. In fact, 90 chapters [ in questions and answers format between a 14 year old american born Indian teenager and his middle aged father] are laid out in a very systematic manner staring with SHRUTI literature like VEDAS, UPANISHADS and ending with PURANAS and ITHIHASAS.

Believe me, I never read a book on Hindusim in which the author discussed Charvaka's material philosophy or Hindu dances or Hindu carnatic music. This book even deals with subjects like KAMA SUTRA, TANTRISM and DEVADASI. Normally Hindu authors shy away from discussing such erotic subjects. The author never downplayed negative aspects of the caste system. Instead he called the CASTE SYSTEM, the greatest curse on Hinduism [page -250]. The book even quotes Ambedkar, who said: " To the untouchables, Hinduism is a veritable chamber of horrors."

No wonder copies of this book is sought after by millions of people all over the globe. This book is the 5th most popular book on Amazon's list of general books on Hinduism. At the end of the book, the author states that Hinduism has NO monopoly on God and truth. Instead, the author asks every one to study other religious scriptures of the world like the Holy Bible and the Holy Koran. It is very clear that the author's intention in writing this book is to educate every one about Hinduism and not cover up any evils in Hindu society. The Hindu Times, Nepal calls this book a valuable contribution to the world of religion. The Hindu, Madras wrote in its review "...the need of the hour not only for those overseas but even here in India." Book list magazine wrote: "...A much needed primer to a major religion." I hope and pray every one who is in search of truth will read this book.

I was born and raised in a very orthodox Hindu family and as such I have read many books on Hinduism. With all honestly, I have to admit, I never ever saw a book like this about Sanathana Dharma or Hinduism. This book covers everything one wanted to know about Hinduism, and answers every question one will have about Hinduism, specially the questions every Indian child will have, in a very lucid, well organized style. There are many well illustrated educational flow charts about different aspects of Hinduism in this book. I have not seen such charts in any other Hindu book. Am I A Hindu? can be described as an encyclopedia of Hinduism, dealing with the history of Hinduism, the sacred scriptures from Vedas to Puranas and major branches of Hinduism, such as Vaisnavism, Saivism, and Saktism. Mr. Viswanathan has done an excellent job of explaining very complex Hindu philosophies and beliefs with out sacrificing the subtle truths ancient Hindu scriptures convey to the world. Amazing that he achieved all this with out mentioning many Sanskrit verses from Hindu scriptures. I urge every one, especially Indians, to read this book.. I have decided to give copies of this book as Christmas presents to some of my co-workers who constantly ask me questions about Hinduism. Mr, Viswanathan, you have indeed done a great job and pray that you will write and publish more books on Hinduism.

This is an excellent book if you nothing whatsoever about Hinduism, but the book suffers from several faults. For one thing, the author's sense of prudishness as well as his lack of emphasis on the metaphysics of Hinduism makes our religion come out sounding silly. While he takes pains to differentiate between mythology and the deeper religious teachings, at times he seems to favour the mythology; for example when he asserts that in the first yuga of a kalpa, children are born without their parents having to resort to sexual intercourse, or when he speculates that perhaps Hitler's misuse of a Hindu symbol may have resulted in his downfall. Also, Ed tends to downplay the more negative features of Hinduism, such as the caste system and animal sacrifice. The problem is that many Hindus here in Calcutta DO sacrifice animals. Near Calicut, there is a temple honouring those who have committed Sati, which Chitra banerjee Devakaruni wrote a poem about in her "Black Candle" anthology. Prabhupada is a gleaming example of narrow-mindedness, rather than tolerance and the caste system is by no means dead in India. he says that Hinduism never had a "housecleaning" like other religions but fails to say exactly what could be done to "clean it up". he falls prey to a problem that Tagore noticed in a conversation with H.G. Wells, namely that there is too much religious tolerance in India -- so much so that any sort of injustice can be perpetrated in the name of religion without anyone thinking twice about it. For those interested in a deeper and more telling book, read "The Hindu Sound" by Corbett.

I saw this book for the very first time, while browsing through a book store in London Heathrow airport. Honestly, what caught my eyes is the name of the book. Unlike all other books I read about Hinduism, this book is very simple. I read the whole book during my flight from London to New York. This book answered all my questions I had about my culture my culture as well as my religion. I also learned so aspects of Christianity also from this book. The book also helped me to answer all type of questions my Christian friends ask me. Now when they ask me, "Why Hindus worship many gods?" I can answer them, "Hindus worship the one and only God - Brahman which express itself in many forms." When they ask me, "Why Hindus worship idols?" I can answer them, "Like every one else, including Christians, Hindus use idols or icons to concentrate on God who has no name or form." I can also tell them that Hindus believe that every person who search after truth will attain salvation [ self-realization] irrespective of whether he or she is a Hindu or Christian or Moslem. Am I A Hindu? is indeed a book for Indians born in the west who are desperately trying to learn about their faith. In short, AM I A HINDU? Is a great book for anyone who wants to know everything about Hinduism. An amazing book without any dogma or demagoguery.

