Dancing With Siva: Hinduism's Contemporary Catechism [Paperback]

Subramuniya (Author), Sivaya Subramuniyaswami (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1997

This remarkable 1,008-page sourcebook covers every subject, answers every question and quenches the thirst of the soul for knowledge of God and the Self. Clearly written and lavishly illustrated, expertly woven with 600 verses from the Vedas, Agamas and other holy texts, 165 South Indian paintings, 40 original graphics, a 40-page timeline of India’s history and a 190-page lexicon of English, Sanskrit and Tamil. A spiritual gem.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This almost encyclopedic "sourcebook" of Hinduism presents Hinduism, particularly Saivite Hinduism, from the point of view of contemporary Hindus. It uses the traditional four-line presentation, followed by 21-line commentary, to explain 155 points of history, doctrine, ritual, and practice. These explanations are supplemented by verses of scripture, extensive illustrations, a Hindu timeline, a children's primer, and charts. More than triple the length of the preceding edition, this work is accessible to non-Hindus. Highly recommended.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From Scientific American

In the main body of the book, the swami concisely answers 155 key questions, ranging from "What is the ultimate goal of early life?" to "How are Hindu marriages arranged?" Other resources include a 40-page timeline, a 200-page lexicon of Hindu terms, a comparative guide to major religious traditions, and a primer for teaching religious principles to children. The book is enriched by extensive scriptural quotations and reproductions of Rajput art. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 968 pages
• Publisher: Himalayan Academy Pubns; 5th edition (October 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0945497970
• ISBN-13: 978-0945497974
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,095,467 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Hindu Intro, December 1, 2002

By 

"mandylee8" (NJ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dancing With Siva: Hinduism's Contemporary Catechism (Paperback)

This books covers everything I can possibly think of in Hinduism. From marriage, to birth of a child, to different customs & traditions, to deities, worship, and theology. There is also an excellent sections where it gives an overview of all the major religions as well as spiritual groups. Its a hefty book, packed with information. A great read that will give you and excellent foundation in Hinduism. Seekers will love this book.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Complete Package, February 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Dancing With Siva: Hinduism's Contemporary Catechism (Paperback)

This book is the best reference book I've seen on Hinduism. Can be read in daily installments over the course of a year, but is also open to browsing through it at leisure.It explains concepts in simple, yet in-depth terms, and has beautiful illustrations. More, it contains so much--a very complete timeline on Hindu history, a children's Hindu ABC primer, information on Samskaras (stages of life), and the best part: a wonderfully complete Hindu glossary. The Glosary alone is worth the price of the book. I have referred to mine time and time again. My understanding of the roots of Hindu beliefs have grown tenfold since buyting this book.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Splendid work on many levels., January 16, 2002

By 

Jeff D. Thompson "js1992" (knox, tn) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dancing With Siva: Hinduism's Contemporary Catechism (Paperback)

This is a wonderful work however you wish to grade it. For starters, it is beautiful- the artwork is exquisite and matches the subject matter superbly. The layout is friendly and lends itself to deep study or a quick read. There is depth of knowledge here and pithy sayings. Worth every single penny, should be read by followers of -every- religion. The comparative religion section summarizes all the faiths of the world simply and without judgement. It alone is worth the price of this joyful, worthwhile work.