As a Hindu youth brought up in America, My parents never enforced Hinduism strictly. I was taught about it, but it was understood that it would have to be tailored to fit the mixed (Indian/American) lifestyle that my brother and I would lead. As I have grown, I have developed my own interest in Hindusism, and this book could not have been a more suitable introduction to my religion. The question answer format that answered the all of the questions that come to one's mind was wonderful.

This book is easy to read and understand and is fulfilling for readers of all ages.

I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in Hinduism and getting a simplistic response to all of the nitty gritty details.

This book is a must read for every Hindu, student, Indologist,teacher and seeker. A great reference book for all those studying comparative religion.

The author, Ed Viswanathan, covers a great deal of subject matter on Hinduism, whose true name is the Sanatan Dharma ( the Everlasting Religion).

He shows great skill and understaning while keeping such a profound religion clear and well arranged. A reader can look up most subjects at a glance in the index.

Mr Viswanathan shows the all encompassing inclusiveness of the world's oldest religion. He also shows many parallels between Christianity and Hinduisms great Scriptures. Hiduism is ideed blessed to have so many God-relized prophets both ancient and modern. The author effectively answers the many misconceptions other faiths have about Hinduism, and shows us that "Brahman", the one true God that Hindus knew about, long , long before Abraham, has no limit to his manifestations. Hinduism's all encompassing nature makes room for all true prophets of all true religions, as well as for the great difference in human needs on the path of the spirit.

The author brings us right up to the present century with brief outlines of the great yoga systems that are now sweeping the modern world. This is no doubt one of India's greatest contributions to human civilization. The yogis of India perfected the ways to reach SELF-REALIZATION into a complete and flawless Science. Kriya Yoga was brought to the West by Paramahansa Yogananda who wrote the classic "AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A YOGI", which has changed the lives of millions of people. He was able by his God centered life to show the west a living example of India's great saints and sages.

"AM I A HINDU?" will greatly help to break down the narrow views of many who find other religions so strange. The book presents an ideal setting, a caring father shares a lifetime of faith with his growing son. Hopefully many parents will follow this much needed example. Your children will have s! urely have a rich inheritance.

I am a second generation Indian, in a way an "American Born Confused Desi", born and raised as a Hindu, but knows very little about Hinduism, beyond what my parents have taught me. Last year my father purchased this book, as a birthday present for me. I found this book to be the book, I was always looking for, to know about my mother culture. Am I Hindu? now sits on my book shelf, and I must confess, I might have read this book four or five times already. I have also loaned it out to many of my close friends who also really enjoyed the book.

Mr. Viswanathan has done a great job in presenting every aspect of Hinduism in vivid colors. He has not run away from controversial issues in Hinduism such as "Idol Worship" etc . Instead he has tackled them courageously. This book looks down upon things like "Caste system" quoting Mahathma Gandhi & Ambedkhar. Amazingly this book has also discusses about Hindu atheistic Philosophy known as Charvaka philosophy, according to which, "there is no God and there is no soul or reincarnation". This is the best book for Indian children like myself, born and raised in an American society where Hinduism is hardly ever portrayed correctly in the textbooks we learn from. This book should be used in every classroom that is teaching Hinduism and available in every library for others to know about the complex at the same time colorful culture of India. Mr. Viswanathan, thanks for a wonderful job done. Hope you will write more books just like this one.

Am I a Hindu? is the essential "everything you need to know about Hinduism" book that gives seekers the basics of this complex and ancient religion. It's an excellent book for outsiders looking in, but even more valuable for Hindus living in America (and other Western countries) who need to transmit the religion to their children. Growing up far away from India, many Hindu youths are unaware of the lovely traditions of their rich heritage. Ed Viswanathan dedicates a chapter to each fine point, making it an easy and enjoyable read. The book will also help Americans who are intrigued with Hinduism and tempted to join a Hindu-based group, such as the Hare Krishnas, the Rajneeshies, or any other number of Americanized versions of the faith. So often, these groups twist the philosophy to make it seem like you have to "join up" and move in. Not so: the religion is best practiced in one's own home and this book tells you how. Also, the Westernized Hindu groups often misinterpret the role of guru, so that the guru becomes more of a baby sitter than a source of wisdom and knowledge. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn what the Hindu religion is really all about.

Succinct and very readable! Although I was somewhat familiar with Hinduism, this book clarified much of what had seemed paradoxical or contradictory about the Mother of world religions. This book is a must read for anyone who is seeking Truth (God's Wisdom). One cannot know anything about 'their' own religion is they do not first understand it's syncretism or it's origins. However, the challenge for the reader is to read with an open-mind, eyes to discern the similarities, and a heart that is not hardened by superstitution, prejudice, or blind obedience. Or is the words of Herbert Spencer, "There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance-that principle is contempt prior to investigation."